general problems of the 2017 Subaru Forester

31 problems related to power train have been reported for the 2017 Subaru Forester. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2017 Subaru Forester based on all problems reported for the 2017 Forester.

1 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 02/20/2026

After traveling for unknown number of miles on repeated occasions, arriving at the destinations to the smell of burning oil. Smell was evident while driving as well. Subaru was able to diagnose this issue to a leaking cvt pump seal causing cvt fluid to leak and run down on top of the transmission pan onto the hot exhaust system. Subaru has acknowledge this is an issue back in 2016 due to the sealant us from the factory. Customer was quoted $1400 for the repair this known issue. Vehicle had 90,000 miles at the time of occurrence.

2 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 08/19/2024

The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while operating the vehicle and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle wound not properly accelerate. The failure also occurred while accelerating from a complete stop. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who determined that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 150,000.

3 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 07/24/2024

The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, the contact stated that all four wheels seized. The contact stated that the transmission had seized. The contact stated that the failure occurred while driving on a busy highway. The contact stated that the driver of a big truck assisted by stopping the oncoming traffic. The contact stated that a tow truck and the police arrived on the scene. The contact stated that the tow truck driver was unable to load the vehicle onto the tow truck. The tow truck driver had to drag the vehicle onto the tow truck. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.

4 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 04/21/2023

Automatic transmission shifting sluggish.

5 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 08/01/2022

After driving the vehicle I will arrive at my destination. I will stop, continue pressing the vehicle break while moving the shifter from drive to park. Then, I turn the key to the off position in an attempt to remove my key from the ignition. About 40-50% of the time, the key can not be removed. In order remove the key I will have to do one of the following: option 1. Let my foot of of the break, pause, then press my foot hard on the break peddle, move to shifter from park to drive, while continuing to press my foot down hard on the break peddle, move the shifter back from drive to the park position. Often I will have to repeat this process several times to remove the key form the ignition or attempt option 2. . Option 2. When option 1 above does not work, with the vehicle turned off and I park, I will release my foot from the break, pause, press down on the break, start the ignition, place my vehicle in drive or reverse (depending how I am parked) and drive the vehicle 2-3 feet, stop and repeat step 1 above. Again, I many have to try this procedure several times. Option 3. After 5-10 minutes and several attempts, I will give up, turn the vehicle off, place it in park, and leave the car unlocked with keys in the ignition. I'm not sure why this has not been addressed prior as I have found several articles from 2008 to 2020 on the same issue, specifically on Subaru's.

6 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 04/15/2022

The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound. The oil temperature, abs, and traction control warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the awd failed to operate, and only the fwd was operable. The vehicle had previously been at the dealer for an air conditioner repair, and the dealer reset the warning lights; however, the failure recurred. Additionally, the rear wheel bearings, and valve body solenoid were previously replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 154,095.

7 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 02/04/2022

The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving over 60 mph, the vehicle would shudder and produce a loud noise coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the lower control arm bushing and transmission pan needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

8 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 11/01/2021

Making a sharp turn going slightly uphill from a full stop, the car moves forward enough to enter the intersection and then there is no throttle response. The car does not respond at all to the accelerator peddle. The engine does not stall but rpm drop to idle speed. After a few seconds, throttle response returns. Very dangerous as you move onto a highway because the car lingers in the intersection while the car behaves as if it has totally lost power. This has happened repeatedly but at random times.

9 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 08/10/2021

My 2017 Subaru Forester has 52,000 miles driven. Recently the ignition key will not turn to start the engine. The transmission was in park and all the doors were fully closed. After 15 minutes trying several times to no avail it did finally turn to the right and the engine started. Also, previously a few times, randomly, the key would not turn all the way to to the left to turn the engine off. Again, the car was in park and I kept my foot on the brake while trying. Each time this happened I had to move the transmission from part to drive and back to park again, (while keeping my foot on the brake) and the key finally turned all the way to turn the engine off. I am now bringing the car to a Subaru dealer service shop (in annapolis, maryland) to try to have them repair this problem once and for all. Thank you, [xxx]. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

10 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 08/03/2021

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 is 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 failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. The VIN was not available.

11 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 05/17/2021

Once vehicle is stopped, transmission shifted to park, and ignition key turned to off, ignition key will not come out of ignition. This has happened 8-19 times. Driver must start car, put in drive then back in park, turn off then key can be removed. I understand TSB 16-112-18r addresses this issue known to Subaru. It has not been inspected by a mechanic.

