What 577 owners told NHTSA about the 2017 Subaru Forester

The shift guide plate in my 2017 Subaru Forester failed, causing the ignition key to become stuck and not release when the engine is off. The component is available for inspection upon request. The failure was confirmed by a Subaru dealer, who diagnosed the defective shift guide plate and provided a repair estimate of $685.23. The safety risk is significant - an inability to remove the key from the ignition can prevent the driver from securing the vehicle and creates confusion about whether the engine is truly off. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the failure. The problem presented suddenly and has been reproducible consistently since it first appeared. This is a known manufacturing defect. Subaru acknowledged it by issuing an 8-year extended warranty extension (TSB 16-112-18R) specifically covering this component. My vehicle has only 71,000 miles - well below average for a 9-year-old vehicle - and falls just outside the 8-year window. I contacted Subaru of America requesting goodwill assistance, which was denied with no explanation beyond the warranty expiration. I am filing this complaint to establish an official record of this defect and the manufacturer's failure to stand behind it.

NHTSA ODI 11748646

The front lower control arm bushing were breaking apart at 53,156 miles. Shop reported significant play in the wheel while on the stand. Sounds like a safety hazards.

NHTSA ODI 11744910

My 2017 had the passenger airbag sensor recall in 2020. It went into for repair. It began going off again where the passenger seat airbag is off when a passenger is in the seat in 2023 on and off. It consistently began going off again in August 2024. I spoke to subaru corporate and they said they needed to replace the whole seat and wouldn't cover the cost of the whole repair of 1600. The part had a long backorder because so many cars are affected. I didn't receive a new part until June 2025. The local dealer replaced the seat. Now not even a year later the passenger airbag sensor is off with a passenger. This is our only car that fits our whole family and my family has to sit in the seat. This is a massive safety issue that Subaru is not taking responsibility for ongoing repairs even after the 2020 recall. I'm extremely concerned for the safety of my passengers.

NHTSA ODI 11744326

The recall repair for the ODS has failed again.

NHTSA ODI 11743743

I own a 2017 Subaru Forester with approximately 55,324 miles. The vehicle has experienced repeated rear wheel bearing failures at relatively low mileage. On October 1, 2024, at 48,877 miles, the passenger-side rear wheel hub assembly, including the wheel bearing, was replaced by a Subaru dealership. Subaru provided goodwill assistance for that repair. At approximately 55,324 miles, both rear wheel bearings were diagnosed as failed and required replacement. The failure was confirmed by a Subaru dealer and an independent repair facility. Manufacturer was contacted regarding assistance but declined coverage support. Consequently this most recent repair was performed by independent repair shop. Prior to replacement, the vehicle exhibited increasing humming, roaring, and grinding noises from the rear, which worsened with vehicle speed. No warning lights were illuminated. I am concerned about repeated premature rear wheel bearing failures and the potential safety risk associated with wheel bearing deterioration, including loss of wheel stability and vehicle control if the condition progresses while driving.

NHTSA ODI 11743514

Had recall completed for passenger airbag prior now SRS airbag on since 6/7/2026 per dealer code B1650 & B1760 as history codes. States found passenger side airbag sensor has erratic operation, recommended replacing seat bottom with integrated sensor for $2015 at Spreen Subaru of San Bernardino. Why is the sensor failing again? Unable to drive vehicle due to potential of airbags not deploying, making the vehicle unsafe to drive. No other issues with vehicle no one in front passenger seat when SRS airbag illuminated on dashboard, no spills, have seat covers to protect from ant fluids. No accidents that would cause this issue.

NHTSA ODI 11742971

My windshield cracked significantly after shutting the passenger side door. I chalked that up to maybe a possible chip was put under stress, until a few months later, my driver's side window burst spontaneously right in front of my eyes as I was shutting the trunk door. The pieces went half inside the car and half outside the car. Even though most of it was chunks of glass, I have been sliced and cut up trying to remove it from the driver's, passenger and rear seats, carpets, doors, etc. The entire thing shattered completely, like it almost exploded. The car was parked in the shade on a relatively cool day (it was about 75 degrees) and had not been running.

