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 powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2017 Subaru Forester have filed 42 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 33,400 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
42
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 Forester | 6 |
| 2014 Forester | 37 |
| 2015 Forester | 90 |
| 2016 Forester | 43 |
| 2017 Forester (this page) | 42 |
| 2018 Forester | 18 |
| 2019 Forester | 38 |
| 2020 Forester | 28 |
| 2021 Forester | 13 |
1crash
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 42 powertrain complaints filed for the 2017 Subaru Forester, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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 42 powertrain 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 18 model years of Subaru Forester in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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 service manual correction regarding clutch master cylinder reservoir service procedures.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which enhancement was implemented to prevent abnormal operations. The updated valve body incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body. The updated valve body incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Across 40 complaints, the 2017 Forester shows a systemic powertrain pattern. The most recurring issue is transmission power loss at highway speeds: the engine revs to 4,500–5,000 RPM while the vehicle loses all forward motion, forcing owners to coast to the shoulder. This happens without warning codes and sometimes forces 15–45 minute waits before the vehicle will restart. Owners describe it as feeling like the transmission dropped into neutral despite being in Drive.
CVT hesitation and jerking appear from 10,000 miles onward, with some owners nearly killed during highway merges when the transmission refused to respond to throttle input. Multiple owners report dealers claiming this is normal behavior, and Subaru America has denied knowledge of any transmission defect.
A secondary failure affecting at least 10 owners is the ignition key getting stuck after shutdown—sometimes 40–50% of the time—requiring repeated engine restarts and shifter manipulation to free it. Subaru issued Technical Service Bulletin 16-112-18R for this, but no recall followed.
Engine rev-hang during downshifts (700–900 RPM overshoot lasting 5–10 seconds) occurs on both manual and CVT models, making speed control unsafe in traffic. At least one owner suffered complete engine failure from prolonged redlining during a power-loss event, requiring a $16,100 replacement. Subaru has stated this behavior is intentional. One case involved the vehicle lunging forward and striking a child. Dealers routinely tell owners they cannot replicate these issues or find fault codes.
Same Subaru Forester powertrain reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2018 · 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission power-loss and erratic RPM behavior
Engine revs unpredictably during acceleration, then loses power or revs wildly to redline; vehicle becomes unresponsive to throttle input. Can occur mid-shift or mid-turn, leaving the car coasting at low speed in traffic. Multiple owners report dealers cannot replicate the issue or deny any fault. One owner reported engine damage from redlining during this failure.
When: Intermittent; reported at various mileages from 500 miles to 90,000+ miles. Some owners experience it during highway driving, merging, or city turns.
Symptoms owners cite: RPM surge or drop during acceleration while gas pedal is pressed; Engine revs to redline without corresponding acceleration; Vehicle loses power mid-maneuver (turning or merging); Transmission acts like it is in neutral despite being in Drive; Clicking noise when transmission disengages; Stalling in intersections or during turns
Repairs/costs cited: One owner required full engine replacement ($16,100) due to piston failure from redlining. Transmission replacement reported as necessary by at least one dealer diagnosis (150,000 miles). Dealer notes range from 'cannot replicate' to 'no codes stored.'
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru dealerships have told owners 'that just happens with Foresters sometimes' and 'we can't fix it unless we can replicate it.' Service Bulletin reference noted (TSB) but no formal recall issued. One dealer service manager acknowledged loud engine is not normal but said Subaru claims it is normal.
CVT transmission lag, hesitation, and jerking
Automatic CVT shifts sluggishly or not at all, especially during quick acceleration or reverse-to-drive transitions. Vehicle jerks or shudders violently at low speeds coming to a stop. Some owners report the transmission slips or feels disengaged despite RPMs rising.
When: Starting as early as 10,000 miles; continues through 95,000+ miles. More pronounced during stop-and-go traffic or highway merges.
Symptoms owners cite: Hesitation or lag when accelerating from a stop; CVT slips, especially from reverse to drive; Jerking or shuddering at low speeds approaching a stop; Transmission acts disengaged while engine still revs; No throttle response during quick acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: One owner at 95,000 miles required transmission clutch, ball bearings, and flywheel replacement. Another owner quoted for transmission replacement (150,000 miles). Dealers have told owners this behavior is normal.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru America has denied knowing of any transmission problem. Dealers consistently claim the behavior is normal for the model.
Key stuck in ignition; unable to remove after shutdown
After placing the vehicle in Park and turning off the ignition, the key cannot be removed. Owner must restart the engine, shift between Park and Drive multiple times, and try again—sometimes requiring 3–5 attempts or 5–10 minutes to free the key.
When: Occurs 40–50% of the time at shutdown; reported from 12,717 miles to 60,000+ miles. Multiple complaints suggest this is a recurring defect across multiple owners.
