What 577 owners told NHTSA about the 2017 Subaru Forester

Airbag warning light and blind spot failure warning lights are on and staying on.

NHTSA ODI 11604314

Passenger side airbag alert for not working. Came on was repaired by dealer came on again. Dealer says part needed not currently available. Part needed is the passenger seat.

NHTSA ODI 11603720

Key is stuck in ignition. This happened 2 or 3 times and I was able to remove key after reversing, then putting it back in park. That no longer works and the key cannot be removed. Parked in my driveway now but my car is not secure since I’m not able to lock it with the key in the ignition I see many, many reports of this happening with Subarus. There really should be a recall for the issue as Subaru identified the problem in 2018.

NHTSA ODI 11595706

Cracked windshield for no reason

NHTSA ODI 11594737

The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the SRS warning light illuminated when a passenger entered the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired from a previous recall with the OCS wiring harness. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed as a failure with the OCS Mat sensor/seat bottom which needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 107,784.

NHTSA ODI 11594391

Front Passenger airbag sensor fault causing airbag to be turned off despite unit having been repaired under recall 19V-701. Occurs approximately 50% of the time after starting car and appropriate adult weight passenger sits in front seat. Has occurred on at least 3 occasions in last week.

NHTSA ODI 11590842

Suddenly ignition starts having an issue where driver cannot pull out ignition key, which creates risky situations. If an emergency and unable to remove keys, then the driver is stuck. Apparently, this has been happening to Subaru's from 2014-2018 all over the country, and clearly defective design. Here is the TSB [XXX] Subaru should do a recall to prevent dangerous cases of drivers unable to pull their keys out, or having drivers "hack" the car, which remove important safety features. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11590165

I am reporting a safety issue with an aftermarket driver’s side mirror manufactured by TRQ, intended as a replacement for a 2017 Subaru Forester. The mirror does not provide sufficient side visibility, increasing blind spots significantly compared to the OEM part, thereby putting driver safety at risk. The problem persists even after a replacement mirror was sent, suggesting a design flaw rather than an individual defect. Both mirrors, original and replacement, are available for inspection. The safety risk has been directly observed and documented through personal use rather than being confirmed by a dealer or service center. The manufacturer, TRQ, was contacted multiple times regarding this issue. They failed to acknowledge the defect adequately, instead suggesting I contact the retailer, Amazon. There were no prior warning lamps or messages related to this aftermarket mirror as it is a purely mechanical component without electronic integration. I have not had the mirror inspected by police or insurance representatives, but I have extensive documentation of the issue, including email communications with the manufacturer and photographic evidence comparing the TRQ mirror’s field of vision with the OEM part. This documentation will be included as a PDF attachment to this report.

NHTSA ODI 11587752

need new engine keeps burning oil

NHTSA ODI 11586702

The contact owned a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while attempting to make a left turn at an intersection, the contact observed there was a vehicle coming towards the intersection at high speeds. The contact stated that the stop light was green, however, the contact stopped the vehicle, and the vehicle coming towards the contact, depressed the brake pedal causing the vehicle to swerve and crash into the contact's vehicle on the front passenger's side at approximately 50 MPH. The contact stated that the vehicle spun around about 90 degrees. The air bags did not deploy, and no warning lights were illuminated. The contact sustained severe whiplash causing a concussion, crushed disc, ruptured at least 1 vertebrae, and spinal column nerve damage. The contact had been receiving medical treatment since the accident. The vehicle was towed to the tow company's storage lot. A police report was filed. The insurance company determined that the vehicle was a total loss. The other driver sustained severe burns when the air bags deployed. The contact was informed that the vehicle was in dealer mode, which did not allow warning lights to illuminate the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.

NHTSA ODI 11580431

For the last 2 yrs. our airbag light comes on and off saying we don't have air bags, some days it works and others it doesn't. I took the car into a Subaru dealership, and they said I had to replace the passenger seat at a cost of 1,200.00. I just saw that there is a recall about this and would like to get them to fix this issue at no cost. Subaru is supposed to be the safest car on the road, we'll I'm not feeling safe now.

