2017 Subaru Forester Recalls, Problems & MPG
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 591 owner complaints for the 2017 Subaru Forester. The EPA rates it 24 to 28 MPG combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
- Recalls
- 1
- Owner complaints
- 591
- Crashes / fires reported
- 40 / 1
- EPA combined
- 24–28 MPG
2017 Subaru Forester recalls
Air BagsOct 3, 2019 · NHTSA 19V701000+
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
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.
Recall repairs are free. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours still needs one.
Most reported 2017 Subaru Forester problems
Owner complaints to NHTSA by system. One complaint can name more than one system.
- Air Bags166
- Electrical System106
- Visibility/Wiper104
- Unknown or Other97
- Engine47
- Power Train46
- Seats34
- Vehicle Speed Control33
2017 Subaru Forester gas mileage
EPA ratings for each version (city / highway / combined).
| Version | Engine | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester AWD | 2.5 L 4 cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 26 | 32 | 28 | $2,300 |
| Forester AWD | 2.0 L 4 cyl, Automatic (AV-S8) | 23 | 27 | 25 | $3,200 |
| Forester AWD | 2.5 L 4 cyl, Manual 6-spd | 22 | 28 | 24 | $2,700 |
Real-world mileage depends on how and where you drive. Logbay compares your actual MPG with these EPA numbers.
Questions
Does the 2017 Subaru Forester have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2017 Subaru Forester, most recently for the air bags (Oct 3, 2019). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2017 Subaru Forester problems?
Owners filed 591 complaints with NHTSA. The most reported areas are air bags (166), electrical system (106), visibility/wiper (104).
What gas mileage does the 2017 Subaru Forester get?
The EPA rates the 2017 Subaru Forester at 24 to 28 MPG combined (best version: 26 city / 32 highway).
Sources: NHTSA recalls and owner complaints (api.nhtsa.gov), EPA fuel economy (fueleconomy.gov). Updated Oct 26, 2026. Complaint counts are unverified owner reports.