12 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 03/25/2021

I bought a certified pre-owned 2017 Subaru Forester on June 19 2020. I have had an intermittent safety issue with the vehicle not responding correctly when I try to accelerate since. When I press the gas pedal the car will begin to accelerate with my rpms rising normally. Then my rpms will start to drop when they would normally rise and my car stops or maintains the acceleration prior. Once they have dropped they will stay there for a little and then will shoot up suddenly and red line. I have tried a variety of things to prevent this from happening; I have taken my foot off the gas, kept the same or more pressure on the gas, and breaking. Regardless of what I do the vehicle red lines and my speed will either drop or stay the same. I have taken the vehicle to Subaru dealerships on 3 separate occasions and it was returned to me without diagnosing or repairing the problem. The last time I drove my vehicle it did this again and the rpms red lining causing my engine to fail. I was accelerated from a stop at a street light and the vehicle stopped accelerating even though I was pressing the accelerator. The rpms redlined and my engine began making a terrible noise that we later discovered was from unrepairable engine damage. The vehicle has now been at the dealership for over a month to replace my engine and try to fix this issue. Every week they tell me I will get it back the next week and then something else fails or causes a set back. I bought a Subaru Forester because of advertisements about how "safe" and �reliable� they are supposed to be. Instead I have had near misses when merging onto the interstate or turning across traffic in a busy denver intersection because the vehicle doesn't respond as expected. The dealership has ignored my concerns by either saying "that just happens with Foresters sometimes" or "we can't fix it unless we can replicate it. �.

13 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 10/06/2020

Reference Subaru TSB # 16-103-16r, revision 08/29/19. I pulled screenshots, but I have a full video clip of the leak described in this bulletin and Subaru is denying coverage because their dealerships are not equipped with the proper tools or do not employ trained technicians in order to properly diagnose the issue.

14 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 08/27/2020

After 20k miles, transmission hesitates more and more. Be careful and try to avoid situations where you have to accelerate quickly. The car does not move or accelerate when you hit the gas pedal quickly. Cvt slips, especially from reverse to drive. At slow speeds, it jerks the car trying to find the right gear. The problem began under 10k miles, and I took it to a local dealership, they told me that is how the car drives and told me it is normal. This is not my first Forester, but definitely the worst. I called Subaru America, and they said there is no known problem whit their transmission. I almost got killed in a highway stop and go situation, where I had to accelerate after a slowdown, and the car decided not to. If you own one, be careful.

15 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 07/06/2020

Have a 2017 Forester. At least a couple times a week, the key get stuck in the ignition. You can turn the car off, but you can't remove the key. If I start the car back up, and shift it into drive, and them slam it back into park, then I can turn the car off and remove the key.

16 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 07/03/2020

My fianc� and I bought this car and we were told it was not an accident, after we purchased it we found out that it had been in 2 accidents and during driving 1 night it bucked real hard and would now accelerate and it scared both of us. So the next day I took it to center Subaru in torrington connecticut to get it inspected, during the trip to the dealer it had bucked three more times violently. I told them about it and they could not find any codes in the system, I spoke with the mechanic later and he said if it doesn't throw trouble codes it has serious issues in the computer. I explained that it was in a two accidents and he goes I would explain a lot, his off the books recommendation to me was get rid of the vehicle and find something else. I told him I bought it from a better way wholesale autos in naugatuck connecticut and he said to contact you. I want this car flagged so when we turn it back in someone else does not come across it the same way we did, I know the dealership will put this are back out for sale and not tell anyone.

17 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 01/22/2020

When breaking, the car acellerated on a city street and a second time in a very busy parking lot! fortuately there was no accident> had the car towed to the dealer who later reported that they found nothing wrong with the car. I will not drive this car untill more is investigated.

18 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 12/13/2019

I was driving on the high way for about 2 hours, 70 mph, gas was at about 1/8 full, but low gas light on. The gear shifter remained in d and the indicator on the dash said d. The engine revved as if it were in neutral and would not provide power to the wheels. The check engine, traction control, and cruise control lights came on, along with possibly others. The car began to slow since it was just revving in what appeared to be neutral while the gas pedal was pressed. Eventually I made it to the shoulder. I turned the car off for about 15 seconds then started it again. It struggled to start for a moment like the battery was low or it was cold outside, but still started on the first try. I shifted into d and began to move on the shoulder, but when the car when over about 10 or 15 mph, it would rev and not provide power to the wheels. I had the car towed to the dealer where they added gas, test drove it, said there was nothing wrong, and nothing that they could do.

19 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 12/12/2019

On a long trips (200 miles of interstate driving) the car loses it's ability to maintain highway speed. The accelerator peddle does not work and vehicle slows down to idle. You have to pull off the road and stop. Put the car in park and then back in to drive. It works after that. During the failure you lose all ability to maintain speed. It has happened about 3 times in the past year. The dealer checked out the car and not codes are shown. Thanks, michael fowler.

20 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 12/01/2019

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 steer the vehicle to safety from when you first detect that the issue is occurring. After waiting for about 45 minutes after the incident, I am able to start the car back up and drive it. This is a serious safety concern of mine (and it is terrifying when it happens) and I have already contacted Subaru of America asking for a solution. I am now currently only using the car on short trips and if I have to get on the highway, I stick to the right lane and do not go over 60 mph.

