2017 Subaru Forester Problems & Owner Complaints

Air Bags 162 14 crash 14 injury

“The contact owned a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while attempting to make a left turn at an intersection, the contact observed there was a vehicle coming towards the intersection at high speeds. The contact stated that the stop light was green, however, the contact stopped the vehicle, and the vehicle coming towards the contact, depressed the brake pedal causing the vehicle to swerve and crash into the contact's vehicle on the front passenger's side at approximately 50 MPH. The contact stated that the vehicle spun around about 90 degrees. The air bags did not deploy, and no wa…”
NHTSA complaint #11580431, 2023 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“My vehicle was involved in a five car accident where is was completely destroyed and flipped upside and the two front airbags never deployed which caused head, back, and neck injuries to the two passengers that were in the two front seats. There was a recall on the the passenger front air bag which supposedly got fixed by Palm Springs subaru on July 13, 2020. This recall air bag never deployed during or after the major accident. I contacted the Subaru of America which they supposedly did an investigation on why the two front airbags did not deployed and they stated that there was not malfuncti…”
NHTSA complaint #11434793, 2021 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, A TRACTOR TRAILER COLLIDED INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN A HILL SEVERAL TIMES AND THE FRONT END WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONLY THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED AN INJURED LEFT HAND AND LEFT LEG AS WELL AS SHOULDER INJURIES. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED HEAD, RIGHT HAND, AND FACIAL LACERATIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND A POLICE R…”
NHTSA complaint #11278623, 2019 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

Electrical System 105 2 crash 1 injury

“THESE MODELS HAVE AMPLIFIER SOUND ISSUES THAT ROUTINELY CAUSE THE AMPLIFIER TO FAIL AND CUT THE SOUND. THIS COULD DEFINITELY CAUSE A CRASH BY DISTRACTING THE DRIVER. THE AMPS ARE EXTREMELY PRONE TO FAILING AND CAUSE EAR DEAFENING TONES, NO SOUND, CRACKLING ETC. THE PROBLEM IS EXTREME AND DEALERS HAVE NO APPARENT WAY OF RECTIFYING THE ISSUE. THE INTERNET IS LOADED WITH CUSTOMERS REPORTING THIS INCLUDING MYSELF. THIS IS A MANUFACTURING AND DESIGN FLAW THAT SHOULD FIXED. NORMAL DEVICE FAILURE IS FINE BUT THIS IS OVER THE TOP. MY CAR WENT TO THE DEALER ROUGHLY 4 TIMES DUE TO THIS. MY VEHICLE PRODU…”
NHTSA complaint #11397613, 2021 · 1 injury(ies)

“ON OCTOBER 4, 2019 MY CAR WAS PARKED AND THE PASSENGER REAR BUMPER WAS HIT AND DAMAGED BY A SCHOOL BUS. MY CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 4 TIMES TO GET FIXED AND IT IS STILL NOT FIXED. THE BSD/RCTA SENSORS ARE NOT WORKING. THE DEALERSHIP HAS "FIXED" THIS ISSUE 4 TIMES NOW AND I AM TAKING IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR A 5TH TIME.”
NHTSA complaint #11283115, 2019 · crash

“ON 9/29/18, 1:35 PM WHILE IN THE PROCESS OF PARKING THE VEHICLE AND INITIATING A TURN TO THE RIGHT THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED FROM IDLE TO FULL THROTTLE UNINTENTIONALLY AND LAUNCHED ITSELF TOWARDS A 12' X 20' WOOD FRAMED OUTBUILDING ON OUR PROPERTY WHICH HAS AN ATTACHED DECK. BEFORE THE VEHICLE COULD BE SHUT OFF IT HAD JUMPED UP ONTO THE DECK AND SMASHED INTO AND PARTIALLY PENETRATED THE FRONT OF THE OUTBUILDING. FORWARD PROGRESS WAS HALTED WHEN THE REAR PORTION OF THE CAR HAD BECOME HIGH CENTERED ON THE EDGE OF THE DECK. PRESENTLY THE CAR IS STILL ON THE DECK AND PARTIALLY IN THE BUILDING.…”
NHTSA complaint #11132690, 2018 · crash

