2017 SUBARU FORESTER

1 recalls, 800 complaints - 569 TSBs - 5/5 safety rating

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

Defect Description

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.

Consequence

If the connection loosens, the front passenger airbag may deactivate even though the seat is occupied, increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger in the event of a crash.

Remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the ODS sensor mat harness, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUM-98.

366,282 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.

Complaint Statistics

800 total complaints 60 crashes 2 fires 34 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
AIR BAGS	114
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	104
VISIBILITY/WIPER	100
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	94
ENGINE	59
POWER TRAIN	54
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	37
STEERING	33
SEATS	23
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION	22

Incident date: May 30, 2026

On May 30, 2026, I was driving the freeway 2(Glendale Fwy) south, I was using the cruise control and driving 63 0r 68 miles. All of sudden, my car start to shaking violently, moving toward right lane, so I tried move my car back to my lane. My car was out of control and driving zig zag way then we... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: May 30, 2026

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: May 30, 2026

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Aug 26, 2026

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 ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 18, 2026

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 veh... Read more

Incident date: Aug 18, 2026

Incident date: Jun 1, 2026

The airbag sensor in the passenger front seat has malfunctioned and it is indicating that the passenger airbag will not deploy. This is after the recall that was completed on the ODS from service campaign 19V701000.

Incident date: Aug 18, 2026

Incident date: Jul 1, 2026

On Saturday July 25th, while driving at 70 mph on the highway, my van lost the ability to accelerate or maintain velocity. There was no warning or indication that this was going to happen. There was a beep and the screen flashed to a screen that said to pull over immediately and safely. Surprised... Read more

Incident date: Jul 1, 2025

I was in an active car wash and the truck stalled and engaged Auto-park and I was nearly hit by the car behind me in the car wash.

Incident date: Jul 1, 2025

I was in an active car wash and the truck stalled and engaged Auto-park and I was nearly hit by the car behind me in the car wash.

Incident date: Jun 25, 2026

Engine reached high temperature on July 2 2016 the results of which required the replacement of the radiator. Apparently there is a class action regarding coolant system issues for my vehicles 2.0L engine. The radiator failure may be the result of this issue. Engine overheated

Incident date: Jun 25, 2026

I lost my low beams about a year ago and also one high beam. Just one month ago that headlight went out also. I have read that there are wiring problems r/t the Pontiac G6. I am unable to drive my car at night without headlights. The fuses, bulbs and relay switches are intact and working. My me... Read more

Incident date: Nov 12, 2025

COMPONENTS THAT FAILED: Multiple systems failed in a connected chain. (1) The DPF aftertreatment differential pressure sensor — a CONFIRMED manufacturing defect per Cummins recall T7186/T7187 (Jan 2026). (2) The Allison automatic transmission — catastrophic internal failure: torque converter des... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2026

My Jeep will not operate correctly in the electric mode after a software update that was required to resolve a recall. The vehicle loses power in the electric mode and surges into the gasoline mode suddenly. This occurs after the vehicle has been driven a while and when the battery level drops bel... Read more

Incident date: Jan 1, 2025

THE REAR CAMBER AND TOE ADJUSTER CAMS ARE COMING LOOSE. NOTICING A PROBLEM WITH 2 DIFFERENT CUSTOMER'S PALISADES. BOTH MODELS UNDER 50000 MILES. VEHICLES HAD NOT BEEN ALIGNED SINCE THE OEM BUILD.

Incident date: Jan 1, 2025

As I was driving in to my driveway slowly, and applying the brake my 2023 Ford F-150 accerated and lunged forward.

Crash

Incident date: Jun 10, 2026

High voltage fast charge contactors experienced partial weld failure (BMS_a167_SW_FC_Partial_Weld) during routine Supercharging, causing complete HV system shutdown (hvState = HV_DOWN). Vehicle also threw BMS_a085/a086 Pack and Fast Charge Contactor Mismatch codes. Tesla service is refusing to cover... Read more

Incident date: Jun 7, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated upon shifting into park(P), the tailgate opened independently. A dealer was contacted. No warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact there would a charge for the repair because the VIN ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 7, 2026

I am reporting a safety-related failure of an aftermarket bull bar / grille guard purchased through Amazon. The bull bar detached from the vehicle while the vehicle was in motion on a public road. After detaching, the bar was dragged on the road and was only partially held by the fog light wiring. ... Read more

