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2017 Subaru Forester
Buyable, but go in with open eyes: this car has specific known issues to check before money changes hands.
577 owner complaints · 1 recalls · data verified July 10, 2026 · source: NHTSA
Why caution?
Airbags problems dominate (28% of complaints, typically reported near 28k miles).
The math, shown
Full methodology →Complaints filed per year
Fading = early teething worked out. Climbing = problems aging in.
The road ahead
What breaks on a 2017 Subaru Forester, plotted where owners report it happening.
Also reported (mileage varies): Speed control (33)
Mileage medians come from owners who mentioned an odometer reading in their NHTSA complaint — a rough guide, not a schedule.
Airbags
28%159 complaints · typically near 28k mi · 38 in the last 2 years
“The recall repair for the ODS has failed again.”
Visibility & wipers
20%115 complaints · typically near 11k mi · 3 in the last 2 years
“the car driven to work from 6:05 to 6:25am and parked in a parking lot. when my wife went out to eat lunch around noon, she noticed a crack running from the mirror to …”
Electrical system
18%105 complaints · typically near 30k mi · 9 in the last 2 years
“Passenger airbag safety intermittently turns on stating that the passenger airbag is not able to deploy. If I turn the car off and on it goes away and doesn't turn unt…”
Engine
8%46 complaints · typically near 30k mi · 2 in the last 2 years
“Forester in known for chronic exhaust leak into cabin through AC vents. Reported this to dealership and they "could not find the problem." Cabin of vehicle smells heav…”
Recalls (1)
Safety recall repairs are free at the brand’s franchised dealers. Before buying, run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and make the seller show the work was done.
Air Bags · 19V701000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Forester vehicles equipped with heated seats. An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may loosen.
Risk: If the connection loosens, the front passenger airbag may deactivate even though the seat is occupied, increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger in the event of a crash.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the ODS sensor mat harness, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUM-98.
Before you hand over money
Verify the recall work was done
NHTSA’s free lookup shows whether this exact car had its recall remedies completed.
Free NHTSA VIN check ↗Get a pre-purchase inspection
A $150–$250 independent inspection of this exact 2017 Subaru FORESTER beats every score on the internet, including ours.
What to ask forNot set on the 2017? See how every Forester model year scores →
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What owners say
Real owners of this exact model-year, shown separately from the NHTSA score — if they disagree, that’s worth knowing.