Visibility/Wiper 103

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11681525, 2025

“The air system has gone out in the car completely, you can hear it run or try to and then kick off, i have checked and it has not been recalled. there were no accidents prior to the air system giving out. it started around the june 2024, but it didn’t affect vision at that time. it started affecting vision as winter approached (nov 2024). My vision is now completely affected as the weather is hitting temps as low as 10° and the heating system doesn’t work at all. all the defoggers/defrosters nor actual vents. it has been out for a bit, but now it is becoming dangerous as my vision is highly af…”
NHTSA complaint #11633996, 2024

“Right side of windshield had a small crack. Illinois law can’t drive with a cracked windshield. Called Subaru they don’t fix windshield problems. Appointment at Safelite on 1/23/24 crack had gotten bigger they cannot repair now have to replace windshield. Appointment on 1/25/24 to replace windshield. No prior incident that would have led to this situation. Never owned a car where the windshield needed to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #11567900, 2024

Unknown Or Other 96 6 crash 2 injury

“AFTER BACKING UP, I REMOVED MY FOOT FROM THE BRAKE, PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE AND LIGHTLY TOUCHED THE ACCELERATOR (I WAS IN A SMALL PARKING LOT). THE ACCELERATOR LEFT MY FOOT AND FULLY DEPRESSED BY ITSELF WHICH CAUSED AN ACCIDENT.”
NHTSA complaint #11092294, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“My windshield cracked significantly after shutting the passenger side door. I chalked that up to maybe a possible chip was put under stress, until a few months later, my driver's side window burst spontaneously right in front of my eyes as I was shutting the trunk door. The pieces went half inside the car and half outside the car. Even though most of it was chunks of glass, I have been sliced and cut up trying to remove it from the driver's, passenger and rear seats, carpets, doors, etc. The entire thing shattered completely, like it almost exploded. The car was parked in the shade on a relati…”
NHTSA complaint #11742007, 2026 · 1 injury(ies)

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11703267, 2025 · crash

Engine 46 4 crash 1 injury

“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.c…”
NHTSA complaint #11518420, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“On July 31,2023, approximately 8PM, I was driving my 2017 Subaru slowly as I made the 90degree turn into my driveway. Midway up the driveway, the car suddenly —on its own—spontaneously accelerated , burst through the half open garage door, across the garage, and crashed through the garage wall into my family room—bulldozing through two sheets of plywood and large pieces of firewood in the garage, and then destroying heavy antique furniture in the family room before coming to rest. The jagged remains of the wall prevented opening either the passenger or the driver’s side door. My adult so…”
NHTSA complaint #11538950, 2023 · crash

“I was pulling into a parellel parking space, braking to slow to a stop when my car surged froward inspite of increased and continued braking and hit the car in front of me. The collision is what stopped the car. My Subaru Forester is very damaged (bumper, lights, and frame rail) and the car in front also had extensive damage. My safety and the safety of the neigbhorhood cars, pedestrians and homes was at risk given my car was unstoppable despite braking. I couldn't understand what happened so I did an internet search for acceleration while braking and many articles came up reguarding several…”
NHTSA complaint #11433469, 2021 · crash

Power Train 44 1 crash 1 injury

“The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while attempting to shift gear into reverse, the vehicle made a strange noise, then lunged forward inadvertently. The vehicle's front driver-side tire ran over the contact's daughter's upper legs. The contact's daughter received medical attention on the scene for injuries sustained to her legs and was now receiving physical therapy. A police report was filed. The vehicle was appraised by the insurance company for front-end damage and was repaired by an auto collision center. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the…”
NHTSA complaint #11435400, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The shift guide plate in my 2017 Subaru Forester failed, causing the ignition key to become stuck and not release when the engine is off. The component is available for inspection upon request. The failure was confirmed by a Subaru dealer, who diagnosed the defective shift guide plate and provided a repair estimate of $685.23. The safety risk is significant - an inability to remove the key from the ignition can prevent the driver from securing the vehicle and creates confusion about whether the engine is truly off. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the failure. The problem prese…”
NHTSA complaint #11748646, 2026

“2017 SUBARU FORESTER WITH 40,000 MILES, REAR WHEEL BEARINGS AND PLATE ARE BAD. $2100.00 TO FIX. SEEMS A LITTLE EARLY IN MILEAGE FOR SUCH AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR. I HAVE READ ABOUT BAD REAR WHEEL BEARINGS AND PLATE FROM SEVERAL PEOPLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11736974, 2026