Incident date: May 31, 2026

Vehicle radiator cracked at 31k miles on the highway leaving myself and my family stranded. My roof has been leaking since I bought the vehicle and Mazda keeps saying they can't replicate the issue and if I can find it they will then fix it. I don't think that's my job. I bought a car that I expect... Read more

Incident date: Apr 30, 2026

The engine seized up and car will not start. Luckily, I was trying to start the car in my driveway when this happened, but it would have been dangerous had it happened while I was driving. All of the warning lamps and messages started when the issue begin. The vehicle was inspected and the proble... Read more

Incident date: Apr 3, 2025

Transmission issues, Hard Shifting & Slipping

Incident date: May 9, 2026

While driving on the interstate over 2 hours from home the car put itself into neutral and almost caused us to get into a collision. While accelerating after a construction zone, the lights on the dash of the vehicle lit up with transmission, emissions, electronic parking brake, and more codes. The ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 13, 2017

I was driving on the Highway, and went to accelerate and my car went into Limp Mode in the middle of the highway and I was almost not able to get to the emergency lane due to not being able to accelerate. I took it to the nearest auto mechanic shop, and they informed they could not work on it or dia... Read more

Incident date: Dec 1, 2025

I have 2 issues going on with my vehicle. The trim on the outside of my doors is coming off which I know was a recall for some telluride vehicles about this old. Also ive been having some electrical issues/hot smell like something is burning if the heated seats get turned on.

Incident date: Mar 26, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, and the engine lost automotive power. The vehicle was able to restart. During a second failure, the vehicle lost automotive power and stalled in the middle of the hi... Read more

Incident date: Feb 13, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the message "Service ABS lock and ABS System"... Read more

Incident date: Jan 10, 2025

See attached document for complaint. In November 2024 I received a letter regarding a transmission recall related to my truck. This came almost 1 year after I had to have my transmission replaced for the reason stated in the recall letter. I have now reached out twice to the Ford Motor Company to t... Read more

Incident date: Jan 10, 2025

Coolant smell when parked with engine running. Radiator was replaced under warranty at ~16,000 miles Coolant smell again ~49,000 miles. "Pressure tested at dealership with following notes: "Found radiator core on driver side seeping/leaking. provided estimate on cost. no repair made during this visi... Read more

Incident date: Jan 10, 2025

The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328I. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the vehicle was idling rough and occasionally, the vehicle lost automotive power. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but was more frequent. The contact stated that the check engine warning light... Read more

Incident date: Jan 15, 2025

the backup camera has had a flicker/black screen issue since the car was purchased. after recall 24V480000 was applied to the vehicle, the flickering, black screen and no image issues persisted with the backup camera. dealership says software is up to date and this site shows the recall was applied ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 1, 2026

1. Total transmission failure. Kept up with maintenance, but I changed the transmission fluid and suddenly it just died. Transmission just gave out and it's been a fancy lawn ornament for the last 6 months. 2. God forbid I was anywhere that wasn't inside my neighborhood. If I was anywhere else the ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 1, 2026

My 2022 Nissan Rogue VC-Turbo has progressively worsening engine knocking and vibration since ~30,000 miles. Dealer documented: “Found variable compression ratio actuator to be making noise” (see repair order). Symptoms persist at idle, acceleration, and when warm. Recall 25V-437 is marked compl... Read more

Incident date: Feb 12, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Volvo XC40. The contact stated while at a stop sign or a stop light, the engine revved loudly, and the vehicle suddenly lunged forward out of control. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of... Read more

Incident date: Feb 20, 2026

MY 2025 TACOMA is part of a recall by Toyota, I was notified of the potential issue on early November 2025 and told Toyota was working on a remedy. On December 3rd, 2025 while using 4-wheel drive during a snow storm the drive shaft (recall issue) broke. On December 4th, 2025, the local Toyota deal... Read more

Incident date: Feb 14, 2026

This was just the latest with this transmission. It happens 2 to 3 times per week. This time it was an intersection with a slight down hill. I stopped, then let off the brake as a car past in front of me. Since it was down hill, the truck started to roll forward. I then pressed on the gas pedal... Read more

Incident date: Feb 14, 2026

Passenger seat caught fire while vehicle was parked in attached garage and self-extinguished. Insurance deemed vehicle total loss due to extent of damage.

