2017 SUBARU FORESTER Recalls, Complaints & Safety

I was driving around the city at about 25mph and the hood flew open, almost entirely blocking my view out the front of the car. I was able to pull off into a parking lot and reclose the hood and get home. A couple of days later, I set out on a longer road trip and I carefully checked that the hood was closed securely, even texting my partner about it when I checked. 3 or 4 hours into the drive, while going 65mph on the interstate, the hood flew open again, shattering through the windshield. Thankfully I was able to avoid any collisions and pull over to the side of the road, but the windshield, hood, fenders, sunroof, and some interior pieces (rearview mirror, console on the roof) were dislodged. My passenger and I could easily have been killed.

The driver’s seat in my 2017 Subaru Forester suddenly became loose and moves left to right while driving. The vehicle has only 27,000 miles, has never been in an accident, and has been meticulously maintained. The Subaru dealer diagnosed failed seat frame rail guides and replaced the entire seat undercarriage at a cost of $1,742 because the guides cannot be replaced individually. The dealer stated they had never seen this failure before. Because the seat moves laterally while driving, I believe this represents a potential safety defect.

My 2017 Subaru Forester Touring (VIN: [XXX] , 118,200 mi) has a recurring EyeSight failure where the system becomes disabled and will not complete camera registration or calibration. Subaru of Sterling (VA) diagnosed active code B28A0 “Vehicle Model Judgment” and noted that the EyeSight stereo camera would not accept vehicle model registration. The technician documented: “Error for camera adjustment incomplete. When attempting to relearn UI for Eyesight camera, system is not taking vehicle registration; suggests camera replacement and perform recalibration.” This occurred after a confirmed DCM/STARLINK parasitic draw had caused repeated low‑voltage conditions until the dealer reset the DCM to factory mode (per the RO: “No further draw present at this time”), suggesting EyeSight registration may have failed due to prior voltage instability rather than true hardware failure. Subaru's service flow for B28A0 indicates this code can occur when the model write/registration is incomplete, interrupted, or mismatched—not necessarily when a camera has failed. Subaru lists causes such as: CAN communication issues, incorrect model registration, incomplete write due to ignition timing, or power/fuse issues during aiming (EyeSight diagnostic manuals). I am reporting this to NHTSA because EyeSight is a safety-critical system that governs adaptive cruise, lane keep assist, and pre-collision braking. My dealer is recommending camera replacement without documenting that Subaru’s required pre‑replacement steps (model registration inspection, CAN/LAN re-scan, voltage and fuse verification, genuine-part verification, etc.) have been completed. I request ODI review because EyeSight should not fail to register unless hardware is defective or a procedural/voltage issue exists. I want this documented in case this represents a broader pattern of EyeSight registration/calibration failures on Forester models using the same stereo camera platform. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

My 2017 Subaru Forester [Touring] (VIN: [VIN]) has a recurring front passenger airbag deactivation problem even when an adult is seated and belted. The console shows “Passenger Airbag OFF” with an adult occupant. The seatbelt chime recognizes a passenger, but the airbag remains OFF. In many cases, the airbag will only enable if the passenger sits after engine start—classic Occupant Detection System (ODS) misclassification behavior. The ODS recall WUM‑98 (NHTSA 19V‑701) for 2015–2018 Forester was completed before I purchased the vehicle in April 2020, but the same safety condition has returned. On 02/25/2025 at Subaru of Sterling (VA), the dealer wrote: “Seats: occupant detection sensor mat circuit code. passenger side seat sensor mat has failed causing air bag light. recommend replacing passenger side seat bottom in the amount of $2,276.51.” I was also told the recall was “voided” because it had been completed before my ownership, and I must pay $2,276.51 to restore airbag function. I opened a case with Subaru of America: 25‑982548‑811. This is the same hazard identified in NHTSA 19V‑701 (Subaru WUM‑98)—the ODS may misclassify an occupied seat and deactivate the passenger airbag, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. I am requesting NHTSA to record this as a post‑remedy recurrence and to follow up with Subaru to ensure a permanent corrective action (e.g., seat cushion/ODS sensor replacement) without shifting cost to owners. I can provide the dealer RO/estimate and photos/video upon request. Dates & Dealer: Subaru of Sterling (VA), 02/25/2025; RO amount $2,276.51 SOA Case: 25‑982548‑811 Recall Reference: Subaru WUM‑98 / NHTSA 19V‑701 (Forester 2015–2018 ODS misclassification)

My 2017 Subaru Forester Touring (VIN: [XXX] , 118,200 mi) has a recurring EyeSight failure where the system becomes disabled and will not complete camera registration or calibration. Subaru of Sterling (VA) diagnosed active code B28A0 “Vehicle Model Judgment” and noted that the EyeSight stereo camera would not accept vehicle model registration. The technician documented: “Error for camera adjustment incomplete. When attempting to relearn UI for Eyesight camera, system is not taking vehicle registration; suggests camera replacement and perform recalibration.” This occurred after a confirmed DCM/STARLINK parasitic draw had caused repeated low‑voltage conditions until the dealer reset the DCM to factory mode (per the RO: “No further draw present at this time”), suggesting EyeSight registration may have failed due to prior voltage instability rather than true hardware failure. Subaru's service flow for B28A0 indicates this code can occur when the model write/registration is incomplete, interrupted, or mismatched—not necessarily when a camera has failed. Subaru lists causes such as: CAN communication issues, incorrect model registration, incomplete write due to ignition timing, or power/fuse issues during aiming (EyeSight diagnostic manuals). I am reporting this to NHTSA because EyeSight is a safety-critical system that governs adaptive cruise, lane keep assist, and pre-collision braking. My dealer is recommending camera replacement without documenting that Subaru’s required pre‑replacement steps (model registration inspection, CAN/LAN re-scan, voltage and fuse verification, genuine-part verification, etc.) have been completed. I request ODI review because EyeSight should not fail to register unless hardware is defective or a procedural/voltage issue exists. I want this documented in case this represents a broader pattern of EyeSight registration/calibration failures on Forester models using the same stereo camera platform. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