NHTSA ODI 11579836

Left front head light will turn off while turning left, more than 10deg. This is part of the Steering Responsive System where the headlights will move with the steering. This is a sealed unit and not a user replaceable component such as a head lamp. Replacement costs are excessive for this manufacture failure. This left front headlight turning off while turning left is a common problem found on the Subaru Forums.

NHTSA ODI 11576159

The front windshield is extremely prone to cracks. I've gotten three cracks in my windshield, all along the bottom half in close proximity to each other, which leads me to believe there is a structural issue with either the body of the car or the glass that is causing this. Two of the times, there were no other cars around me and a pinhead size piece of gravel lodged into the outside layer of the windshield, chipping and cracking it.

NHTSA ODI 11572361

My passenger airbag light goes on and off while someone is sitting in the passenger seat. I've experienced this with people of different weight in that seat. I looked it up and found a TSB related to this issue (NHTSA ID: 19V-701, Number: [XXX] ) but my specific car is not covered even though it is having the same problem and is the same year, make/model. I took the car to the Subaru dealer on Monday [XXX] and they confirmed there is a faulty passenger occupant sensor but they will not cover the repair. This issue puts my wife or anyone else sitting in the passenger side at huge risk for loss of life. The light that goes on and off is just the sensor light, my error light in the dashboard does not go on even though the dealer has confirmed this issue. I am requesting that you recall all cars with my year/make/model since this issue is life threatening. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11570783

This has been a recurring issue. Frequently, at dusk and night, I have been blinded by my side view mirrors and some oncoming traffic. I have had my mirrors looked at by certified Subaru mechanics at the dealership, and they have yet to find any issues. It seems like every time I drive at night, a vehicle behind me or in front of me has temporarily blinded me with white/blue lights. I get no warning signs from my car. My safety, and the safety of others, has been put at risk because I am unable to see for 10-20 seconds after being blinded by cool white LED lights. If the NHTSA cannot regulate the out-of-control headlights on newer vehicles, then what is the point of the NHTSA?

NHTSA ODI 11569728

Right side of windshield had a small crack. Illinois law can’t drive with a cracked windshield. Called Subaru they don’t fix windshield problems. Appointment at Safelite on 1/23/24 crack had gotten bigger they cannot repair now have to replace windshield. Appointment on 1/25/24 to replace windshield. No prior incident that would have led to this situation. Never owned a car where the windshield needed to be replaced.

NHTSA ODI 11567900

The contact owned a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that after driving into a parking space in a parking lot with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle jolted and veered to the right. The passenger's side of the vehicle hit the driver's side of another occupied vehicle. The other vehicle was scratched and there was no injury sustained. The contact stated she then reversed out of the parking space, and the vehicle made an abnormal growling sound. The vehicle then accelerated unintendedly while reversing. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she depressed the brake pedal continuously but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact then shifted into drive (D), and the vehicle accelerated increasingly. The contact swerved and hit another unoccupied vehicle; however, the vehicle continued to accelerate unintendedly. The contact stated that she then attempted to drive into a tree to stop the vehicle, but a high curb caused the contact to miss the tree, and the vehicle crashed into an unoccupied vehicle that was parked behind the tree. The vehicle then stopped. The unoccupied vehicle then hit another vehicle, which caused a train of reaction that involved 6 unoccupied vehicles. The contact stated that the air bags did not deploy. The contact stated that an unknown rear tire blew out, and the vehicle was severely damaged. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The insurance company then towed the vehicle to another lot, where it was totaled. There was no police report filed. The contact sustained pain in the right SI joint and on the right leg. The contact stated that the incident might have intensified her pre-existing neck injury. The contact also sustained mental and emotional trauma. The contact received medical assistance and was undergoing physical therapy. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

NHTSA ODI 11567531

In November 2023 I noticed a warning light indicating an issue with the passenger side airbag. Additionally I noticed that even when a passenger was sitting in that seat, the status light still displayed 'airbag off'. I took the car to a Subaru dealer who told me the sensor was bad and the whole seat assembly would need to be replaced. After waiting 2 1/2 months I was told by the dealer that they could not locate a part anywhere in the U.S., and they had no timetable for completing the repair. I was encouraged to contact Subaru Customer Service for help. I've done so, but have received no satisfaction. I've since learned that this exact same defect was part of an earlier recall of my vehicle (I bought the car used; see attached). As of now, I have a car with a defective airbag with no prospect of resolution from the dealer or manufacturer.

