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2017 Subaru Forester: common problems and reliability
One of the worst Forester years.
One of the Subaru Forester years to avoid. All Forester years
586 owner complaints, most about air bags. 1 recall.
Should I buy a 2017 Forester?The 2017 Subaru Forester has 586 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and electrical system.
Safety record for the 2017 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2017 Subaru Forester vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Forester years only. How we score it
Is 2017 a good year for the Forester?
Across the 29 Forester model years we track, complaint volume runs from 50 (2008) to 833 (2019). With 586 complaints, the 2017 Forester sits above the model's median of 141.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2017 Forester
air bags:sensor:occupant classification
Campaign 19V701000Subaru 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.
What owners say across generations
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment across multiple generations, with the Forester consistently praised for its practicality, safety, all-weather capability, and long-term reliability when properly maintained.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Forester. See the full Forester owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Forester listings typically run $15,000–$24,194.
Other Forester model years
Compare every Forester year side by side to see how 2017 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Forester against its rivals
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