Symptoms owners cite: Key physically stuck in ignition after vehicle is turned off; Key cannot be turned to remove position; Requires engine restart and shifter manipulation to unlock key
Repairs/costs cited: Service Bulletin TSB 16-112-18R (dated 03/15/18, revised 11/06/18) addresses this issue with shifter plate replacement reported at ~$370. Multiple owners report they performed the workaround manually rather than seeking repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru issued TSB 16-112-18R to address the issue (shifter cable or ignition switch-related). One owner states no recall was issued despite this known problem.
Excessive engine rev-hang on downshift
When shifting down or coasting, engine RPM remains elevated (700–900 RPM above normal) for 5–10 seconds before returning to idle. Occurs consistently on manual and CVT models, making speed control difficult and causing the vehicle to lurch forward.
When: Occurs on initial 500 miles and continues; affects both manual and CVT transmissions. Particularly noticeable during highway driving or traffic deceleration.
Symptoms owners cite: RPM increase of 700–900 RPM during downshift with clutch depressed (manual) or in neutral (CVT); Elevated RPM lasts 5–10 seconds before returning to idle; Makes speed control difficult when braking; Engine races when brake applied during this event
Repairs/costs cited: No repair reported. One manual transmission owner noted the behavior is smooth and consistent, not a runaway condition. Dealer service manager acknowledged the issue on CVT but stated Subaru claims it is normal.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru has stated this behavior is normal ('It's not a bug, it's a feature'). No recall or TSB issued for this complaint.
Unexpected acceleration or unintended forward surge
Vehicle accelerates on its own while rolling slowly in parking or stopped at traffic light. Owner has foot off accelerator or foot on brake, but vehicle lurches forward or accelerates. One incident involved a child being struck by the vehicle shifting into Drive and surging forward.
When: Reported during low-speed maneuvers (parking, at traffic lights, stop signs). One incident at 90,000 miles resulted in child injury.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates without driver pressing accelerator; Car lurches forward while in Park or during low-speed rolling; Vehicle surges forward when shifting into Drive; Occurs during parking or at traffic lights
Repairs/costs cited: One incident required police report and collision center repair after child was struck. Dealers unable to replicate, finding no codes.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers find no codes and cannot replicate; no recall issued.
Complete loss of propulsion on highway at speed
While driving at highway speeds (60–70 MPH), the vehicle suddenly loses all power, engine revs as if in neutral, and vehicle coasts to a stop. Dashboard warning lights illuminate (check engine, traction control, ABS, oil). Vehicle must be restarted after 15–45 minutes before power returns.
When: Reported at 21,000 to 46,000 miles on relatively new vehicles. Occurs on Interstate highways, multiple incidents per vehicle in some cases.
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of propulsion at highway speed; Engine revs (4,500–5,000 RPM) without providing power; Multiple dashboard warning lights illuminate; Vehicle must coast to shoulder; Vehicle requires 15–45 minute wait before restart; Check engine, traction control, ABS, and oil lights come on
Codes mentioned: Check engine light, Traction control light, ABS light
Repairs/costs cited: One owner's warranty expired at 36k miles; failure occurred at 46k miles. Dealers unable to diagnose or replicate. One dealer incorrectly blamed battery.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued. Dealers unable to diagnose. Subaru has not acknowledged this pattern.
Transmission clutch and internal component failure
Transmission clutch, ball bearings, and flywheel fail, causing stalling and loss of power during driving. One vehicle experienced two engine failures due to piston damage from rev-hang events, requiring two engine replacements.
When: First occurrence at 50,000 miles; recurrence at 95,000 miles on the same vehicle. Another vehicle experienced two engine replacements starting at 22,352 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls while driving; Loss of power during acceleration; Engine damage from prolonged revving
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission clutch replacement on first failure; transmission clutch, ball bearings, and flywheel replacement required on second failure. Engine replacement required in separate case at $16,100 per replacement (two replacements in one vehicle).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru representative allegedly stated verbally that it is cheaper to repair vehicle-by-vehicle than issue a nationwide recall. No formal recall issued.
CVT fluid leak from pump seal
CVT pump seal leaks transmission fluid onto the transmission pan and hot exhaust system, causing burning oil smell and fluid loss during operation.
When: Reported at 90,000 miles; described as a known factory issue dating to 2016.
Symptoms owners cite: Burning oil smell, particularly on long trips; Smell evident both while driving and after parking; Fluid visible under vehicle or on transmission
Repairs/costs cited: Subaru quoted $1,400 for pump seal replacement. Described as a known defect in factory sealant application.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru acknowledged the issue as stemming from factory sealant defect dating to 2016. No recall; repair quoted at customer expense.
Steering column ignition switch malfunction (key turn restriction)
Ignition key cannot be turned to the Start position to crank the engine, or cannot be turned fully to the Off position. Requires multiple attempts, waiting, or shifter manipulation to achieve either direction.
When: Reported at 52,000 miles. Occurs intermittently but repeatedly on same vehicle.