NHTSA ODI 11567316

When I pulled into a parking spot in a parking lot, the car seemed to go faster than I intended. I swiped a car next to me, which to me as it was not a tight space. I immediately, turned off the engine and dealt with the passenger of the other vehicle, exchanging information. After sometime, I got back in my car to move it to another location. As soon as the motor was running in reverse, in began to accelerate making a loud roaring noise. I stepped on the brakes, meanwhile going in reverse at an accelerating speed, trying to keep away from cars parked on either side. I also pulled up the emergency brake. At the end of the row, I felt I could move forward without hitting many cars and hoping that in doing so, it would now slow down. It did not. At that point, I thought the only way to stop it, was going to be hitting something. (I did not want to go out of the parking lot into traffic). I aimed for a small tree, not realizing that there was a high curb surrounding it. The car hit the curb and flew over it, missing the tree, blowing out a rear tire, and hitting another parked car. That car slid into another car causing a chain reaction with still another car. There were 6 cars that were damaged in all. My insurance company is involved, but I do have a cap on how much liability I can pay.

NHTSA ODI 11564881

******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE IT IS REQUESTED BY THE CONSUMER THAT THEY WISH TO HAVE IT REMOVED. DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******

NHTSA ODI 11563676

Subaru is well aware of the rear wheel bearing prematurely due to the faulty backing plate design. They have even sent a service bulletin mentioning the problem. so the rear wheel hub and backing plate should be replaced by Subaru. They are charging $1000 for repairing this. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11562190

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 heavily of exhaust. Driver gets headache from smell/gas while driving. Internet forums show this is a common unaddressed issue by dealerships. Car is a 2017 and should not be leaking exhaust into the cabin.

NHTSA ODI 11558302

The incident happened at my workplace parking garage. As I slowly turned left to park in parking spot at work, I heard the engine rev and my car unexpectedly lurched forward very quickly. I stepped hard on the brake but it did not seem effective at stopping the car. I recently replaced my brakes in late August, 2023. As far as I know, before today my car was in proper working order. My vehicle is equipped with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology and I don't believe that the warning collision activated even as the car plowed towards the wall. The car hit the concrete parking block/wheel stop and then the heavy wire barrier at front the parking spot. The wire barrier sits between the front of the parking spot and parking structure wall (I would guess about a 12 inch gap between wires and wall). The wire barrier probably prevented the car from hitting the wall and causing greater property damage or injury to myself. So far, damage looks cosmetic. The front bumper is scratched (some paint taken off) and scuffed from the wire barrier and the bottom half of my license plate frame broke off. I am feeling rattled and I'm unsure if I have injuries. I intend to contact my dealership and car mechanic for suggestions on next steps and will likely ask them to inspect my car.

NHTSA ODI 11557428

On three separate occasions, my Forester has stalled while driving. The engine loses power, and pressing the accelerator increases the rpms sporadically. We have had to coast to the side of the road. Then, when we try to restart it, it turns over but never actually starts. After a couple of tries, it eventually will start and run normally again. Because this happens while driving at highway speeds, it is a safety issue. The problem happens rarely, but is dangerous when it happens. There are no warning lights or indication of what went wrong and mechanics do not find an issue, as it hasn’t happened while they were driving.

NHTSA ODI 11557116

My 2017 Subaru Forester, to which I am the original, and still current Owner, has a recall warranty for a cracked front exhaust system / catalytic converter - see attached letter. I am experiencing the these issues related to this fissure, including reduced performance of the vehicle, exhaust impact and noises. Because I spend sometime abroad and I have brought the vehicle to France, Subaru is attempting to deny my warranty / reimbursement request. Subaru's Warranty makes no mention of a situation where the vehicle spends a portion of the year outside the US, especially in the case where I am currently the Original Owner. On the contrary, the Warrany information published on the NTSB site, indicates that customers who pay for the repair may be reimbursed, this could specifically apply to my situation. I greatly appreciate your assistance to resolve this matter as I'm hopeful it poses to safety hazard to my young family. Thank you and have a pleasant day. I've attached a number of relevant documents.

NHTSA ODI 11555572