Front Seat Head Restraint Problems of Subaru Forester

Occupant detection system (ods) malfunctioning. Passenger airbag is off when an adult is seated in the front passenger seat. Sometimes the passenger airbag is on while there is no one (and nothing) on the seat, causing the seat belt warning chime to occur until seat belt is buckled. Supplemental restraint system (srs) light appears on dashboard and shuts down airbag system while driving. These things occur somewhat randomly when starting the car, continue while driving in the city and highway, and don't go away until the car is turned off. Sometimes restarting the car will correct the problem. I brought my Forester to the dealership today (1/26/2021) and they reported that the sensors of the ods system were not working properly and will need to be replaces. Cost estimate is about $1,100 and I have to wait until the part gets shipped in. They said the likely cause is moisture or the seat got wet. I live in a dry climate area and have not gotten the seats wet at all recently (and barely ever in the past). Through research, I have found a very similar problem has occurred in the 2015-2018 models and there is a recall (wum-98) for those years. My Forester is a 2014 and is of the same generation but isn't included in the recall for some reason. Is it possible that the 2014 model should also be included if the same problem is happening? appreciate any help and insight you can offer!.

See all problems of the 2014 Subaru Forester 🔎.

There is an issue with my subraru Forester 2017 front passenger seat occupant detection system (ods) malfunctions same as in model year (my) 2016 through 2018 Subaru Forester vehicles. These vehicles use a capacitive type ods, which is intended to classify the occupant of the passenger seat as either full-sized, small stature, a child seat or other object. The complaints report the ods failed to operate properly, the srs (supplemental restraint system) warning light illuminated, and/or the ods incorrectly suppressed (turned off) the front passenger air bag when the seat was occupied by a full-sized passenger. In a frontal crash sufficient to warrant deployment, a suppressed air bag may increase the risk of injury to the occupant of the seat. Odi opended this investigation to assess the scope, frequency, and consequences of the alleged defect in the subject vehicles.

See all problems of the 2017 Subaru Forester 🔎.

Front driver seat -- while driving heard a metal pop sound from the seat. After investigation the right side of the driver seat has separated from the seat tracks. Seat has not been abused as drivers weight using this vehicle is < 225lbs. Have seen several posts on Subaru sites indicating left side of seat failure. This is right side of seat. The seat no sits lower on the right side causing awkward seating position, leaning toward center of vehicle for the driver. Should vehicle be involved in crash I suspect the driver will not be properly positioned for proper restraint with seat belt and not center with the airbag potential deployment. All resulting in unnecessary driver injury. The vehicle has less than 90,000 miles.

See all problems of the 2010 Subaru Forester 🔎.

Occupant detection system (ods) malfunctioning. Passenger airbag is off when an adult is seated in the front passenger seat. Sometimes the passenger airbag is on while there is no one (and nothing) on the seat, causing the seat belt warning chime to occur until seat belt is buckled. Supplemental restraint system (srs) light appears on dashboard and shuts down airbag system while driving. These things occur somewhat randomly when starting the car, continue while driving in the city and highway, and don't go away until the car is turned off. Sometimes restarting the car will correct the problem. I brought my Forester to the dealership back in 2017 and they reported that the sensors of the ods system were not working properly and will need to be replaces. Cost estimate is about $1,100. They said the likely cause is moisture or the seat got wet. I live in a dry climate area and have not gotten the seats wet at all recently (and barely ever in the past). Through research, I have found a very similar problem has occurred in the 2015-2018 models and there is a recall (wum-98) for those years. My Forester is a 2014 and is of the same generation but isn't included in the recall for some reason. Is it possible that the 2014 model should also be included if the same problem is happening? appreciate any help and insight you can offer!.

While sitting on the driver's seat, the front left portion of the seat collapsed downward, and now has no support from the frame of the seat. Dealer has confirmed that the welds on the seat bracket have failed. This seems likely to be the result of a factory defect, as this seat has not been abused or had an abnormal amount of weight supported on it. My concern now is in the safety of the restraint system.

Drivers side seat cushion collapsed on left side and became loose due to a weld failure on the seat frame. I believe that the loose seat cushion compromises the integrity of the restraint system and warrants a safety recall.

Noticed driver's seat (power) was not providing normal support on left side. Assumed it was just age related deterioration at first, but when I investigated I found two welds on the seat frame assembly (pn 64100sc001) had failed. I was concerned that this might have an impact on the performance of the restraint systems and contacted dealer and Subaru to seek assistance in a repair. None was offered. I ordered a replacement factory part from my dealer and notice that the replacement part had been modified by adding a screw to the welds holding the bracket on. Checking on the internet, it appears that this is not an uncommon problem. I was able to replace the seat frame, but this requires removal and disassembly of the seat which is a fairly advanced diy job.

2012 Subaru Forester. Consumer stated the windows glass will not close. The head rest is not installed properly. Rear hatch door will not close without being slammed and opened while driving. Check engine light indicates a code of misfiring on two cylinders. The consumer stated if the driver and passenger windows were lowered when driving at highway speeds, the window glass shifted out beyond the channel in the door and the windows would not close. The consumer stated he had to listen to a high-pitched squeal while driving. The dealer did confirm a problem existed, but there was no solution.

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The headrests for the driver's and front passenger's seats are very uncomfortable, pushing the person's head forward and causing back ache. I could not drive long distances with my head pushed forward. The remedy I used was to take out the headrest and turn it backwards, but this may not be safe in an accident. This defect needs to be corrected.

See all problems of the 2009 Subaru Forester 🔎.

The contact owns a 2009 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that the head rest in the vehicle was very uncomfortable and unsafe. The consumer stated the head rest was so far forward, that it held his/her down. The consumer had to look out of the top of his/her eyes to see ahead. The consumer stated the only way to drive the vehicle was to remove the head rest. Updated 04/24/09.

On oct. 5,2007 - I was stopped at a traffic light. An illegal alien without a drivers license was looking for his cell phone and traveling at least 15-20 miles over the posted speed - slammed into the back of my car. It sent my car through the intersection and turned it completely around. While this was going on the seatback of my driver's seat collapsed onto the back seat. Because of the collapse - my seatbelt did not protect me - it nearly severed my left ear. I have no memory of any of it. I have a brain slosh injury - (similar to shaken baby syndrome). I have double vision, neck pain, and back pain. I have memory problems and lost two weeks pay for the two weeks I missed of work. I still have all these problems a month later, but unfortunately, if you want to eat and have bills to pay - you have to work!.

See all problems of the 2006 Subaru Forester 🔎.