What 577 owners told NHTSA about the 2017 Subaru Forester

I had an Occupant Detection System replaced under recall in my 2017 Forester. Five years later it went bad. Obviously, still faulty. Cost 1,800.00 (you read that right) to have it replaced. Contacted Subaru twice about this and both times denied for replacement cost. Really unfair and absurd. Will never own another Subaru for this reason. Not standing behind a sub par part. Unwilling to help out customers.

NHTSA ODI 11699666

I want to bring a widespread safety issue up that is not being resolved by the manufacturer. I have a 2017 Subaru Forester with a faulty ODS sensor. This is a known issue to Subaru and there are bulletins issued on this topic (WUM-98 and 17-19-24). I had the original ODS sensor replaced in 2021. Several months ago my passenger airbag lights started to turn off again. I took it to Subaru and they did a diagnostic test and found that the replacement ODS sensor had again malfunctioned - code b1760 "occupant detector sensor mat fault." I was told (at the dealership service center) that the sensor is on back order and was quoted to 1,887.62 to replace the seat bottom. However, the seat bottom is also on back order. I was told to contact Subaru directly and they would likely cover the cost since this is a known issue with a bulletin out and the parts are on backorder through the dealership. I have since contacted Subaru many times only to be told that there are no active recalls on my vehicle and the recall for the faulty ODS sensor shows completed on 6/28/2021 @ 57,096 and Subaru would not have a path of goodwill assistance towards the repair since it has been more than a year since the replacement.  Subaru forums are full of owners going through the same thing and being told the part is back-ordered, they need a new 1,800 seat bottom, or this issue isn't covered because their seat probably got wet, etc. If both the wiring harness and the seat bottom are both on back order, then what is the solution - buy a new seat, buy a new car? This is not a cosmetic issue, normal "wear and tear" or a maintenance issue. This is a model-wide issue among all Subaru vehicles. This is a defective part and clearly replacing the wiring harness does not fix the problem. This is a widespread safety issue that is not being addressed properly by Subaru, which is why I'm escalating this to the NTSB. 

NHTSA ODI 11696853

Previous recall for passenger ODS. Having continued issues with passenger airbag ODS not recognizing someone sitting there. Intermittently turns on and off even if no one is sitting there. Took it to a dealer and they want me to pay out of pocket for diagnostic and possible parts. Very high concern for even allowing someone to sit in the car (even my pregnant wife) in the case there was ever an accident.

NHTSA ODI 11696166

I just noticed today that the air bag warning light was illuminated. There was an adult in the passenger seat and the car indicated that the passenger air bag was OFF. This vehicle had a previous air bag recall applied that was to correct these same symptoms. I noticed that a zip tie was cut and not replaced that secured the underseat wiring. I checked the underseat connectors and they all appear to be securely connected.

NHTSA ODI 11691316

In 2020 my ODS wireharness had been replaced. I'm now having the same issue in 2025 with the ODS system. I had the ODS recall fixed but the dealership is telling me it is the ODS seat mat not the harness that needs repair and that is not covered under the recall. The airbag light is showing it is off even when I have a passenger. This is very dangerous because if I were to get in an accident my passenger is not protected. I have not gotten it replaced or fixed because they are quoting me over 2000 for the repair. This repair should be covered under the ODS recall.

NHTSA ODI 11690846

My srs airbag system is off for the drivers. It went off for no reason. I went to Subaru but they said it would be 3000 and an undetermined wait for the part to come in. But I’m supposed to keep driving my primary car with no guarantee my airbags will deploy if in an accident.

NHTSA ODI 11688778

My [XXX] mother in law was told by Subaru White Plains NY her both her front control arms and both front sway bar links had to be replaced due to rust as they were not safe and would not pass the NY vehicle inspection. So I did a Google search and saw 2017 Subaru Foresters had rust issues in this area and had a recall. However it doesn't show up for this VIN. [XXX] ) Her car was built before 7/2016 when she bought it new. Could it have fallen between the cracks, does NHTSA need to have these added as they also obviously have the same issue as they have age to that point of danger. This obviously puts not just 2017 owners at danger, but the public around them. I will try to attach the bills which show what was replaced as unsafe and unable to pass NY vehicle inspection. As I under stand the bill this was a video inspection, so they may have video that you can review. I live in Indiana 800 miles from my mother in law so I was not able to see any of the above in person. I am going on what I was told by her and what I have seen on the bill. I am not asking you to address the bill. I will do that if at some point NHTSA has Subaru add her car and others to a recall. Thank You for looking into this, (Son In Law) [XXX] [XXX] cell [XXX] [XXX] The owner is [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11687483

SRS AIRBAG LIGHT continuously switches on in the car with a passenger present. The seat has been replaced, light is still coming on and issue is not resolved. The dealer is refusing to resolve the issue with the sensor/ wiring harness and saying it is not applicable for recall repairs. This is a Safety issue that Subaru of America is refusing to address that directly impacts the safety of passengers and consumers.

NHTSA ODI 11685890

On 8/14/25, a diagnostic fee was charged by White Bear Lake Subaru in Vadnais Heights, MN for an issue that was later confirmed to be part of an open Occupant Detection System (ODS) recall on a 2017 Subaru Forester. When the recall repair was completed on 8/27/25, the dealership refused to refund the diagnostic fee, saying reimbursement had to come from Subaru of America. Subaru of America then stated that diagnostic fees are determined by the retailer and would not be reimbursed. This left the consumer with an out-of-pocket charge directly tied to an open safety recall affecting the airbag system. Recalls are supposed to be performed at no cost, including any diagnostics required to confirm the recall issue.

