This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability. (This is an revised version of the orignal bulletin.)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Subaru Forester electrical problems
moderate Owners of the 2017 Subaru Forester have filed 92 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 38,023 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
92
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 Forester | 35 |
| 2015 Forester | 74 |
| 2016 Forester | 81 |
| 2017 Forester (this page) | 92 |
| 2018 Forester | 67 |
| 2019 Forester | 117 |
| 2020 Forester | 95 |
| 2021 Forester | 30 |
2crashes
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 92 electrical complaints filed for the 2017 Subaru Forester, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 92 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 20 model years of Subaru Forester in our records for electrical problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin contains information to help when attempting to complete the STARLINK Telematics subscription process, an Error Code 202 and / or 204 may occur preventing the process from completing successfully
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Service Information Bulletin was developed to provide interim guidance for 2026 model year vehicles exhibiting DTC B2A20 with gen 4 Telematics.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Battery drain dominates complaints: owners describe batteries dying repeatedly despite replacements, some changing batteries 3-4 times in 4 years and being stranded multiple times. The drain occurs even when the vehicle sits parked with all systems off; dealers acknowledge it happens but haven't fixed it. A class action lawsuit has been filed. Some owners pinpoint the Data Communication Module (DCM) or rear gate module as the culprit, others report dealers suggesting simply driving more frequently—advice that doesn't work.
Ignition keys getting stuck is the second major issue. Owners can't remove the key from the ignition even when in Park, forcing them to restart the vehicle and shift through gears repeatedly. This happens intermittently, making it unreliable and dangerous for quick exits.
Airbag systems fail regularly—occupant detection sensors in the passenger seat malfunction, preventing airbags from deploying or falsely turning off. A recall (WUM-98) replaced a harness but didn't fix the underlying sensor problem. Replacement seats cost $1,800-$2,000 and have 6-month lead times.
Some owners experienced sudden unintended acceleration, complete electrical blackouts while driving, and loss of engine power on highways—all dangerous events dealers struggled to replicate or diagnose. The audio amplifier fails repeatedly, sometimes producing dangerously loud high-pitched tones that forced one owner to unplug it entirely.
Water intrusion through the roof railing gasket has been documented damaging the TPMS module multiple times. Overall, owners report these aren't one-off failures—they're aware of class action lawsuits and widespread complaints online.
Same Subaru Forester electrical reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2018 · 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Parasitic Battery Drain
Battery drains completely when vehicle is parked and powered off, even without lights or accessories on. Owners report multiple battery replacements and being stranded. Some dealers attribute it to the Data Communication Module (DCM), rear gate module, or unidentified electrical components. Occurs regardless of usage frequency or weather conditions.
When: First reported within first year; recurring throughout ownership. Occurs while parked for days or even 4-10 days.
Symptoms owners cite: Battery completely drained after parked overnight or several days; Vehicle will not start without jump or charger; Repeated battery failures despite replacement; Owners stranded multiple times requiring roadside assistance; Battery tests show capacity fine when checked but drain occurs
Codes mentioned: Parasitic current drain detected in diagnostics
Repairs/costs cited: Repeated battery replacements (some owners report 3-4 replacements); rear gate module electrical replacement ($cost not specified); ground repairs; electrical cable replacement. Dealers sometimes suggest driving more frequently or keeping key 30 feet away. One owner identified DCM as potential cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Class action lawsuit referenced by multiple owners (2015-present models). Subaru Service acknowledges battery draw within parameters but does not resolve root cause. TSB mentioned but not specifically cited. No recall identified for this issue.
Stuck Ignition Key
Key becomes locked in ignition switch and cannot be removed even when transmission is in Park. Requires restarting vehicle and shifting gears multiple times to release key. Affects ability to exit vehicle quickly in emergency. Multiple owners cite faulty shift plate or guide plate in shifter assembly as cause.
When: Occurs intermittently, becomes more frequent over time. One owner noted increasing frequency over 2 months.
Symptoms owners cite: Key locked in ignition and cannot turn off completely; Requires restarting vehicle and shifting through gears to remove key; Intermittent, not reproducible on demand; Affects remote start functionality
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of guide plate or shift plate in shifter assembly ($500 reported cost). Dealers keep parts in stock due to frequency of issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 16-112-18R referenced by owners. Subaru knows this is common problem in 2-3 year old models and uses different guide plate in later models. No recall issued despite acknowledgment by dealers that this is common.
Sudden Unintended Acceleration
Vehicle suddenly accelerates to full throttle from idle without driver input during low-speed maneuvers. Brake and emergency stop do not immediately stop acceleration. Owner reports launching vehicle 30+ feet into building.
When: While parking and initiating right turn. Occurred on dry, sunny day.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden acceleration from idle to full throttle; Vehicle launched toward building despite brake and stop button application; Extreme difficulty stopping vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle severely damaged (bumper torn off, deck crushed, penetrated building). No repair diagnosis provided as vehicle was in collision.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in this complaint.