Symptoms owners cite: Key cannot turn to Start position; must wait or retry multiple times; Key cannot turn fully to Off position; requires shifter movement from Park to Drive and back
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer suspected shifter cable or ignition switch malfunction; no repair completed at time of complaint.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or known TSB referenced for this specific symptom.
Transmission malfunction causing complete seizure
All four wheels locked and transmission seized while driving at highway speed, rendering vehicle immobile. Tow truck operator had to drag vehicle onto truck because wheels would not roll.
When: Reported at 117,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: All four wheels locked simultaneously; Transmission seized; Vehicle unable to move; required dragging onto tow truck
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to independent mechanic; had not been diagnosed or repaired at time of report.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was not made aware of the failure.
Momentary loss of drivetrain power during driving (non-stall)
During acceleration or while in motion, vehicle momentarily loses power (engine continues running but no power to wheels), then power suddenly returns after a few seconds. Occurs most often during sharp turns or lane changes.
When: Reported at various mileages; multiple occurrences per vehicle (5–7 times reported in one case).
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of throttle response mid-turn or mid-acceleration; Engine does not stall but RPM drops to idle; Power suddenly returns after a few seconds; Occurs during sharp turns or highway merges
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs reported for this condition.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or TSB issued.
Brake system unresponsiveness; vehicle accelerates while braking
While applying brakes, vehicle either continues forward or accelerates, requiring extra pedal pressure to stop. Occurs at low speeds (below 5 MPH) and during active braking situations.
When: Reported at 23,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle surges forward while brake pedal is applied; Extra effort required to depress brake pedal and stop vehicle; Occurs at very low speeds
Repairs/costs cited: No repair attempted or diagnosed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or TSB issued.
Manual transmission rev-hang with elevated idle after shift
On manual transmission models, after depressing clutch to shift gears, engine RPM increases to 2,500–4,500 RPM despite driver's foot completely off accelerator. RPM remains elevated for 5–10 seconds before smoothly returning to normal idle.
When: Occurs consistently during shifting; reported on new vehicles (early miles).
Symptoms owners cite: Engine RPM increases to 2,500–4,500 RPM with clutch depressed and no throttle input; Elevated RPM lasts 5–10 seconds; Smooth increase and decrease in RPM (not erratic); Occurs both during active driving and at stoplights while waiting
Repairs/costs cited: No repair reported or available.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru has stated this is a feature, not a defect ('It's not a bug, it's a feature'). Other 2017 Forester owners report similar behavior; Subaru investigating but making no changes.
Engine noise and mechanical wear (rod knock, excessive vibration)
Engine produces abnormally loud noise, described as sounding like it is about to 'throw a rod.' Reported alongside rev-hang and shifting issues. Stick shift vibrates excessively in 4th gear, visible to the eye. In one case, multiple banging noises at rear during VDC engagement.
When: Reported as early as 500 miles. Also reported at 154,095 miles (with prior repair history).
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormally loud engine noise compared to other 2017 Foresters; Sound resembles imminent rod knock; Stick shift vibrates excessively in 4th gear (visible vibration); Loud banging at rear car during VDC engagement on uphill incline; Excessive vibration causing concern about internal wear
Repairs/costs cited: One service manager acknowledged loud engine is definitely not normal for 2017 model but stated Subaru claims it is normal. No repair completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru has stated all observations are normal. Dealer service manager experienced the rev-hang issue but states Subaru claims this is normal.
Synthesized from 42 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
I was driving on the high way for about 2 hours, 70 MPH, gas was at about 1/8 full, but low gas light on. The gear shifter remained in d and the indicator on the dash said d. The engine revved as if it were in neutral and would not provide power to the wheels. The check engine, traction control, and cruise control lights came on, along with possibly others. The car began to slow since it was just…
Since I have bought the car I've been having electrical issues with it it's always saying that a key is not detected even though the keys right next to it or underneath that they already has been a transmission leakage also the balance of the car has been off-balance so I had to take it back to them when the air conditioner was on when it was summer is there making a weird noise I recorded the…
On a long trips (200 miles of interstate driving) the car loses it's ability to maintain highway speed. The accelerator peddle does not work and vehicle slows down to idle. You have to pull off the road and stop. Put the car in park and then back in to drive. It works after that. During the failure you lose all ability to maintain speed. It has happened about 3 times in the past year. The…
On three separate occasions thus far, while driving approximately 70 MPH on interstate 93 in massachusetts and new hampshire, my 2017 Subaru forester touring (with 21k miles) lost power and completely shutdown. All three times, I was luckily able to steer the vehicle to safety while avoiding other motor vehicles and neither myself, my passengers nor anyone else around us was hurt. When the…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2017 Subaru Forester?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 42 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 29 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 22,814 and 50,000 miles, with the median around 33,400. A quarter of owners report trouble before 22,814; 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.