NHTSA ODI 11684598

Lately, Airbag warning light comes on intermittently often. Sierra subaru would not fix without charging me for inspection for 240 and then cost of rapair. Also cruise control is malfunctioning where it gets disengaged near the vehicle in front where I have to apply brake hard to avoid serious accident. Also the EyeSight NOT working warning has started showing lately. My forester 2017 at 44K miles showing airbag light at times along with cruise control disengaing near front car and eyeSight not available mentioned above. Detail on airbag fix at Sierra Subaru in Monrovia, California. On August 12, 2025, I want to get this intermittent error fixed under warranty. on August 12, 2025 Alexander in service told me that it will be 240 approximately of charge to inspect. Kindly let me know if the airbag warning light at such low milage not going to be covered for warranty. Please Note that I bought the Forester at Sierra Subaru Monrovia Ca and had every single service done there. Lately I have been charged in thousands of dollars at such low mileage to own the 2017 Subaru Forester

NHTSA ODI 11682429

The passenger airbag sensor often, but not always, malfunctions in my 2017 Subaru Forrester. Often it says PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF when there is a passanger. Occording to KBB Kelly Blue Book there IS a current RECALL in place for 2017 Subaru Forresters for EXACTLY this issue, including for my car - but when i typed in my liscnese plate in the NHTSA website, no unrepaired recalls showed up for my car.

NHTSA ODI 11681854

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 the bottom center of the windshield. upon further inspection we noticed the damage could be felt from the inside of the car, and was NOT caused by any stone chips or other damages from the outside of the car.

NHTSA ODI 11681525

The right passenger airbag sensor is malfunctioning. When a passenger rides in the front seat, the air bag turns off and the air bag warning goes on. I believe this could be related to the earlier Subaru recall for the seatbelt harness. I have been quoted 1,900 by Subaru for the repair. I've read on Subaru forums that this can be a problem for model years affected by the earlier recall. I have a video showing my husband is the passenger seat, the air bag warning light is on and the air bag is off. The problem happens intermittently.

NHTSA ODI 11678687

The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that the passenger’s side air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the occupant detection system (ODS) had failed and needed to be replaced. The part was ordered 9 months ago; however, the part was on back order. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and two cases were opened. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ODI 11678757

REAR WHELLS BEARINGS DAMAGED AT ABOUT 59 000 MILES DRIVEN ON FLAT SERFACES. CAR PARKED IN GARAGE. DEALER STATED THAT BEARINGS HAVE TO BE REPLACED.

NHTSA ODI 11678930

I’m facing a really big issue here. I’ve been experiencing all the textbook issues in my vehicle for both of the recalls that did exist for my vehicle. I purchased my vehicle in [XXX], and I was just in to Walser Subaru in St. Paul MN where they said my recalls were completed in April 22, 2022. That is absolutely not true. I was at the dealership all day that day. So I called Miller hill Subaru in Duluth MN where it said it was done, and all they provided me with was the 2 dates I had brought it in for a general inspection and for an a/c issue. All I had done there was a transmission flush and both of those times were well after April 22nd. I purchased my vehicle from Anderson Auto in Rice Lake Township. So now I have my car with recalls that were falsified that they were done, but I am expected to pay for them. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11678149

Passenger airbag light comes on saying off while passenger is in the car

NHTSA ODI 11678389

The airbag warning light illuminates sometimes. I investigated the area under the passenger seat, related to the previous recall for the passenger seat occupancy sensor, and found that there were cut cable ties and no support for the wiring under the seat. I attempted to reseat the connectors and the warning light turned off for a while but turned back on later. It appears that either the previous recall didn't fix the issue or that the repair work was not performed correctly.

NHTSA ODI 11662053

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 88,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 88,223.

NHTSA ODI 11661953

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ODI 11659483

After a recent regular tire rotation and balance, my vehicle steering felt shakier than normal. Had rotation and balance checked again, but problem continued. Thought an alignment might rectify the problem but was informed this was not needed. Went to my regular mechanic and did notice the steering vibration. Found that it had to do with the forward bushings, and provided me a copy of a service bulletin issued by Subaru dated 6/20/18, #05-63-18R addressing this item, and also provided me with a video and picture of the problem to provide to Subaru repair. Since the Subaru dealer that I went to was not interested in repairing with the information provided, went back to my mechanic and had the work done. No more vibrating steering wheel.

NHTSA ODI 11657812

Key Removal system is more occasionally failing to lock the steering wheel in position. When that happens. With the key turned to the completely ... off position. The key release remains locked in place and the key cannot be removed from the keyslot in the steering column. Restarting and moving the shift lever from park to drive and hard again into park, while twisting the steering wheel to its center position occasionally works the first, second or third repetition. This began with the vehicle at 36800 miles and continues occasionally today . vehicle has 39500ilrs currently

NHTSA ODI 11655724

First was a control arm bushing and than a rear wheel hub assembly. At around 40000 miles. Both failures created unsafe control of the vehicle. Subaru has a tsb with updated parts, so they know the original are poor quality. It has been confirmed with dealer and independent shops. No warning lamps.

NHTSA ODI 11654898

Power steering failed. On January 6th 2025, night time with cold weather conditions, leaving a parking lot the power steering stopped working. Vehicle was very difficult to steer. Nearly all dash light came on. Took vehicle to dealership, they found the power steering control module at fault. Module was replaced with updated part number 34710SG102 per TSB# -04-24-18.

NHTSA ODI 11654073

I have been in contact with Michael Hohl Subaru for the last 1 1/2 years or more regarding airbag turning off while seats are occupied. I have continuously been told that the part to fix it is on eternal back order. Contacted to Shalana at Subaru of America and was told there is nothing they can do. They cannot give us a rental car or loaner car. Steve Dix at Michael Hohl said they cannot help us either.

NHTSA ODI 11651806