NHTSA ODI 11742007

2017 Subaru Forester with heated seats. Recall WUM-98 / NHTSA Campaign 19V701000 was completed in 2020 by previous owner, replacing the ODS sensor mat harness. The same passenger airbag OFF condition has now returned. Dealer has diagnosed failure of the ODS sensor mat (seat bottom subassembly), quoting $1,800 for repair. This is the same safety defect — same system, same symptom — that the recall was intended to fix. The vehicle has approximately 17,000 miles and has been garage-kept. Subaru of America (Case #260512-1901206) offered $1,000 goodwill toward the repair, acknowledging partial responsibility, but has not responded to further communications in over two weeks. I am filing this complaint to document that the WUM-98 remedy was incomplete and that this safety defect remains unresolved.

NHTSA ODI 11741441

The passenger airbag sensor does not sense when I have a passenger in the vehicle. This was a recalled issue and was fixed. However, the fix did not work and Subaru dealership says that they already fixed it and it is because water probably got on the seat. I have not let water get on the seat, and even if I did that would be a very poor design for a safety feature. I imagine people would spill or get rain on the seat very easily. Subaru also refused to fix it under the recall because my car was written off for cosmetic hail damage. So I asked if they could fix it and I pay for it -they quoted me to replace the entire passenger seat, but said there are no parts coming in so they couldn't fix it anyway. In many online Subaru forums, other owners have said their passenger airbag recalls were not sufficiently fixed and other dealerships also blamed the customer and a potential water spill.

NHTSA ODI 11741229

2017 SUBARU FORESTER WITH 40,000 MILES, REAR WHEEL BEARINGS AND PLATE ARE BAD. $2100.00 TO FIX. SEEMS A LITTLE EARLY IN MILEAGE FOR SUCH AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR. I HAVE READ ABOUT BAD REAR WHEEL BEARINGS AND PLATE FROM SEVERAL PEOPLE.

NHTSA ODI 11736974

Within months of purchasing this car new in 2017, the passenger airbag warning light came on indicating there was something wrong with the airbag (and presumably that it would not work in the event of an accident). The issue was assessed at multiple Subaru dealerships over a few years and no one could figure out what the problem was. They tried many superficial solutions but the light remains on. The car is now well beyond the warranty period, but I am sitll concerned about as I feel less safe knowing that we will continue to drive this car for years to come.

NHTSA ODI 11736195

My 2017 Subaru Forrester has experienced a second failure of the front passenger Occupant Detection System (ODS) sensor mat, error code B1760. This system controls whether the passenger airbag is active — when the warning light is on, the airbag will not deploy, creating a serious safety risk for passengers. This is the second occurrence of this failure. The first repair was completed approximately six years ago. The vehicle has now been quoted 2,800 for repair at an authorized Subaru dealership. This appears to be a widespread and recurring defect across multiple Subaru models. I am concerned that a single repair does not resolve the underlying issue, and that many owners may be driving with a non-functional passenger airbag without realizing it.

NHTSA ODI 11729464

I was driving around the city at about 25mph and the hood flew open, almost entirely blocking my view out the front of the car. I was able to pull off into a parking lot and reclose the hood and get home. A couple of days later, I set out on a longer road trip and I carefully checked that the hood was closed securely, even texting my partner about it when I checked. 3 or 4 hours into the drive, while going 65mph on the interstate, the hood flew open again, shattering through the windshield. Thankfully I was able to avoid any collisions and pull over to the side of the road, but the windshield, hood, fenders, sunroof, and some interior pieces (rearview mirror, console on the roof) were dislodged. My passenger and I could easily have been killed.

NHTSA ODI 11728312

The driver’s seat in my 2017 Subaru Forester suddenly became loose and moves left to right while driving. The vehicle has only 27,000 miles, has never been in an accident, and has been meticulously maintained. The Subaru dealer diagnosed failed seat frame rail guides and replaced the entire seat undercarriage at a cost of $1,742 because the guides cannot be replaced individually. The dealer stated they had never seen this failure before. Because the seat moves laterally while driving, I believe this represents a potential safety defect.