Loss of Engine Power While Driving
Engine loses power or stalls completely while driving at highway speeds. Dashboard goes black, all lights and information displays go off. Vehicle can restart after a few minutes. Occurs multiple times for some owners.
When: While driving at 15-75 mph on highways and in city traffic. Occurs during acceleration or hill climbs.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of throttle response; Complete dashboard blackout (no lights, radio, dash display); Emergency lights do not activate; Vehicle stalls or stops; Vehicle coasts to shoulder; Restarts after few minutes without issues; No warning indicators
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had fuel pump replaced at 18,000 miles after slight pressure drop found during pressure test. Dealers unable to duplicate or identify cause in most cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer pressure tested fuel pump and replaced it once. Most other cases: dealers unable to diagnose. One owner noted recent Subaru recall for loss of power but their vehicle not on recall list despite experiencing exact symptoms.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Module Failure
TPMS module fails multiple times, disabling key fob remotes and triggering false dashboard warnings about tire and electrical problems. Owner identified water intrusion through roof railing gasket as cause of repeated failures.
When: First failure August 26, 2021; second failure several months later; third failure after that.
Symptoms owners cite: TPMS module malfunction; Key fob remotes disabled; Dashboard warning about tire problems and key fob not working; False tire pressure alerts when tires are fine
Repairs/costs cited: TPMS module replaced three times by dealership. Third replacement included roof railing and gasket replacement ($960.43 charged to customer). Owner's research identified water intrusion as root cause after dealership initially just replacing modules.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership initially replaced module without identifying root cause. Upon owner investigation and explanation, dealership agreed to replace roof railing and gasket.
Airbag System Failures
Multiple airbag-related failures including occupant detection sensor mat failures, airbag light continuously illuminated, passenger airbag incorrectly identifying occupancy or turning off despite passenger seated, and failure to deploy in collision. Recall WUM-98 for harness cable did not resolve underlying occupant detection system problems.
When: Some owners report failures within 2-3 years or low mileage; one owner had pre-existing recall satisfied in 2022 but issue reoccurred.
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag light continuously illuminated on dashboard; Error code B1760 indicating occupant detection sensor mat failure; Passenger airbag turns off despite passenger seated; Passenger airbag detects occupant when seat is empty; Airbag fails to deploy in collision impact events; Random airbag off/on cycling
Codes mentioned: B1760 - Occupant Detection Sensor Mat failure
Repairs/costs cited: Passenger seat bottom occupant sensor mat replacement (part availability issues—6+ month waits reported); entire seat frame and bottom cushion replacement required (repair costs $1,800-$2,000+). Multiple owners report repeated failures after recall repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall WUM-98 performed to address harness cable but did not fix underlying occupant detection sensor mat problem. Subaru initially unwilling to assist after recall. Multiple owners report seeing 4+ cases of same issue within 2 weeks at dealerships, suggesting systematic problem. One owner reports recall marked complete on website but repair not actually performed.
Audio Amplifier Failures
Sound system amplifier fails repeatedly, causing system to cut out, produce ear-piercing high-pitched tones, crackling, or complete audio loss. Failures occur during normal operation and pose distraction/safety hazard.
When: Multiple failures over vehicle's life. One owner reported ear-piercing tone in mid-winter with windows up.
Symptoms owners cite: Audio system cuts out completely; Ear-piercing high-pitched tones (500W amplifier); Crackling sounds from speakers; Random audio failures during driving; No sound from system
Repairs/costs cited: Amplifier replacement required but repeated failures reported. Owner's only workaround was physically unplugging amplifier to operate vehicle safely.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers unable to rectify issue. One owner took vehicle to dealer roughly 4 times without resolution. No recall or TSB identified by owners.
Electrical System Malfunction Post-Repair
After wiper fluid motor replacement and wiring harness replacement, vehicle develops sporadic electrical issues including windows not operating, door locks engaging on their own, and fuel economy drops. Dealer blames aftermarket remote start installed at separate retailer despite initially approving it.
When: Issues began after dealership repaired wiper fluid dispenser motor and replaced wiring harness.
Symptoms owners cite: Windows will not roll down; Door locks engage on their own; Fuel economy drops suddenly from 28 mpg to 19 mpg; Sporadic electrical behavior
Repairs/costs cited: Wiring harness replacement performed; no resolution of subsequent issues.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer blamed aftermarket remote start installation even though they initially stated it was compatible. Dealer and retailer both refused responsibility after warranty expired.
Complete Electrical Power Loss While Driving
Total loss of all electrical power during highway driving, including engine power, dashboard, lights, and emergency systems. Vehicle stops on roadway and must be jump-started. Occurs multiple times for some owners.
When: Occurs while driving on highways and at traffic lights. One incident occurred while parked waiting at light.
Symptoms owners cite: Complete blackout of all electrical systems while driving; Screen goes black, no lights, no dashboard vision; No radio, no dash information; Engine dies without power; Cannot restart immediately; All dashboard lights come on at once before failure
Repairs/costs cited: Ground replacement; electrical cable replacement; battery cable replacement and terminal cleaning.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer made ground repairs initially, then battery replacement. No root cause identified for repeated occurrences.
