What 577 owners told NHTSA about the 2017 Subaru Forester

automatic transmission shifting sluggish

NHTSA ODI 11520696

We're having to consistently jump-start a battery that is only 4 months old. The problem has been consistent over the years (currently on our 3rd battery in about 5 years) but appears to have worsened after a DCM update to the Starlink system. Dealership has assessed the problem as parasitic battery drain (while the car is turned off) from the telematic module, but refuses to correct the issue.

NHTSA ODI 11518460

Battery fails often, does not hold a charge, consistently registers as low battery. Occurs several times in 2021, 2022, and 2023, Have had to replace battery twice in 2 years.

NHTSA ODI 11518463

On May 20, 2022, I was attempting to back into a parking space when my car lunged forward and crashed into two parked cars. I suffered a cracked sternum. No one else was hurt but I was just a few feet from the ground-level windows of a motel. Much body damage to my car (in excess of $13,000) and the other two cars. Police report was filed. Insurance claim filed. No reproduction of problem sought from manufacturer or dealer. No warning signals from car. Assumption made of driver at fault accident. However, please refer to Detroit Free Press article printed 4/22/23: https://freep-mi.newsmemory.com/?publink=0dd2ac172_134ab3a

NHTSA ODI 11518420

The front windshield spontaneously cracked, beginning from the bottom of the windshield at the de-icer on the passenger side and propagated up and across the windshield toward the driver's side. No evidence of a strike or outside damage which caused the crack is evident. The obstruction to my view is hazardous on the roadway as the crack continues to spread. This issue has been well documented in Subaru vehicles, and was the subject of a class-action lawsuit in 2017 regarding 2016 model year Subaru Impreza's and Outback's.

NHTSA ODI 11510931

I have a problem with the recall issue that the service dealership said they completed but now its showing alert and it seems to be wasn't fixed good. Please help because I dont understand why it would have been completed when its an problem now. If anything happens to me when Im driving an the airbag dosent come out, its you guys fault because its not fixed good. I been calling Subaru Hawaii and letting them know this but they dont want to fix the recall now because its was done but still broken? I dont understand. The car services I have been going to and I been paying them but they dont seem to do a good work to fix it or completed it. They had so much mistakes on my car and I am so upset. I wish I never had this car. Please help me! 

NHTSA ODI 11510085

Windshield cracked without reason, and happened while vehicle was not being driven. Within the span on one day, the crack doubled in size, in my line of vision. There are other chips in the windshield that have occured, and I have filled them quickly as to not do damage like this. However, this crack occurred seemingly overnight, without time to schedule a repair at all.

NHTSA ODI 11506783

Loud roaring noise came from rear of vehicle while driving. Sound increased with increasing speed. At first I thought it might have been the tires but they were properly inflated and in excellent condition. The vehicle was brought to the dealer who determined that the rear wheel bearings were defective and needed to be replaced. The noise and condition began at roughly 50,000 miles but the car was 6 years old and out of warranty. I contacted Subaru and they offered to cover half the cost of the repair. Had the situation not been corrected the rear wheels could have frozen causing loss of control of the vehicle. The only warning was the noise itself. I believe that this issue, especially at such a low mileage, is a significant safety concern.

NHTSA ODI 11506470

Constant battery jumps from friends and towing companies. Car is now dead and in driveway. No other vehicle. Senior citizen living alone. Also, rear gate does not open at all at times to get into trunk area and does not close fully which also leads to battery drain. Was told yesterday that a new gel battery to replace is $500 and they do not have in stock.

NHTSA ODI 11505406

The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound. The oil temperature, ABS, and traction control warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the AWD failed to operate, and only the FWD was operable. The vehicle had previously been at the dealer for an air conditioner repair, and the dealer reset the warning lights; however, the failure recurred. Additionally, the rear wheel bearings, and valve body solenoid were previously replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 154,095.

NHTSA ODI 11504441

We took our 2017 Subaru Forester on December 9, 2022, to change the ignition switch because our key continued getting stuck. It was covered under an extended warranty. The spark plugs were changed during the same appointment only to satisfy the maintenance agreement. Before we took our Subaru in, our vehicle was running at an optimal level, and nothing was wrong with how it drove. On December 10, 2022, we drove our car, and it started to hesitate and misfire. This has never happened before. We called the dealership, and they had us bring the vehicle back in. They performed a fuel injection cleaning and reset the computer. Once again, the same problem continued after picking up our vehicle. The same problem continued daily, and several calls were made to the dealership and trips to the maintenance service department. It is erratic when it happens, but we have experienced it more during city driving versus highway driving. It’s been over a month, and the problem is still not resolved. At this point, we genuinely feel that this is a safety issue. Not to mention that if the vehicle continues to perform poorly, it can create additional damage. We are at a point of pure frustration and disappointment.

NHTSA ODI 11502918

I believe this is my 3rd or 4th lug stud that's sheared off when removing. I believe it happened at the dealer once and the tire shop I have the tires rotated at two or three times in the last couple of years. This worries me that they may be weak and could potentially break, while driving, before removal breaks them. The boken stud is typically sheared and stuck inside the lug nut. Google searches would make this seem like it's not an uncommon issue. Subaru may have a TSB for rusted nuts already that may relate to this issue. TSB 05-79-20 is what I found through Google searches, if related.