21 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 10/10/2019

While on driving 65mph on the highway during the evening rush hour and suddenly my accelerator was unresponsive in that the rpms just revved (as if the transmission was shifted to neutral). I have two small, children 2 year old and 6 months, and had to quickly coast over to the shoulder and was able to exit the highway. The vehicle shut off while exiting the ramp and I had to call 911 and request an emergency vehicle to park behind me for my safety as I was unable to pull completely over before the vehicle stopped. I attempted to restart the vehicle but was unsuccessful. I had the vehicle towed and am still researching how to repair. I had a 3 year 36k mile warranty that has recently expired since I'm currently at 46k miles. This is a serious concern as I'm finding that my model has not been included in any transmission recalls. For a car manufacturer that prides itself in the highest of safety, this has to be the unsafest I've ever felt driving a vehicle. I'm basically at a loss on what to do at this point because I am confident that the dealership is going to rack up a bill for repair and diagnostics to repair my issue and I'm going to responsible for the outrageous cost of their guessing game of repairs.

22 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 09/01/2019

The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 mph the vehicle suddenly stalled. The contact pulled to the side of the road to turn off the vehicle. There were no warning lights. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who replaced the clutch at approximately 50 mph. The failure reoccurred while driving approximately 30 mph at about 95,00 miles. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed the clutch, ball bearings and the flywheel needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired as of yet. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.

23 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 03/11/2019

After full stop engine or drive train lost power on sharp left turn. Resumed power in 2-3 seconds. Engine did not stall and did not require restarting. Has occured 5-7 times.

24 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 02/19/2019

Driving in the freeway around 20-30mph, some traffic. On the way to dropping daughters off to school. On the freeway switched lanes then car lost power and decelerated on its own quickly from 20mph to about 1mph, pressing the didn't do anything. Almost got hit by the rear driver behind me. Managed to move to right lane. Pressing the gas pedal did nothing, several lights on the dashboard appeared which included check engine light, traction control, oil light. Turned off the car to find the number for towing about 15 minutes later turned on the car and this time pressing the gas pedal made the car go, dashboard lights still on. Took the car directly to the dealership. Dealer claimed it was a bad cell on the battery that caused the problem, and also reprogrammed the computer. Bad cell on battery will not cause this to happen. Dealer also failed to write the details of the incident. Initial paperwork stated check engine light. Advice dealer to properly document incident.

25 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 09/25/2018

Vehicles battery has slow cranking power, since new currant miles are 47,800 today vehicles slow to start ,once started all engine warning lights illuminate and stay on and vehicle will not drive in forward or reverse, replaced battery with new and vehicle started normal and strong, put into drive and vehicle drove normal, put into reverse and again vehicle will not drive forward or reverses, vehicle in in dealership repair facilities at this time, problem unknown,.

26 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 07/23/2018

Our defective, now discontinued model, new 2017 Subaru Forester xt touring has broken down while accelerating on the highway twice due to a faulty piston thus leading to our engine being replaced. The first time the car was moving east on I-70 in colorado and luckily my husband was able to veer in the median of an exit ramp. The second time we were traveling east on I-70 again and luckily were able to pull off on the side of the freeway. This all began at 22,352 miles and to-date the "market value" of repairs has accumulated to $16,100. 00. This same engine issue has happened two years in a row, yet a Subaru representative [verbally, not written] mentioned to us that it is cheaper for Subaru to fix vehicle by vehicle that comes in instead of issuing a nation-wide recall on our model. We were told our Forester xt [Mini SUV] has the same engine that is in an impreza [four door sedan] which is not safe and is not right to the consumer.

27 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 07/06/2018

After any driving in hot weather, smell of coolant in right side of engine compartment.

28 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 06/29/2018

Tl the contact owns a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while applying the brakes at speeds slower than 5 mph, the vehicle surged forward. The contact stated that extra effort was needed while depressing the brake pedal to slow and stop the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed nor repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 23,000.

29 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 04/02/2018

Cannot turn off distraction of a noisy stereo while gear selector is in reverse. I believe this is an intentional design feature that always happens.

30 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 05/20/2017

Car stalls, mostly in intersections when we turn either left or right, mid-turn. Also, the steering wheel, plastic, is dangerously-slippery, expecially during those stalls in heavy traffic when panic sets in.

31 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 11/23/2016

11/23/16 - as I was slowly rolling into a front parking spot the car accelerated on it's own - I turned the wheel to the left so I wouldn't crash full on into the building - trying to control the car - I went over a curb that was jetting out - defining the parking spaces - my right front and back tires went over the curb - just missing a tree - finally coming to a stop - if there was anyone there - I would have hit them - that day I took the car to the Subaru dealer and told them what happened - and on my paperwork it stated "customer states Subaru seems to accelerate on its own - tech found no codes. Tech drove vehicle and could not duplicate".



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