Vehicle Speed Control 33 18 crash 7 injury

“The contact owned a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that after driving into a parking space in a parking lot with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle jolted and veered to the right. The passenger's side of the vehicle hit the driver's side of another occupied vehicle. The other vehicle was scratched and there was no injury sustained. The contact stated she then reversed out of the parking space, and the vehicle made an abnormal growling sound. The vehicle then accelerated unintendedly while reversing. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she depressed the…”
NHTSA complaint #11567531, 2024 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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.c…”
NHTSA complaint #11518420, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE, IT ACCELERATED FORWARD ON ITS OWN. THE CONTACT ENGAGED THE PARKING BRAKE, BUT THE VEHICLE FINALLY STOPPED AFTER CRASHING INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED AWAY. THE CONTACT WAS INJURED AND TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL FOR MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000. THE VIN WAS UN…”
NHTSA complaint #11173400, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Seats 32 1 crash 1 injury

“DRIVER'S SUBARU WAS STRUCK FROM BEHIND BY A BOX TRUCK WHILE STATIONARY ON A HIGHWAY (DRIVER HAD STOPPED JUST SHORT OF A MULTI-CAR COLLISION BUT THE BOX TRUCK BEHIND HER WAS UNABLE TO STOP); BOX TRUCK PUSHED THE SUBARU INTO THE CAR IN FRONT. DRIVER'S SEATBELT WAS ON, BUT DRIVER'S CHEST STRUCK THE STEERING WHEEL AND HER HEAD POSSIBLY HIT THE SIDE WINDOW. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND SEATBELT DID NOT STOP DRIVER FROM STRIKING STEERING WHEEL. ALSO, THE EMPTY FRONT PASSENGER SEAT ROCKETED FORWARD ON ITS RAILS ALL THE WAY TO THE FRONT, AND AT LEAST THREE HINGES FLEW OFF THE PASSENGER SEAT RAIL MECHANI…”
NHTSA complaint #10986045, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Had recall completed for passenger airbag prior now SRS airbag on since 6/7/2026 per dealer code B1650 & B1760 as history codes. States found passenger side airbag sensor has erratic operation, recommended replacing seat bottom with integrated sensor for $2015 at Spreen Subaru of San Bernardino. Why is the sensor failing again? Unable to drive vehicle due to potential of airbags not deploying, making the vehicle unsafe to drive. No other issues with vehicle no one in front passenger seat when SRS airbag illuminated on dashboard, no spills, have seat covers to protect from ant fluids. No accide…”
NHTSA complaint #11742971, 2026

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11724060, 2026

Steering 24 1 crash 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TURN THE VEHICLE INTO AN INTERSECTION, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND RECEIVED FRONT END DAMAGE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NECK AND BACK INJURIES. THE CONTACT DID NOT RECEIVE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10919275, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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”
NHTSA complaint #11718133, 2026

“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 obvio…”
NHTSA complaint #11687483, 2025

Structure 15 1 crash 4 injury

“INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT THAT WAS WHERE THE SUBARU WAS T-BONED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, RESULTING IN EXTENSIVE DAMAGE. BOTH FRONT AND REAR DOOR AND ALL PANELING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE SIDE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. MY VEHICLE WAS MOVING AT 40MPH AND THE VEHICLE THAT HIT ME WAS GOING 20-30MPH AND ACCELERATING. *DT *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11265346, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11720656, 2026 · 1 injury(ies)

“ACCIDENTALLY PLACED MY HAND NEAR THE EDGE OF THE REAR POWER LIFT GATE WHEN IT WAS CLOSING. CLOSED ON MY FINGER AND DID NOT AUTO REVERSE. KEPT APPLYING FORCE UNTIL I MANAGED TO PULL MY FINGER OUT! DANGEROUS DESIGN”
NHTSA complaint #11268101, 2019 · 1 injury(ies)

Service Brakes 14 6 crash 2 injury

“The contact owned a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that after driving into a parking space in a parking lot with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle jolted and veered to the right. The passenger's side of the vehicle hit the driver's side of another occupied vehicle. The other vehicle was scratched and there was no injury sustained. The contact stated she then reversed out of the parking space, and the vehicle made an abnormal growling sound. The vehicle then accelerated unintendedly while reversing. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she depressed the…”
NHTSA complaint #11567531, 2024 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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.c…”
NHTSA complaint #11518420, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owned a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 mph and making a turn, the vehicle hydroplaned as the contact lost control of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle inadvertently accelerated while hydroplaning going across 3 lanes of oncoming traffic and hit a curve. The contact stated that the front driver's side tire detached from the vehicle. No one was injured, and a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a local tow lot where it was deemed as a total loss. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileag…”
NHTSA complaint #11436842, 2021 · crash