Hesitation and Misfire After Service
Vehicle develops hesitation and misfire issues after ignition switch replacement and spark plug replacement. Problem not resolved after fuel injection cleaning, computer reset, and multiple dealer visits.
When: First noticed on December 10, 2022, day after ignition switch and spark plug service on December 9, 2022. Vehicle was running optimally before service.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine hesitation; Engine misfire; Erratic performance; More pronounced during city driving than highway; Persists over extended period (more than one month)
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel injection cleaning performed; computer reset performed; both without resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership performed multiple service attempts but unable to resolve issue.
Occupant Detection System (ODS) Sensor Failure
Passenger seat occupant detection system fails to correctly identify when passenger is seated, preventing proper airbag deployment. Replacement wiring harness under previous recall did not fix underlying sensor problem. Long delays in obtaining replacement parts.
When: Reported October 2023 and later.
Symptoms owners cite: ODS does not correctly identify passenger seated in seat; Passenger airbag will not properly activate; SRS airbag light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement seat assembly ordered October 2023 but as of complaint date, part unobtainable (extended wait period of 6+ months). Harness replacement attempted under recall but ineffective.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Previous recall WUM-98 for harness cable did not address underlying sensor mat problem. Subaru not offering warranty coverage for replacement seat assembly.
Intermittent Electrical Gremlins
Multiple unrelated intermittent electrical issues occurring simultaneously including surging on acceleration, interior lights turning on randomly with doors closed, false seatbelt occupancy warnings, and battery drain from hazard lights.
When: Intermittent, unpredictable occurrences.
Symptoms owners cite: Intermittent surging upon initial acceleration and at higher speeds; Back interior light turns on randomly with all doors closed; Passenger side seatbelt sign comes on with empty seat; Battery drains quickly when hazard lights on (5-15 minutes); Erratic electrical behavior
Repairs/costs cited: Not documented in narrative.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not documented.
Wiper Fluid Dispenser Motor Failure
Wiper fluid dispenser motor fails, requiring replacement. Service to address this motor failure led to requirement for full wiring harness replacement, which subsequently caused additional electrical problems.
When: Failure required wiper fluid motor replacement; wiring harness replacement performed during same service visit.
Symptoms owners cite: Wiper fluid dispenser motor inoperative
Repairs/costs cited: Motor replacement; wiring harness replacement performed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not documented.
Ignition Key Removal Difficulty (General)
General difficulty removing ignition key with transmission in Park, caused by various issues including sensor malfunction, shifter problems, and park range switch defects. Multiple owners cite this as dangerous emergency egress situation.
When: Occurs intermittently or becomes chronic issue.
Symptoms owners cite: Key difficult or impossible to remove from ignition even in Park; Transmission must be shifted through multiple gears to release key; Intermittent occurrence; No warning indicators
Repairs/costs cited: Park range switch replacement; sensor repairs; shift plate replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 16-112-18R exists but no recall issued.
Windshield Cracking
Windshield cracks within first year of ownership despite no reported cause. Replacement windshield cracks again out of warranty. Crack in eyesight sensor area disables safety feature.
When: First crack within first year of ownership; second crack later (out of warranty).
Symptoms owners cite: Windshield develops crack; Second crack in eyesight sensor area; Eyesight safety feature disables when crack present
Repairs/costs cited: Windshield replacement; second replacement required (out of warranty). Eyesight sensor area affected by crack.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not documented in narrative provided. Multiple complaints online noted for 2021 models but not specifically addressed.
Backup Camera Obstruction
Backup camera view obstructed by rear bumper, limiting visibility during reverse operations.
When: Ongoing issue from ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Backup camera image obstructed by rear bumper
Repairs/costs cited: Not documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not documented.
Radio/Backup System Interference
Radio cannot be muted or turned off when transmission in Reverse due to interference between head unit and backup camera system, creating safety distraction during parking.
When: Affects all reverse operations.
Symptoms owners cite: Radio cannot be muted when in Reverse; Radio volume cannot be decreased in Reverse; Radio cannot be turned off in Reverse; Backup camera activation prevents radio control; Distraction during parking maneuvers
Repairs/costs cited: Not documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Appears to be design issue per owner statement that vehicle performing as designed.
Synthesized from 92 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
The WUM-98 recall fix did not address the problem with the front passenger occupancy detection system. We, and many other Subaru Forester owners are continuing to experience problems post recall repair with the SRS Airbag light on, indicating error code B1760 "Occupant Detection Sensor Mat" failure. Subaru is not covering the cost of addressing this problem, and the entire seat frame and bottom…
Intermittently, the key in the ignition would not go to the "off" position so that I could remove it after the car was in "park." I would have to move it (the key) back to the "on" position, then back again to the "off" position (beyond the "acc" setting).
Had electrical trouble with your 2017 Subaru Forester?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2017 Subaru Forester?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 92 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 40 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 20,500 and 50,000 miles, with the median around 38,023. A quarter of owners report trouble before 20,500; a quarter make it past 50,000. 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2017/Subaru/Forester.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.