NHTSA vehicle safety data
2017 Subaru Forester Recalls, Ratings & Complaints
The 2017 Subaru Forester has 1 NHTSA recall campaign and 593 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Subaru dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2017 Subaru Forester, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
2017 Subaru Forester owner complaints
Owners have filed 593 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Subaru Forester, describing incidents dated June 30, 2016 to October 20, 2026.
Most-cited components
- Air Bags 167 complaints
- Visibility/Wiper 116 complaints
- Electrical System 106 complaints
- Unknown or Other 98 complaints
- Engine 48 complaints
- Power Train 46 complaints
Of the 593 complaints on file, 40 report a crash and 1 a fire; across all 593 complaints, owners report 28 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Newest complaints
ODI #11775282 · Filed
Rapid acceleration from a stop. When the accelerator is pressed down even slightly the car lurches forward at a very fast rate. It can travel several feet before I am able to stop it by braking. This is a dangerous condition. In several instances I have almost crashed into a car ahead of me in…
ODI #11774567 · Filed
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…
ODI #11772550 · Filed
After replacement of the passenger ODS harness under recall WUM-98, the system still fails to detect a passenger in the seat, making it impossible for me to safely drive with a passenger. Subaru will not fairly cover the defect and would have to install a new seat and recode the new seat to the…
NHTSA defect investigations
NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2017 Subaru Forester in 1 investigation. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.
- Preliminary Evaluation PE19-009: Occupant Detection System (ODS) Failure
Closed January 22, 2020
Occupant Detection System May Deactivate Airbag
NHTSA #19V701000 · Air Bags — Sensor — Occupant Classification · NHTSA notice
Reported October 3, 2019 · Subaru of America, Inc.
Potentially affected: 366,282 vehicles
Repair completion: 87.69% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Subaru campaign WUM-98 · Owners notified February 11, 2020 · Vehicles built January 20, 2015 – August 1, 2017 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
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.
Safety 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.
Manufacturer 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.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Other Subaru Forester model years
Check your 2017 Subaru Forester VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Subaru Forester at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
Check a Subaru VIN