Fire

Incident date: Oct 1, 2025

[XXX] [XXX] , [XXX] [XXX] 2/7/26 To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally express my concern regarding ongoing, critical safety issues with my vehicle, which have been increasingly dangerous while driving. These issues appear to be interconnected and involve multiple components, includin... Read more

Incident date: Dec 3, 2025

I came up to a stop sign on a snow cover highway. When I applied the brakes my ABS brakes came on, but instead of slowing down, I felt the vehicle accelerating instead. I was pushed into the middle of the intersection and involved in an accident. An accident report was filed with the state of Wiscon... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Dec 3, 2025

The contact owns a 2023 ATC PL700 RV. The contact stated that while the RV was stationary, there was an abnormal popping sound with an abnormal burning odor. The RV was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a junction box failure. The RV was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that... Read more

Incident date: Dec 3, 2025

Crash

Incident date: Feb 28, 2025

The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the gas cap failed to close securely and was loose. Additionally, the contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V058000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 25V595000 (Electrical System); however, the parts to do the recall ... Read more

Incident date: Dec 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving home at 25 MPH, the rear brake hose ruptured. The brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle was slow to respond. The contact was able to stop in the driveway. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received noti... Read more

Incident date: Dec 1, 2025

I am submitting this complaint to report a safety issue with the turn-signal buttons on my steering wheel of the 2024–2025 Tesla Model 3 Highland. The turn-signal buttons are located on the steering wheel surface instead of a traditional stalk. When the steering wheel is turned at any angle, the b... Read more

Incident date: Dec 1, 2025

Incident date: Nov 16, 2025

On November 9th, the vehicle became undrivable with the following alerts: "Stop safely now", "Pre-collision assist not available", "Check Brake System", "Front Camera Temporarily not available", "service vehicle soon", "service advance trac", "hill start assist not available" The accelerator was non... Read more

Incident date: Nov 16, 2025

As I was backing out of my garage and begin to turn, my steering wheel became very stiff and my Dash displayed electronic power steering fault service required causing me to almost end up in my neighbor's yard and barely able to make it back into my garage It All Happened instantly with no prior pro... Read more

Incident date: Oct 20, 2025

Rear passenger seat buckle not working. We have always had a car seat that was tethered at this seat and have not had to use the seat buckle until yesterday when we decided to reconfigure to high back booster configuration and tried to use the seat belt to buckle the kid in.

Incident date: Jun 1, 2025

We noticed that one of our tires was leaning inwards and the alignment was completely shot. There was no event that caused this but just noticed it one day driving. After having to replace two new tires, we took it into the Tesla dealership and they found that the control arm and suspension as well ... Read more

Showing 50 of 800 complaints.

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2017 SUBARU FORESTER

2017 Subaru Forester SUV AWD

Category	Rating
Overall Rating	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Frontal Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash, Passenger	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Side Crash	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Passenger	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Rollover	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Rollover Risk	16.9%

Safety Technology

Feature	Status
Electronic Stability Control	Standard
Forward Collision Warning	Optional
Lane Departure Warning	Optional

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings Program. Ratings are based on crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2017 SUBARU FORESTER

569 manufacturer communications from 198 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	120
350000 EQUIPMENT	115
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	43
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY	27
100000 POWER TRAIN	26
220000 SEATS	18
140000 AIR BAGS	16
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL	14

350000 EQUIPMENT

T16 Warranty Extension (15-317-24R) Frequently Asked Questions.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

T16 Warranty Extension (15-317-24R) Frequently Asked Questions.

350000 EQUIPMENT

In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the Data Communication Module (DCM) Warranty from 3 years (36 months) of 36,000 miles to 8 years (96 months) or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin announces repair procedures to be used when diagnosing dark current draw (parasitic draw) on vehicles equipped with Gen 1 Data Control Modules.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin announces repair procedures to be used when diagnosing dark current draw (parasitic draw) on vehicles equipped with Gen 1 Data Control Modules.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin provides a repair procedure when diagnosing dark current draw on vehicles with GEN 1 Data Control Modules.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin provides a repair procedure when diagnosing dark current draw on vehicles with GEN 1 Data Control Modules.