Visibility 12

“The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle after the vehicle had been parked in the parking garage for six days, the contact became aware that the front windshield had developed a 12-inch crack across the middle bottom. The contact stated that there were no objects that could have caused that crack near or around the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the failure with the front windshield was common for the year, make, and model, but had not provided a specific cause for the failure. The vehic…”
NHTSA complaint #11640454, 2025

“I am reporting a safety issue with an aftermarket driver’s side mirror manufactured by TRQ, intended as a replacement for a 2017 Subaru Forester. The mirror does not provide sufficient side visibility, increasing blind spots significantly compared to the OEM part, thereby putting driver safety at risk. The problem persists even after a replacement mirror was sent, suggesting a design flaw rather than an individual defect. Both mirrors, original and replacement, are available for inspection. The safety risk has been directly observed and documented through personal use rather than being confir…”
NHTSA complaint #11587752, 2024

“******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE IT IS REQUESTED BY THE CONSUMER THAT THEY WISH TO HAVE IT REMOVED. DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******”
NHTSA complaint #11563676, 2024

Wheels 12

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11678930, 2025

“First was a control arm bushing and than a rear wheel hub assembly. At around 40000 miles. Both failures created unsafe control of the vehicle. Subaru has a tsb with updated parts, so they know the original are poor quality. It has been confirmed with dealer and independent shops. No warning lamps.”
NHTSA complaint #11654898, 2025

“Wheel lug nuts are frozen and cannot be removed without breaking the stud in many cases. TSB 05-79-20 mentions that Subaru was aware but offers no warranty for this issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11628536, 2024

Fuel/Propulsion System 11 3 crash 1 fire

“ENGINE LOW LEVEL OIL LIGHT CAME ON A FEW TIMES WHEN I DROVE UP MY DRIVEWAY OR OVER A FEW INCHES OF SNOW. MANUALLY INSPECTED OIL LEVELS THE FIRST FEW TIMES AND RESTARTED ENGINE. THE WARNING LIGHT WOULD GO AWAY. WARNING LIGHT NEVER CAME ON WHEN DRIVING ON A FLAT SURFACE AND ALWAYS WENT AWAY WHEN PARKED ON FLAT SURFACE AND RESTARTED VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO LOUD ENGINE SOUND, KNOCKING SOUND OR SMOKE. PAGE 3-19 OF THE OWNERS MANUAL STATED THAT THE WARNING LIGHT MIGHT ILLUMINATE TEMPORARILY WHEN DRIVING ON INCLINED SURFACE. ONE DAY 15 MINUTES INTO MY COMMUTE ON A FREEWAY I HEARD A RATTLING NOISE…”
NHTSA complaint #10953804, 2017 · fire

“When I pulled into a parking spot in a parking lot, the car seemed to go faster than I intended. I swiped a car next to me, which to me as it was not a tight space. I immediately, turned off the engine and dealt with the passenger of the other vehicle, exchanging information. After sometime, I got back in my car to move it to another location. As soon as the motor was running in reverse, in began to accelerate making a loud roaring noise. I stepped on the brakes, meanwhile going in reverse at an accelerating speed, trying to keep away from cars parked on either side. I also pulled up the eme…”
NHTSA complaint #11564881, 2024 · crash

“On July 31,2023, approximately 8PM, I was driving my 2017 Subaru slowly as I made the 90degree turn into my driveway. Midway up the driveway, the car suddenly —on its own—spontaneously accelerated , burst through the half open garage door, across the garage, and crashed through the garage wall into my family room—bulldozing through two sheets of plywood and large pieces of firewood in the garage, and then destroying heavy antique furniture in the family room before coming to rest. The jagged remains of the wall prevented opening either the passenger or the driver’s side door. My adult so…”
NHTSA complaint #11538950, 2023 · crash

Suspension 10

“The front lower control arm bushing were breaking apart at 53,156 miles. Shop reported significant play in the wheel while on the stand. Sounds like a safety hazards.”
NHTSA complaint #11744910, 2025

“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 obvio…”
NHTSA complaint #11687483, 2025