NHTSA ODI 11502941

Ball bearings all broke in car. This is a known issue but not until I googled it. It causes horrible noises and potential inquiry if not corrected.

NHTSA ODI 11502023

I have a 2017 Subaru Forester Touring. It has stalled on acceleration twice. Once on a divided highway attempting to increase speed going up slight incline around 60mph. It stalled and shut off. It also stalled but didn't completely shut off going through an intersection at 45mph today.

NHTSA ODI 11500879

The motor for the wiper fluid dispenser went bad. I took the vehicle back to be repaired and while they had the vehicle apart, I was informed that my entire wiring harness needed to be replaced. Now, my vehicle has sporadic issues such as windows not going down, the door locks engaging on their own, my fuel economy will suddenly drop to 19mpg from 28 mpg. Subaru initially stayed this was all due to the remote start I had installed at a retailer, this was after calling the dealership and they informed me that it was fine since my warranty had just expired. When I tried ro pursue something through the retailer, the dealership that had my vehicle denied saying that it was due to the remote start. So, I am stuck with a vehicle that has numerous problems, is not very safe and everyone says not my problem.

NHTSA ODI 11500531

My battery was replaced in May 2021, I bought the car in July 2021. I was never notified that there was a battery problems with the 2017 Subaru Forester's when I purchased my car and I just had to replace the battery today December 9, 2022. I called Subaru and was told that the settlement was only good for 60 days from the action date of September, 2022. So, this this problem could be very serious if not addressed going forward. The car probably should not be on the road if the battery drains that quickly.

NHTSA ODI 11496768

I have had to replace my Subaru Forester battery at least 4 times since I have owned it. The battery dies within a few days of replacing and I am forced to jumpstart the vehicle every time I want to drive. This has been happening since the day I bought the vehicle...

NHTSA ODI 11492155

The steering began to shake and vibrate at interstate speeds upon changing lanes or making a "lazy" turn. It has VERY disconcerting. I slowed down, avoided changing lanes and very wary of the turns while I continued on my journey back home. Over time the problem became progressively worse. I had the tires rebalanced but the problem continued to worsened even at slower speeds. I took the car to another shop but they could not find a problem. I was finally took onto a shop where the mechanic instantly knew what the problem was. He stated he had seen many 2017 Subarus with the same problem over the past few months. Both steering control arms had to bee replaced and the tires aligned at a cost of $816.57. When the problem started the vehicle only had 56,000 and has never been driven off road and only driven on gravel roads at slow speeds about 6 miles a year. I have been driving for over 50 years and have had numerous vehicle during my life and I have NEVER had this happen to a 5year old vehicle with only 56,000 miles.

NHTSA ODI 11491310

The catalytic converter had substantial rust and was beyond repair (i.e., welding). The vehicle was only 6 years old and did not have any issues with rust identified during the 2021 annual inspection (as required by our state). This year, the vehicle failed inspection due to the amount of damage from rust. Our mechanic advised the rust was most likely caused by the plastic covers surrounding the catalytic converter not allowing enough air to circulate to keep the area dry / prevent rust from forming.

NHTSA ODI 11491153

Exhaust fumes noticed in the passenger cabin of the vehicle. PZEV equipped. I have heard of others experiencing the same issue. This was noted some time ago, however parts were not available at the time and Subaru N.A. had not responded to my written correspondance until i finally phoned them. Very concerned about potential for Carbon Monoxide. I understandf Ford explorer and VW had similar issues. The attached estimate was recently obtained from the dealership but service rep claimed this was the recommended service at time of discovery.

NHTSA ODI 11487135

2017 Subaru Forester. Air bag sensor light for the occupant occasionally flashes on and off. We brought it to the dealer and was told the sensor was defective and would not deploy if an accident occurred. The Subaru service tech informed us that the air bags would not deploy in case of an accident. The car only has 55,500 miles. It is garaged and has had no front end problems or accidents. This is a safety hazard that could cause a death if the sensor is not working properly and the vehicle was in an accident.

NHTSA ODI 11486109

This is the same issue we are seeing with our other Subaru where we come out to drive and the battery is dead. We would jump the battery and be able to drive for the day and the next day the battery is dead in the morning. I replaced the battery several times over the last few year and the battery would die with a less than 2 month old battery. I was driving around in both cars with jumper cables permanently. After taking it to the dealer, the battery was in great condition, the alternator was charging properly and there is a known electrical issue with this model and year that is part of a class action lawsuit. I had to replace my rear gate module electrical unit because it was going on and off in the night and draining my battery. I will be looking to get re-eimbursed for this company issue.

NHTSA ODI 11483974

The windshield cracked without anything happening. It started at the bottom and moved it's way up.

NHTSA ODI 11481933

I am unable to remove key from ignition switch when the car is placed in park requiring shifting several times to finally remove key. 2017 Forester with less than 40,000 miles on it.

NHTSA ODI 11482105

If you do not start the car everyday, the car drains the battery. Car must be jumped.nothing left on. It has a battery drain problem.

NHTSA ODI 11481885