143100 AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

Due to limited part supply, the availability of the passenger front seat cushion may not satisfy demand. To reduce extended downtime for the customer, this bulletin announces the diagnostic and repair procedures to be used when DTC B1760 (O

220000 SEATS

140000 AIR BAGS

350000 EQUIPMENT

Subaru has extended the Data Communication Module (DCM) warranty from 3 years 36,000mi to 8 years or 100,000mi. In rare cases, customers may experience a dead battery as a result of the DCM continually trying to access the 3G network.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

350000 EQUIPMENT

This letter provides information regarding the warranty extension for the Telematics Data Communications Module (DCM).

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This letter provides information regarding the warranty extension for the Telematics Data Communications Module (DCM).

350000 EQUIPMENT

This announcement provides information in regard to the extension of the basic new car limited warranty for the Telematics Data Communication Module (DCM). This coverage will apply to the vehicles listed for vehicles sold or leased in the U

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

350000 EQUIPMENT

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is extending the Data Communication Module (DCM) warranty from three years (36 months or 36K miles) to eight years (96 months or 100K miles), whichever comes first. This extension is in light of the rare cas

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin provides procedures required for reprogramming the Data Communication Module (DCM) in Gen 1 Subaru vehicles due to sunsetting of the 3G network.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin provides procedures required for reprogramming the Data Communication Module (DCM) in Gen 1 Subaru vehicles due to sunsetting of the 3G network.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin addresses rare cases of engine surg or jolting when the operator releases the accelerator from half-throttle.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin addresses rare cases of engine surg or jolting when the operator releases the accelerator from half-throttle.

061600 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)

This bulletin announces diagnostic procedures and availability of new Engine Control Module (ECM) reprogramming files to address DTC P2404 (Evap System Leak Detection Pump Sense Circuit Range/Performance) detection.

350000 EQUIPMENT

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

350000 EQUIPMENT

In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. is extending the New Car Basic Warranty coverage for the 12 Volt batteries used in the above listed models and model years beyond the original three (3) years or thirty six t

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

350000 EQUIPMENT

This Service Information Bulletin announces diagnostic service procedures to be followed when DTC P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1) is detected by the Engine Control Module (ECM).

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

350000 EQUIPMENT

063140 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

260000 FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

This Bulletin announces additional information regarding error codes 1403- 1407 encountered when attempting an adjustment/calibration of the EyeSightA? system after body repair procedures have been performed.

350000 EQUIPMENT

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin announces a design change to the CVT select lever (shifter) mechanism in response to isolated customer concerns of not being able to remove the key from the ignition switch when the vehicle is in Park.

100000 POWER TRAIN

350000 EQUIPMENT

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.

170000 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.

111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

353610 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:SOFTWARE

This Bulletin provides reference tables and photos to use for determining the infotainment head unit supplier and generation.

353600 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT

This Bulletin provides reference tables and photos to use for determining the infotainment head unit supplier and generation.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This Bulletin provides reference tables and photos to use for determining the infotainment head unit supplier and generation.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Bulletin provides reference tables and photos to use for determining the infotainment head unit supplier and generation.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin announces the recommended cleaning procedures to followed when encountering vehicles with long time exposure to pollen on painted surfaces on vehicles imported from Japan. This bulletin does not apply to SIA built vehicles.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The purpose of this Bulletin is to provide procedures for the diagnosis and repair of oil seepage which may be coming from the timing chain cover, front camshaft cap, camshaft carrier and / or upper oil pan.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin announces repair procedures to be used when diagnosing dark current draw (parasitic draw) on vehicles equipped with Gen 1 Data Control Modules.

353600 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT

This Bulletin provides reference tables and photos to use for determining the infotainment head unit supplier and generation.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This Bulletin provides reference tables and photos to use for determining the infotainment head unit supplier and generation.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Bulletin provides reference tables and photos to use for determining the infotainment head unit supplier and generation.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Service Information Bulletin provides an updated diagnostic flow along with an IMPORTANT caution to follow for certain CVT solenoid related DTCs as listed.

100000 POWER TRAIN

This Service Information Bulletin provides an updated diagnostic flow along with an IMPORTANT caution to follow for certain CVT solenoid related DTCs as listed.