“After a recent regular tire rotation and balance, my vehicle steering felt shakier than normal. Had rotation and balance checked again, but problem continued. Thought an alignment might rectify the problem but was informed this was not needed. Went to my regular mechanic and did notice the steering vibration. Found that it had to do with the forward bushings, and provided me a copy of a service bulletin issued by Subaru dated 6/20/18, #05-63-18R addressing this item, and also provided me with a video and picture of the problem to provide to Subaru repair. Since the Subaru dealer that I went t…”
NHTSA complaint #11657812, 2025

Seat Belts 9 1 crash 1 injury

“DRIVER'S SUBARU WAS STRUCK FROM BEHIND BY A BOX TRUCK WHILE STATIONARY ON A HIGHWAY (DRIVER HAD STOPPED JUST SHORT OF A MULTI-CAR COLLISION BUT THE BOX TRUCK BEHIND HER WAS UNABLE TO STOP); BOX TRUCK PUSHED THE SUBARU INTO THE CAR IN FRONT. DRIVER'S SEATBELT WAS ON, BUT DRIVER'S CHEST STRUCK THE STEERING WHEEL AND HER HEAD POSSIBLY HIT THE SIDE WINDOW. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND SEATBELT DID NOT STOP DRIVER FROM STRIKING STEERING WHEEL. ALSO, THE EMPTY FRONT PASSENGER SEAT ROCKETED FORWARD ON ITS RAILS ALL THE WAY TO THE FRONT, AND AT LEAST THREE HINGES FLEW OFF THE PASSENGER SEAT RAIL MECHANI…”
NHTSA complaint #10986045, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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 sinc…”
NHTSA complaint #11710736, 2025

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11678687, 2025

Forward Collision Avoidance 6 2 crash

“The incident happened at my workplace parking garage. As I slowly turned left to park in parking spot at work, I heard the engine rev and my car unexpectedly lurched forward very quickly. I stepped hard on the brake but it did not seem effective at stopping the car. I recently replaced my brakes in late August, 2023. As far as I know, before today my car was in proper working order. My vehicle is equipped with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology and I don't believe that the warning collision activated even as the car plowed towards the wall. The car hit the concrete parking block/wheel stop and…”
NHTSA complaint #11557428, 2023 · crash

“PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED (SINCE I'D NOT DRIVEN QUICKLY THROUGH THE PARKING LOT - TOO MANY BACKING UP TOO QUICKLY!). SUDDEN ACCELERATION AND RAMMED INTO BRICK WALL OF THE BUILDING. MY FOOT MUST OF SLIPPED, BUT IT WAS FAST. NO COLLISION DETERRENTS ACTIVATED AT ALL, WHICH WAS STRANGE SINCE THIS CAR WILL STOP FOR AN OBSTACLE 1/2 A BLOCK AHEAD IN LOW LIGHT. NO BUZZING, BEEPING, WARNING, OR STOPPING. WAS ABLE TO SLAM MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, BUT STILL HIT THE WALL. NO AIR BAGS ACTIVATED.”
NHTSA complaint #11384111, 2020 · crash

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11723901, 2025

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 5 1 crash

“ON OCTOBER 4, 2019 MY CAR WAS PARKED AND THE PASSENGER REAR BUMPER WAS HIT AND DAMAGED BY A SCHOOL BUS. MY CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 4 TIMES TO GET FIXED AND IT IS STILL NOT FIXED. THE BSD/RCTA SENSORS ARE NOT WORKING. THE DEALERSHIP HAS "FIXED" THIS ISSUE 4 TIMES NOW AND I AM TAKING IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR A 5TH TIME.”
NHTSA complaint #11283115, 2019 · crash

“ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS THUS FAR, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH ON INTERSTATE 93 IN MASSACHUSETTS AND NEW HAMPSHIRE, MY 2017 SUBARU FORESTER TOURING (WITH 21K MILES) LOST POWER AND COMPLETELY SHUTDOWN. ALL THREE TIMES, I WAS LUCKILY ABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE TO SAFETY WHILE AVOIDING OTHER MOTOR VEHICLES AND NEITHER MYSELF, MY PASSENGERS NOR ANYONE ELSE AROUND US WAS HURT. WHEN THE VEHICLE DECIDES TO SHUTDOWN, IT FEELS LIKE THE CAR DROPS ITSELF INTO NEUTRAL, THE RPMS SHOOT UP TO ABOUT 4500-5000 AND ALL OF THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD LIGHT UP. THERE IS ABOUT A FIVE SECOND WINDOW TO STEE…”
NHTSA complaint #11289678, 2019

