NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 592 owner complaints for the 2017 Subaru Forester. Most complaints involve air bags (167) and electrical system (106). The EPA rates it 24–28 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Forester model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1998 | 101 |
| 1999 | 134 |
| 2000 | 75 |
| 2001 | 142 |
| 2002 | 92 |
| 2003 | 191 |
| 2004 | 219 |
| 2005 | 93 |
| 2006 | 88 |
| 2007 | 74 |
| 2008 | 50 |
| 2009 | 178 |
| 2010 | 262 |
| 2011 | 147 |
| 2012 | 106 |
| 2013 | 78 |
| 2014 | 403 |
| 2015 | 616 |
| 2016 | 416 |
| 2017 | 592 |
| 2018 | 498 |
| 2019 | 834 |
| 2020 | 603 |
| 2021 | 214 |
| 2022 | 100 |
| 2023 | 74 |
| 2024 | 31 |
| 2025 | 100 |
| 2026 | 34 |
“The Occupant Detection Sensor had a recall in 2019 and we replaced under that recall in 2020, but the part has once again failed and in looking at other Subaru forums, many others with this model year of Subaru Forester have dealt with the same ODS replaced ODS sensor failing again. This sensor deactivates the passenger airbag.”
“The airbag warning light for the front passenger seat has been intermittently lighting. Both when the passenger seat is occupied and vacant. The light sometimes indicates the passenger airbag is off when there is a passenger in the seat. I took the car to the Subaru dealer where I purchased the vehicle.. Per the dealership service report: “SCANNED CODES AND FOUND CODE B1760 STORED IN BODY CONTROL MODULE REGARDING THE PASSENGER FRONT SEAT BOTTOM. RECOMMEND REPLACEMENT DUE TO A FAULTY OCCUPANT DETECTION SENSOR.” This car was recalled several years ago regarding the passenger seat airbag sensor issue. The car was serviced per the recall. This car has not been in an accident. The car has approximately 70,000 miles which were driven primarily by me. The front passenger seat was occupied less than 25 percent of the time. There was never anything spilled on the seat. The seat was not used to transport anything other than a passenger. The dealer service department now wants $1566.79 to fix this issue. I contend that recall did not fix the issue correctly and I should not be charged for a faulty part or design that was not properly remedied the first time. The dealer…”
“I was leaving home and driving in the neighborhood when I noticed that it was a crack on my windshield and there was no damaged or debris at the time. I didn’t hear anything nor there any trees or cars that will kick up rocks or bad weather It was strange to have happened and I thought it had to be a defective windshield. I looked to see if there were a recall and it was but not for the year but it was advised to submit a complaint with NHTSA. I had a windshield inspect from Safelite and the windshield company that I used to replace the windshield and calibrate it. I spent a total of $620 in repairs”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester AWD Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · All-Wheel Drive | 26 | 32 | 28 | $2,300 | 315 |
| Forester AWD Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 23 | 27 | 25 | $3,200 | 359 |
| Forester AWD Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L · All-Wheel Drive | 22 | 28 | 24 | $2,700 | 368 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
1 safety recall as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 592 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (167), electrical system (106), visibility/wiper (104). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2017 Subaru Forester at 24–28 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2017 Subaru Forester 5 out of 5 stars overall.