There is intermittent failure of the passenger air bag occupancy detection system (ODS). This shows up as aporadic display of the passenger air bag failure code in the car, and became more frequent until the code rained on. This was previously an issue, but a couple years ago I performed the Subaru issued recall related to this sensor and it went away for a time. Now the same issue has come back. It is pretty clear that the issue has persisted and the recall did not adequately address the issue, but Subaru refuses to address the issue, citing the completed recall. In searching online, it seems that many others have this same experience. \n\nIf the passenger air bag fails to deploy in a crash this is clearly a major safety issue that Subaru should take steps to resolve, even if it means replacing the sensor multiple times.

The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that upon opening the tailgate, the tailgate quickly fell unintendedly and struck the contact's head while the contact was retrieving items from the trunk. The contact sustained head soreness but had not received medical attention. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the tailgate sending unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000. The VIN was not available.

1 injured

After traveling for unknown number of miles on repeated occasions, arriving at the destinations to the smell of burning oil. Smell was evident while driving as well. Subaru was able to diagnose this issue to a leaking CVT pump seal causing CVT fluid to leak and run down on top of the transmission pan onto the hot exhaust system. Subaru has acknowledge this is an issue back in 2016 due to the sealant us from the factory. Customer was quoted $1400 for the repair this known issue. Vehicle had 90,000 miles at the time of occurrence.

Intermittently, for the past few months, either when I wish to back up or go forward, a buzzer will sound, the anti-lock brakes and eye-sight indicators on the dash will say that neither system is working. The brakes malfunction and the steering wheel is very difficult to turn. Turning off the engine and restarting once or twice usually solves the problem, as if restarting reboots the system. But then the problem recurs randomly on another day. The most recent date of occurrence is listed under additional details

Airbag light came on intermittently at first, then constantly in 2023. It was determined to be a defective ODS in the passenger seat, and was repaired at Subaru’s expense “Goodwill” on November 2 2023. Again in 2025, the SRS alert appeared intermittently at first, then continuously that the system needed service. The car was at Fox Subaru for 8 days, and eventually I was told by Subaru Customer Advocacy they would not cover the expensive repair for a second failure, and I’m reluctant to pay for it based on my concern for its reliability. The defective component is still in the car, but I cannot accommodate a front seat passenger safely. Both times, I was told “probable” moisture damage, although the first repair in 2023 revealed no moisture, and this seat has never gotten wet. A failure of the front passenger airbag would put a front seat passenger as higher risk in a collision. In 2020 a recall of the ODS electrical harness was repaired under recall. There has been a recall of Subaru Outback, for a similar failure of the ODS sensor. Other 2017 Subaru Forrester owners have posted online of similar issues and excuses from Subaru.

There was a recall on this vehicle from 2022, and we did not own this vehicle at that time. Recall passenger side airbag contact under seat can cause fire or electrical issues. I contacted Subaru and they said the recall was satisfied in 2022. If that's the case, the repair piece must have been faulty as the issue has come back. The dealership I took the car to said they have seen about 4 of this same issue within the last two weeks. Subaru is unwilling to assist in this, and I cannot pay the 1800.00 dollars the dealership wants to repair this vehicle. I've asked more questions of Subaru since their answer and have not received a response. I would like to know why their website says this was complete July 15, 2025, not 2022. It was not complete in 2025, or we would have had the repair done. Any help in getting someone to see if this is in fact another recall and how to tell if the recall was truly completed in 2022, possible faulty recall parts now. This is crazy if numerous folks have gone in with the same issue. We need Subaru to take a good look at this.

On feb 28 2025 I bumped into car at stop light. Don’t know how it happened. 11 4th about 2 as I was stopped behind car at bank, the car lunged forward-jumped- no reason for it. This is the 4th time something has happed. I slammed on brakes so no incident this time. I am being cautious such as staying 1car length back. Vehicle is accelerating without cause.

Crash

Two incidents happened first battery died, we replaced the battery. Then Battery died again, we replaced the alternator on June 5, 2025. Then on Saturday September 13, 2025; all system lights came on at once on the dashboard then the battery died again. Car locks up and is stalled out. Cannot restart car, has to be towed. We replaced the battery cable and cleaned the terminals. Three months later, December 1, 2025; the battery light came on then all system lights came on at once, the battery died again. This happened on Interstate 95, it could easily have caused a crash. Car locks up again and is stalled out again. Cannot restart car again, has to be towed again. Something in the electrical is causing this, we do not know what.

Passenger airbag safety intermittently turns on stating that the passenger airbag is not able to deploy. If I turn the car off and on it goes away and doesn't turn until another time I start the car. Also detects a passenger in the seat when there is no passenger or weight in that seat. Overall some sort of issue with the airbag safety system in the front passenger seat. I will state no liquids have been spilled on the seat.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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)

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.