For almost two decades, the Subaru Forester has continued to be a consistent offering in the compact SUV market. But to deal with the evolving needs of the buyers and quick developments in its class, the 2017 iteration receives considerable upgrades. It bears a striking new fascia, sports a comprehensive set of features, and adds to its likability with better driver-assistance technology. However, the reliability of the SUV continues to be questionable. In the current MY, the Forester has 403 complaints and 1 recall. When compared to its sales figures of around 170,000 units, these statistics might not seem worrisome, but some complaints have a widespread impact and require immediate repairs or remedies. The 2017 Forester price starts at $23,600 and in its segment, it competes with the likes of the Toyota RAV4, the Honda CR-V, and the Mazda CX-5.
2017 Subaru Forester User Complaints and Problems
Safety Complaints
- Non-deployment of airbags: Buyers of the 2017 Subaru Forester have reported the improper functioning of the airbags on multiple occasions. Complainants have recorded the failure of the airbags to deploy in case of a crash, which has resulted in injuries to the occupants.
- Malfunction Occupant Detection System: Among the 2017 Subaru Forester issues, complainants have recorded the airbag warning light illuminating randomly. This happens due to the failure of the Occupant Detection System to identify a passenger in the front seat. As a result, the airbag remains deactivated. To deal with the issue, Subaru has introduced a recall, referenced by NHTSA ID 19V701000, and there is also an open investigation for the same. However, it has been reported that the replacement parts are on back-order, and consequently, buyers will have to wait for their vehicle to be remedied.
Electric System Complaints
- Parasitic battery drain: The 2017 Subaru Forester battery issues are similar to what other vehicles from the brand have faced, called the Parasitic battery drain. It has been reported that the battery unit of the SUV dies constantly and requires immediate replacement. While there is no particular reason attributed as the cause of the issue, a short circuit or an electrical component failure can result in damage to the battery.
- Inability to remove the key: Buyers of 2017 Subaru Forester have reported the inability of the vehicle to identify that the shifter is in “Park”. As a result, the key fob cannot be removed and gets stuck. While the brand is cognizant of the issue, there has been no solution provided yet.
Mechanical Complaints
- Hesitant acceleration and vehicle’s loss of power: Buyers of the 2017 Forester have reported the hesitation of the vehicle to accelerate when starting from a stop. Despite the pedal being depressed, there is a visible lag in acceleration response, which is followed by the vehicle shuddering excessively, and consequently, losing its motive power.
- Transmission system concerns: The 2017 Forester transmission issues include typical problems of a CVT unit. Buyers have reported that the SUV’s transmission system shifts roughly and fails to keep up with the speed. This is mostly caused by the slipping of the gears and a delayed shifting process.
- Service brake problems: In a number of cases, buyers of the 2017 Forester have reported a couple of concerns with the braking system. While some users have experienced the inability of the system to bring the vehicle to a halt, others have reported the vehicle accelerating when the brake pedal is depressed. Both cases can create a hazardous situation, however, no collisions have yet been reported.
- Steering system issue: In a handful of cases, complainants have also noticed the steering system sticking, which requires constant correction by the driver. Additionally, some buyers have also reported that the steering system freezes mid-operation, making it difficult to control the vehicle.
- Unintended acceleration: The Subaru Forester acceleration problems deal with the SUV unexpectedly picking up speed. Buyers have reported that without any input from the driver, the vehicle tends to accelerate and surges forward swiftly. While there have been no major incidents due to the malfunction, it is a problem that the brand should look into, pronto.
Structural Complaints
- Cracked windshield: Ranking highly in the list of Subaru Forester common problems, buyers have reported the windshield to develop cracks, without any impact or incidence. Most complainants have noticed the windshield cracking randomly, which can also affect the visibility of the driver. Currently, a replacement of the glass pane is the only available solution to the problem.
2017 Subaru Forester Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. |
3rd Oct 2019 |
19V701000 |
Occupant Detection System may deactivate the airbag |
In the vehicles equipped with the heated front seats, the electrical connection of the Occupant Detection System may loosen, which can affect the functioning of the airbag. |
Upon inspection, dealers will replace the ODS sensor mat harness, free of charge. The recall began on 11th February 2020. |
Should you buy the 2017 Subaru Forester?
The 2017 Subaru Forester comes with a capacious cabin, potent set of engine options, and average off-roading capabilities, which makes it a pleasant inclusion in the compact SUV market. But Forester’s likability also lies in its trustworthy performance. It has a restricted list of recalls and even with as many as 400 complaints, we would not veto the vehicle. This is because most of the complaints relate to the airbag system for which the brand has already introduced a recall. Nonetheless, if you still want to look for alternate options, the 2017 Mazda CX-5 has the most dignified reliability record in the segment.