350000 EQUIPMENT

Subaru Battery Drain Product Liability Litigation.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Subaru Battery Drain Product Liability Litigation.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Subaru Battery Drain Product Liability Litigation.

350000 EQUIPMENT

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin announces Warranty Extension and design changes made to the front exhaust pipe and covers to address the concerns of some customers regarding a rattle-type noise or fluttering sound coming from the undercarriage, during accele

350000 EQUIPMENT

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

As part of Subarua??s dedication to customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is announcing an extension to the Emissions Warranty for Front Exhaust Pipe Bellows cracks on certain 2017-2018MY Forester vehicles. This will extend c

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Subaru Battery Drain Product Liability Litigation.

020000 SUSPENSION

This bulletin announces a design change made to the front stabilizer bushings.

350000 EQUIPMENT

Battery Class Action Settlement Updates.

111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

Battery Class Action Settlement Updates.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Battery Class Action Settlement Updates.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin provides updated parts information and a service procedure to follow for removing accumulated carbon deposits from fuel injectors and internal engine components.

111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

Battery Class Action Settlement Resources. (2)

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Battery Class Action Settlement Resources. (2)

350000 EQUIPMENT

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide a description of current changes to Service Manuals.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin announces a warranty extension information regarding 12 Volt vehicle batteries.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin announces a warranty extension information regarding 12 Volt vehicle batteries.

350000 EQUIPMENT

Battery Drain Class Action Settlement- Warranty Extension Training.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Battery Drain Class Action Settlement- Warranty Extension Training.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Announcement to Subaru Retailers regarding the preliminary settlement in a class action lawsuit regarding battery drain in certain Subaru vehicles.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin provides updated parts information and a service procedure to follow for removing accumulated carbon deposits from fuel injectors and internal engine components (e.g. intake valves and / or manifold, and combustion chambers).

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin announces a warranty extension information regarding 12 Volt vehicle batteries.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.

350000 EQUIPMENT

Special Edition, 2012 current model subaru evaporative diagnostics and smoke testing.

346000 COMMUNICATION:MANUFACTURER TELEMATICS

This Bulletin announces the preferred practices to be used when handling vehicles equipped with Gen2 Telematics which are enrolled in the Subaru STARLINKA? Security Plus Service featuring Stolen Vehicle Recovery Plus with Immobilizer.

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

350000 EQUIPMENT

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

350000 EQUIPMENT

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

This bulletin announces a design change made to the front stabilizer bushings.

020000 SUSPENSION

This bulletin announces a design change made to the front stabilizer bushings.

220000 SEATS

This bulletin announces a design change made to the Slide Rail components of the left and right front power seat frame / track assembliesd.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin announces a design change to the CVT select lever mechanism in response to isolated customer concerns of not being able to remove the key from the ignition switch when the vehicle is in Park.

100000 POWER TRAIN

150000 SEAT BELTS

This bulletin provides a procedure to address customer concerns of a squeaking sound originating from where the front seat belt buckle assembly attaches to the seat frame.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin announces the Service Manual correction for the diagnostic trouble tree for DTC C2521 and/or DTC 21.

350000 EQUIPMENT

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide a description of current changes to Service Manuals available via the Subaru Technical Information System (STIS) web site.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic essential information during diagnosis and repair of the Infotainment concerns. (Applicable to all models with Harman or Denso CP1 Infotainment).

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Going forward when a customera??s vehicle is equipped with a DCM that does not have Software version ID DCM_06.00.17_20190816 installed and they wish to subscribe to Starlink Telematics Service, the DCM must be replaced.

Showing 100 of 569 bulletins.