NHTSA ODI 11724060

My 2017 Subaru Forester [Touring] (VIN: [VIN]) has a recurring front passenger airbag deactivation problem even when an adult is seated and belted. The console shows “Passenger Airbag OFF” with an adult occupant. The seatbelt chime recognizes a passenger, but the airbag remains OFF. In many cases, the airbag will only enable if the passenger sits after engine start—classic Occupant Detection System (ODS) misclassification behavior. The ODS recall WUM‑98 (NHTSA 19V‑701) for 2015–2018 Forester was completed before I purchased the vehicle in April 2020, but the same safety condition has returned. On 02/25/2025 at Subaru of Sterling (VA), the dealer wrote: “Seats: occupant detection sensor mat circuit code. passenger side seat sensor mat has failed causing air bag light. recommend replacing passenger side seat bottom in the amount of 2,276.51.” I was also told the recall was “voided” because it had been completed before my ownership, and I must pay 2,276.51 to restore airbag function. I opened a case with Subaru of America: 25‑982548‑811. This is the same hazard identified in NHTSA 19V‑701 (Subaru WUM‑98)—the ODS may misclassify an occupied seat and deactivate the passenger airbag, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. I am requesting NHTSA to record this as a post‑remedy recurrence and to follow up with Subaru to ensure a permanent corrective action (e.g., seat cushion/ODS sensor replacement) without shifting cost to owners. I can provide the dealer RO/estimate and photos/video upon request. Dates & Dealer: Subaru of Sterling (VA), 02/25/2025; RO amount 2,276.51 SOA Case: 25‑982548‑811 Recall Reference: Subaru WUM‑98 / NHTSA 19V‑701 (Forester 2015–2018 ODS misclassification)

NHTSA ODI 11723861

My 2017 Subaru Forester Touring (VIN: [XXX] , 118,200 mi) has a recurring EyeSight failure where the system becomes disabled and will not complete camera registration or calibration. Subaru of Sterling (VA) diagnosed active code B28A0 “Vehicle Model Judgment” and noted that the EyeSight stereo camera would not accept vehicle model registration. The technician documented: “Error for camera adjustment incomplete. When attempting to relearn UI for Eyesight camera, system is not taking vehicle registration; suggests camera replacement and perform recalibration.” This occurred after a confirmed DCM/STARLINK parasitic draw had caused repeated low‑voltage conditions until the dealer reset the DCM to factory mode (per the RO: “No further draw present at this time”), suggesting EyeSight registration may have failed due to prior voltage instability rather than true hardware failure. Subaru's service flow for B28A0 indicates this code can occur when the model write/registration is incomplete, interrupted, or mismatched—not necessarily when a camera has failed. Subaru lists causes such as: CAN communication issues, incorrect model registration, incomplete write due to ignition timing, or power/fuse issues during aiming (EyeSight diagnostic manuals). I am reporting this to NHTSA because EyeSight is a safety-critical system that governs adaptive cruise, lane keep assist, and pre-collision braking. My dealer is recommending camera replacement without documenting that Subaru’s required pre‑replacement steps (model registration inspection, CAN/LAN re-scan, voltage and fuse verification, genuine-part verification, etc.) have been completed. I request ODI review because EyeSight should not fail to register unless hardware is defective or a procedural/voltage issue exists. I want this documented in case this represents a broader pattern of EyeSight registration/calibration failures on Forester models using the same stereo camera platform. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11723901

There is intermittent failure of the passenger air bag occupancy detection system (ODS). This shows up as aporadic display of the passenger air bag failure code in the car, and became more frequent until the code rained on. This was previously an issue, but a couple years ago I performed the Subaru issued recall related to this sensor and it went away for a time. Now the same issue has come back. It is pretty clear that the issue has persisted and the recall did not adequately address the issue, but Subaru refuses to address the issue, citing the completed recall. In searching online, it seems that many others have this same experience. \n\nIf the passenger air bag fails to deploy in a crash this is clearly a major safety issue that Subaru should take steps to resolve, even if it means replacing the sensor multiple times.

