CarRecallWatchThe 2017 Subaru Forester has 1 safety recall on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 593 complaints with NHTSA, including 40 crashes, 1 fire, 28 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Air Bags (200 reports).
2017 Subaru Forester recalls
Passenger Airbag May Switch Off While Seat Is Occupied
A loose electrical connection in the front passenger seat's Occupant Detection System can cause the front passenger airbag to deactivate even when the seat is occupied.
Most common 2017 Subaru Forester problems
Problem areas named in the 593 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Air Bags | 200 |
| Electrical System | 106 |
| Visibility/Wiper | 104 |
| Unknown Or Other | 97 |
| Engine | 47 |
| Power Train | 46 |
| Seats | 34 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 33 |
| Steering | 25 |
| Structure | 16 |
What owners report
The Occupant Detection Sensor had a recall in 2019 and we replaced under that recall in 2020, but the part has once again failed and in looking at other Subaru forums, many others with this model year of Subaru Forester have dealt with the same ODS replaced ODS sensor failing again. This sensor deactivates the passenger airbag.
After replacement of the passenger ODS harness under recall WUM-98, the system still fails to detect a passenger in the seat, making it impossible for me to safely drive with a passenger. Subaru will not fairly cover the defect and would have to install a new seat and recode the new seat to the airbag module. The repair would cost me at least $1500. The capacitive passenger sensor is a major engineering flaw in Subarus, and a very good reason to never buy from them again.
I am filing a formal complaint regarding repeated, costly, and premature failures on my 2017 Subaru Forester, as well as the outright refusal by Subaru Consumer Advocacy to provide financial relief or goodwill reimbursement. Between 2024 and 2026, reaching under 90,000 miles, I was forced to pay out-of-pocket for over $6,200 in major repairs: Rear Wheel Bearings (2024): $2,000+ for premature bearing failure. A/C Evaporator Repair (Feb 2025, ~87,000 miles): $2,000 A/C Compressor Replacement (March 2026): $2,200 following additional system breakdown. Subaru issued Service Program Bulletin WRB-21 / WRB-21R specifically acknowledging factory-defective A/C condensers in 2017 Foresters. When an A/
TRANSMISSION LIGHT OVER HEATING COMES ON
Valve control assembly failure. A known TSB. Disables safety features of the car. Should be a recall.
2017 Subaru Forester questions
Does the 2017 Subaru Forester have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2017 Subaru Forester: Passenger Airbag May Switch Off While Seat Is Occupied. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Subaru Forester?
Based on 593 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (200), Electrical System (106), Visibility/Wiper (104).
How do I check if a recall on my 2017 Subaru Forester has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.