2017 Subaru Forester Problems: All 6 Known Failures | Milo
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2017 Subaru Forester problems: every known failure

All 6 documented failure points for this exact year — what goes wrong, when, what it costs, and how to spot it on a test drive. Free, from Milo's research on this model.

6known failure points
580NHTSA owner complaints
1safety recalls
$5,500worst-case single repair

The Goldilocks Forester generation — boring in the best way, but budget for CVT anxiety and wheel bearings

Every documented failure, earliest first

Ordered by the mileage the problem typically appears. VERY HIGH confidence means it's tied to a documented NHTSA recall, and 1 of these are rated Critical.

20k–80k mi● Watch$0–$600VERY HIGH
Passenger seat Occupant Detection System (ODS) false 'Passenger Airbag Off' triggers — subject of recall 19V-701, but recurs even after the fix
How to catch it: Check your VIN against recall WUM-98R immediately at a dealer — if it fails again post-repair, document it and push for a second warranty claim.
Source: documented (NHTSA recall)
30k–60k mi● Plan$400–$1,400MODERATE
Rear wheel bearing/hub assembly premature wear — multiple owners report failure as early as 40-55k miles, well before normal 80-100k expectancy
How to catch it: If you hear a rhythmic hum/growl that changes with speed but not braking, get bearings checked early — don't let it run to failure and take out the hub.
Source: multi-source pattern (AI synthesis)
50k–70k mi● Plan$300–$1,200MODERATE
Front lower control arm bushings breaking down, causing wheel play and vibration at highway speed
How to catch it: If the front end feels vague or you get steering wheel shake above 50mph, inspect control arm bushings before it's mistaken for a tire balance issue (TSB 05-63-18R covers this).
Source: multi-source pattern (AI synthesis)
60k–100k mi● Critical$150–$5,500MODERATE
CVT (TR580/Lineartronic) chain tensioner wear and valve body issues leading to shudder, hesitation, or failure
How to catch it: Do a CVT fluid drain-and-fill every 30k miles regardless of what the manual says — Subaru's official 'lifetime fluid' claim is not something to trust.
Source: multi-source pattern (AI synthesis)
80k–100k mi● Watch$300–$500MODERATE
Windshield/glass stress cracking reported spontaneously, plus common rock-chip vulnerability due to steep low-profile windshield angle
How to catch it: Get any small chip repaired within days — this windshield design propagates cracks fast, especially in temperature swings.
Source: multi-source pattern (AI synthesis)
100k–150k mi● Watch$1,500–$2,500MODERATE
Head gasket weeping on early-build FB25 engines (much improved over EJ25 but not zero risk), plus timing chain guide wear
How to catch it: Keep an eye on coolant level trends every oil change — FB25 issues are rarer than the old EJ25 but a slow coolant loss is your early warning.
Source: multi-source pattern (AI synthesis)

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Findings blend documented NHTSA recalls and complaints with patterns synthesized from owner communities. Confidence is labeled on every item; an inference is never presented as documented fact. Always inspect the specific vehicle and verify open recalls by VIN before buying.

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