2017 Subaru Forester cruise control problems
severe 19 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $600 · see cruise control across all vehicles →
The failure pattern owners describe
Nineteen complaints center on unintended acceleration incidents, mostly at low speed during parking, backing, or maneuvering. The pattern is consistent: owners report the vehicle surging forward after brake application or when shifting into Drive, with the accelerator pedal sometimes physically depressing on its own. Braking efforts prove ineffective or delayed. One manual-transmission owner reported unwanted acceleration while downshifting and unusual speed increases on flat ground without driver input.
Failures have been documented from 11,000 to 48,000 miles. Several incidents resulted in multi-car collisions and injuries. Most concerning is that one dealership (Johnson Subaru, Cary NC) identified the issue as a software glitch and reprogrammed the vehicle twice, yet the manufacturer was never notified. Other dealers report they cannot find a failure code or identify the cause. The EyeSight collision avoidance system did not activate in reported incidents. A secondary complaint describes brake noise and reduced braking effectiveness during normal stops. Owners also report delayed acceleration followed by sudden surge from complete stops lasting 5–7 seconds.
Same Subaru Forester cruise control reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Unintended acceleration during low-speed maneuvering
Vehicle surges forward without driver input during parking, backing, or slow-speed lot driving. Occurs after brake pedal depression or when transitioning between gears/putting car in Drive. Multiple complainants report the accelerator pedal physically depressing by itself, and the vehicle continuing to accelerate despite brake application.
When: Low-speed driving (parking lots, driveways, at stops); mileages reported 11,000–48,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle lurches or surges forward without accelerator input; Accelerator pedal physically depresses on its own; Braking is ineffective or delayed in stopping the vehicle; Engine revs loudly or makes high-pitch revving sound; Vehicle continues to accelerate even after brake pedal depression; Occurs after backing up and shifting to Drive; Occurs during downshifting in manual transmission (complaint #2)
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #8 reported dealership (Johnson Subaru, Cary NC) reprogrammed unknown software twice; technician stated 'glitch in the software caused the vehicle to launch.' Complaints #4, #5, and #13 report dealers unable to locate a failure code or diagnose the issue. Complaint #4 notes Prestige Auto repair shop did not work on brakes or cause of acceleration.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Complaint #4 mentions Subaru of America was contacted and case was submitted for manufacturer inspection, but no recall issued. Complaint #5 provided NHTSA case number SR1-36575883866 but vehicle was not repaired. Complaint #8 states manufacturer was not made aware of the failure despite dealership software reprogramming. Complaint #7 reports both NHTSA and Subaru have been warned multiple times with no recall or repair result.
Loss of braking effectiveness or brake noise during normal braking
Brake pedal depression does not consistently stop the vehicle at normal speeds; vehicle requires harder braking to come to a full stop. Noise reported on front wheels during braking. This is distinct from unintended acceleration but may be related in some cases.
When: During normal driving on streets and freeways
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal must be depressed harder than normal to achieve full stop; Clicking or grinding sound from front wheel area during braking; More pronounced noise on front right wheel; Brakes less effective than expected
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #15 notes wife and son experienced this on freeway; no repair details provided.
Collision avoidance system (EyeSight) failure to activate
EyeSight Driver Assist technology did not trigger a collision warning or prevent forward acceleration during incidents where obstacles were directly in front of the vehicle.
When: During unintended acceleration incidents
Symptoms owners cite: No collision warning when car accelerated toward obstacle; System did not activate or prevent impact; Front airbag did not deploy despite significant front-end damage
Hesitation and delayed acceleration from complete stop
Vehicle comes to a complete rolling stop with no acceleration response, then after 5–7 seconds suddenly accelerates without driver input. Occurs both going straight and when turning.
When: At traffic stops and low-speed turning maneuvers
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of acceleration for 5–7 seconds from dead stop; Sudden acceleration after delay period; No warning indicators illuminated; Occurs at multiple separate instances (complaint #7 reports 5 separate instances)
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #7 notes dealers say they cannot find a problem despite ongoing issue for years.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Complaint #7 reports both NHTSA and Subaru warned numerous times with no recall, repair, or replacement offered.
Synthesized from 19 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the cruise control problem on the 2017 Subaru Forester?
It's a meaningful issue. 19 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $600.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Across the 11 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most cruise control failures cluster between 11,000 and 30,000 miles, with the median around 20,120. A quarter of owners report trouble before 11,000; a quarter make it past 30,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $600 for cruise control repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to cruise control?
No active recalls currently cover cruise control issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.