NHTSA ODI 11723045

The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that upon opening the tailgate, the tailgate quickly fell unintendedly and struck the contact's head while the contact was retrieving items from the trunk. The contact sustained head soreness but had not received medical attention. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the tailgate sending unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11720656

After traveling for unknown number of miles on repeated occasions, arriving at the destinations to the smell of burning oil. Smell was evident while driving as well. Subaru was able to diagnose this issue to a leaking CVT pump seal causing CVT fluid to leak and run down on top of the transmission pan onto the hot exhaust system. Subaru has acknowledge this is an issue back in 2016 due to the sealant us from the factory. Customer was quoted $1400 for the repair this known issue. Vehicle had 90,000 miles at the time of occurrence.

NHTSA ODI 11719619

Intermittently, for the past few months, either when I wish to back up or go forward, a buzzer will sound, the anti-lock brakes and eye-sight indicators on the dash will say that neither system is working. The brakes malfunction and the steering wheel is very difficult to turn. Turning off the engine and restarting once or twice usually solves the problem, as if restarting reboots the system. But then the problem recurs randomly on another day. The most recent date of occurrence is listed under additional details

NHTSA ODI 11718133

Airbag light came on intermittently at first, then constantly in 2023. It was determined to be a defective ODS in the passenger seat, and was repaired at Subaru’s expense “Goodwill” on November 2 2023. Again in 2025, the SRS alert appeared intermittently at first, then continuously that the system needed service. The car was at Fox Subaru for 8 days, and eventually I was told by Subaru Customer Advocacy they would not cover the expensive repair for a second failure, and I’m reluctant to pay for it based on my concern for its reliability. The defective component is still in the car, but I cannot accommodate a front seat passenger safely. Both times, I was told “probable” moisture damage, although the first repair in 2023 revealed no moisture, and this seat has never gotten wet. A failure of the front passenger airbag would put a front seat passenger as higher risk in a collision. In 2020 a recall of the ODS electrical harness was repaired under recall. There has been a recall of Subaru Outback, for a similar failure of the ODS sensor. Other 2017 Subaru Forrester owners have posted online of similar issues and excuses from Subaru.

NHTSA ODI 11716490

There was a recall on this vehicle from 2022, and we did not own this vehicle at that time. Recall passenger side airbag contact under seat can cause fire or electrical issues. I contacted Subaru and they said the recall was satisfied in 2022. If that's the case, the repair piece must have been faulty as the issue has come back. The dealership I took the car to said they have seen about 4 of this same issue within the last two weeks. Subaru is unwilling to assist in this, and I cannot pay the 1800.00 dollars the dealership wants to repair this vehicle. I've asked more questions of Subaru since their answer and have not received a response. I would like to know why their website says this was complete July 15, 2025, not 2022. It was not complete in 2025, or we would have had the repair done. Any help in getting someone to see if this is in fact another recall and how to tell if the recall was truly completed in 2022, possible faulty recall parts now. This is crazy if numerous folks have gone in with the same issue. We need Subaru to take a good look at this.

NHTSA ODI 11710736

On feb 28 2025 I bumped into car at stop light. Don’t know how it happened. 11 4th about 2 as I was stopped behind car at bank, the car lunged forward-jumped- no reason for it. This is the 4th time something has happed. I slammed on brakes so no incident this time. I am being cautious such as staying 1car length back. Vehicle is accelerating without cause.

NHTSA ODI 11703267

Two incidents happened first battery died, we replaced the battery. Then Battery died again, we replaced the alternator on June 5, 2025. Then on Saturday September 13, 2025; all system lights came on at once on the dashboard then the battery died again. Car locks up and is stalled out. Cannot restart car, has to be towed. We replaced the battery cable and cleaned the terminals. Three months later, December 1, 2025; the battery light came on then all system lights came on at once, the battery died again. This happened on Interstate 95, it could easily have caused a crash. Car locks up again and is stalled out again. Cannot restart car again, has to be towed again. Something in the electrical is causing this, we do not know what.

NHTSA ODI 11702417

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 until another time I start the car. Also detects a passenger in the seat when there is no passenger or weight in that seat. Overall some sort of issue with the airbag safety system in the front passenger seat. I will state no liquids have been spilled on the seat.

NHTSA ODI 11699913