NHTSA Safety Investigations, SUBARU FORESTER

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2016

Occupant Detection System (ODS) Failure

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE19-009 to investigate 51 complaints and additional Early Warning Report (EWR) data related to allegations of front passenger seat Occupant Detection System (ODS) malfunctions in model year (MY) 2016 through 2018 Subaru Forester vehicles. These vehic... les use a capacitive type ODS, which is intended to classify the occupant of the passenger seat as either full-sized, small stature, a child seat or other object. The complaints reported the ODS failed to operate properly, the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) warning light illuminated, and/or the ODS incorrectly suppressed (turned off) the front passenger air bag when the seat was occupied by a full-sized passenger. In a frontal crash that is sufficient to warrant deployment, a suppressed air bag may increase the risk of injury to the occupant of the seat.On August 14, 2019 ODI sent an Information Request (IR) to Subaru requesting information on the subject vehicles and MY 2014-2015 Subaru Forester vehicles.On October 3, 2019, Subaru submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA describing a safety defect in the passenger-side front airbag Occupant Detection System (ODS) harness of 366,282 MY 2015-2018 Subaru Forester vehicles equipped with seat heaters.The DIR stated that over time, due to a decrease in contact pressure between the terminals in the ODS sensor mat harness, a temporarily unstable electrical connection may be possible. If the connection is temporarily unstable, the ODS may not properly determine the status of the right front seat occupant. If the ODS is unable to correctly determine the status of the front occupant, the airbag warning light may illuminate, and the front passenger airbag may deactivate even though the seat is occupied, increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger in the event of a crash.Using vehicle production data and field occurrence frequency, Subaru determined the potentially affected vehicle production range to be between January 20, 2015 ?and August 1, 2017.In addition, Subaru indicated that over 99 percent of the related MY 2015-2018 field reports with vehicles in the production range involved vehicles with seat heaters.NHTSA's analysis of complaint and warranty claim data showed 1,440 of the complaints and 11,672 of the claims involve vehicles with seat heaters that were built within the production range covered by Subaru's recall.In addition, NHTSA's analysis showed a complaint rate of 393.1 per hundred thousand vehicles for the recalled population and 89.0 for MY 2014 through 2018 vehicles that are not included in the recall. Analysis of warranty claim data found a claim rate of 3.2 percent for the recalled population and 0.3 percent for MY 2014 through 2018 vehicles that are not included in the recall.Subaru will instruct owners with Subaru Forester vehicles produced in the affected vehicle production range, to bring their vehicles to a dealer to have the sensor mat harness, inspected and replaced with a new part, including the seat cushion assembly, if necessary.Based on ODI's analysis, the actions taken by Subaru mitigate any unreasonable risk to safety posed by ODS sensor mat failures in the subject vehicles. For subject and peer vehicles outside the recall population and those equipped without seat heaters, ODI's analysis indicates that there is currently no safety-related defect trend. Given these circumstances, further use of the agency resources in this matter does not appear to be warranted. Accordingly, this investigation is closed.Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1999

SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE SEPARATION

ODI HAS ONE COMPLAINT ALLEGING THE PASSENGER'S SIDE SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGE, LOCATED BETWEEN THE SEAT AND CENTER CONSOLE, BECAME DETACHED WHILE DRIVING.IN ADDITION, THE OWNER INSPECTED THE DRIVER'S SIDE SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGE AND FOUND THAT THE BOLT WAS PARTIALLY BACKED-OUT.THE COMPLAINT VEHICLE WAS EQ... Read more

SUBARU FORESTER - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the SUBARU FORESTER across all model years (1998, 2026).

116 Total Recalls

8,731 Total Complaints

2 Investigations

801 Reported Crashes

139 Reported Fires

9 Reported Deaths

SUBARU FORESTER - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2026	3	28	View
2025	3	127	View
2024	2	41	View
2023	1	110	View
2022	1	142	View
2021	0	285	View
2020	0	812	View
2019	3	1,088	View
2018	3	679	View
2017 (current)	1	800
2016	3	619	View
2015	3	897	View
2014	2	576	View
2013	12	94	View
2012	15	140	View
2011	16	195	View
2010	17	307	View
2009	18	228	View
2008	1	67	View
2007	1	89	View
2006	2	121	View
2005	1	105	View
2004	2	270	View
2003	3	238	View
2002	1	109	View
2001	0	169	View
2000	0	95	View
1999	1	156	View
1998	1	138	View

Other SUBARU Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
IMPREZA	321	3,425	View
LEGACY	307	4,132	View
OUTBACK	288	12,131	View
SOLTERRA	259	109	View
WRX	190	1,208	View
ASCENT	112	1,248	View
TRIBECA	70	51	View
CROSSTREK	42	1,453	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

2017 SUBARU FORESTER

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2017 SUBARU FORESTER

Safety Technology

Technical Service Bulletins, 2017 SUBARU FORESTER

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, SUBARU FORESTER

SUBARU FORESTER - All Years Overview

SUBARU FORESTER - Year by Year

Other SUBARU Models