“I WAS DRIVING MY FORRESTER 2019, NOTICE THAT IT WOULD SLOWLY MOVE ONCE I STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN. BUT THEN IT WOULD JERK INTO A FASTER PACE. YESTERDAY AS I WAS DRIVING, I STOP AT A BANK ATM. WHEN I WENT BACK TO THE VEHICLE I PUT MY KEY IN THE IGNITION AND NOTHING HAPPENED. NOT A SOUND. SO TRIED IT SEVERAL MORE TIMES WITH THE SAME RESULTS. I HAD TO CALL FOR ROADSIDE SERVICE. THEY CAME AND GAVE ME A JUMP. THE VEHICLE STARTED WITH NO PROBLEM. I DID AS THE SERVICE PERSON TOLD ME TO LET THE VEHICLE RUN FOR AT LEAST 30 MINUTES SO THE CELLS CAN BUILD UP IN THE BATTERY, SO I DID AS I WAS TOLD. AS I WOU…”
NHTSA complaint #11258886, 2019

Exterior Lighting 4

“Left front head light will turn off while turning left, more than 10deg. This is part of the Steering Responsive System where the headlights will move with the steering. This is a sealed unit and not a user replaceable component such as a head lamp. Replacement costs are excessive for this manufacture failure. This left front headlight turning off while turning left is a common problem found on the Subaru Forums.”
NHTSA complaint #11576159, 2023

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11483974, 2022

“THERE IS INTERMITTENT SURGING UPON INITIAL ACCELERATION AND WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHER SPEEDS. THE BACK INTERIOR LIGHT WILL INTERMITTENTLY TURN ON WHILE ALL DOORS ARE CLOSED. THE PASSENGER SIDE SEATBELT SIGN COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY WHILE THERE'S NOTHING IN THE SEAT. THE BATTERY WILL DIE IF THE HAZARD LIGHTS ARE ON FOR 5 MINUTES OR 15 AND OTHERS WILL BE JUST FINE. THE CAMERA IN THE BACK OF THE CAR IS A BIT OBSTRUCTED BY THE REAR BUMPER.”
NHTSA complaint #11268003, 2018

Lane Departure 4

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11723901, 2025

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11702417, 2025

“Airbag warning light and blind spot failure warning lights are on and staying on.”
NHTSA complaint #11604314, 2024

Back Over Prevention 2 1 crash

“PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED (SINCE I'D NOT DRIVEN QUICKLY THROUGH THE PARKING LOT - TOO MANY BACKING UP TOO QUICKLY!). SUDDEN ACCELERATION AND RAMMED INTO BRICK WALL OF THE BUILDING. MY FOOT MUST OF SLIPPED, BUT IT WAS FAST. NO COLLISION DETERRENTS ACTIVATED AT ALL, WHICH WAS STRANGE SINCE THIS CAR WILL STOP FOR AN OBSTACLE 1/2 A BLOCK AHEAD IN LOW LIGHT. NO BUZZING, BEEPING, WARNING, OR STOPPING. WAS ABLE TO SLAM MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, BUT STILL HIT THE WALL. NO AIR BAGS ACTIVATED.”
NHTSA complaint #11384111, 2020 · crash

“As far as I know, my vehicle is performing as designed, but I am quite serious in thinking this is a safety issue - the radio cannot be muted, or turned off, or the volume decreased, when the transmission in in Reverse, because of interference of its head unit with the backup camera. This is a hugely annoying distraction when trying to parallel park safely and quickly in dense urban settings. I want my backup lights on immediately, once I locate the parking spot I want, but time after time, I forget to turn off the radio before I start trying to park. I am the only owner of the car from new…”
NHTSA complaint #11438887, 2016

Engine And Engine Cooling 1

“The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being started, the contact heard an abnormally loud sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that a dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 156,774.”
NHTSA complaint #11647044, 2024

Latches/Locks/Linkages 1

“2017 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PROBLEMS WITH THE DOOR HANDLE LOCKS * LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE DOOR HANDLES SHOULD NOT REQUIRE A SEPARATE INTERIOR MECHANICAL ACTION TO UNLOCK THE DOORS, SUCH AS DRIVER'S USE OF AN ELECTRICAL CONTROL OR, LOCKING TAB NEXT TO THE HANDLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE AUDIBLE CHIME USED TO ALERT DRIVERS HAS TO HIGH A FREQUENCY AND NOT ENOUGH VOLUME.*JS”
NHTSA complaint #11130149, 2018