On May 20, 2022, I was attempting to back into a parking space when my car lunged forward and crashed into two parked cars. I suffered a cracked sternum. No one else was hurt but I was just a few feet from the ground-level windows of a motel. Much body damage to my car (in excess of $13,000) and the other two cars. Police report was filed. Insurance claim filed. No reproduction of problem sought from manufacturer or dealer. No warning signals from car. Assumption made of driver at fault accident. However, please refer to Detroit Free Press article printed 4/22/23: https://freep-mi.newsmemory.com/?publink=0dd2ac172_134ab3a
2017 Subaru Forester engine complaints
Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 48, newest first, as owners wrote them.
I have a 2017 Subaru Forester Touring. It has stalled on acceleration twice. Once on a divided highway attempting to increase speed going up slight incline around 60mph. It stalled and shut off. It also stalled but didn't completely shut off going through an intersection at 45mph today.
The catalytic converter had substantial rust and was beyond repair (i.e., welding). The vehicle was only 6 years old and did not have any issues with rust identified during the 2021 annual inspection (as required by our state). This year, the vehicle failed inspection due to the amount of damage from rust. Our mechanic advised the rust was most likely caused by the plastic covers surrounding the catalytic converter not allowing enough air to circulate to keep the area dry / prevent rust from forming.
Exhaust fumes noticed in the passenger cabin of the vehicle. PZEV equipped. I have heard of others experiencing the same issue. This was noted some time ago, however parts were not available at the time and Subaru N.A. had not responded to my written correspondance until i finally phoned them. Very concerned about potential for Carbon Monoxide. I understandf Ford explorer and VW had similar issues. The attached estimate was recently obtained from the dealership but service rep claimed this was the recommended service at time of discovery.
Noticed sputtering in my car. Took it to dealership. I was told I needed condenser and compressor. When googled, there was a recall for condenser for Subaru Forester 2017 model. The dealership told me that it’s only vin# specific for that reason not covered under recall. That was a shock. Same model and year but they would only cover certain vin #? For the same known issue? Why? It should cover all vin # for the safety of the consumer. I am writing to report the issues encountered so far with this vehicle. 1. Batteries were leaking prematurely, I got it replaced 4 months ago 2. Need condenser and compressor replaced at less than 60,000 miles for a newly car purchased car from dealership. Please look in to this issue if reported by more consumers for safety reason and also to hold the company accountable for faulty parts. Thank you.
The exhaust pipe assembly for our 2017 non-turbo Subaru Forester has failed. Two other similar complaints for this model and year vehicle have been submitted to the federal safety agency (ID#’s 11429564 and 11395158). Exhaust fumes spread within the vehicle cabin and presents a significant safety and health issue for occupants. A similar problem has been reported for turbo charge vehicles for which Subaru issued a voluntary emissions recall on March 27, 2020. No such recall for non-turbo vehicles has been issued by Subaru. The vehicle will be inspected by the local dealer. I request the federal safety agency investigate this issue and request Subaru expand its voluntary emissions recall to non-turbo vehicles.
I was pulling into a parellel parking space, braking to slow to a stop when my car surged froward inspite of increased and continued braking and hit the car in front of me. The collision is what stopped the car. My Subaru Forester is very damaged (bumper, lights, and frame rail) and the car in front also had extensive damage. My safety and the safety of the neigbhorhood cars, pedestrians and homes was at risk given my car was unstoppable despite braking. I couldn't understand what happened so I did an internet search for acceleration while braking and many articles came up reguarding several Subaru models (including mine) of "sudden unintended acceleration" issues. What was described was exactly what I experienced. There are several class action lawsuits in the works as Subaru has not taken any responsibility. No dashboard warning lights came on before or after the crash. I took the car to the Subaru dealer I purshased it from. At first they said there would be a 250. dollar diagnostic fee. When I picked it up they said there was an ECM (Engine Control Module) update and they performed it on my car. The update was designed "to address problems" like those I described. The clerk would not elaborate, was very vague and would say nothing beyond that except he didn't know if the update would fix the problem-that we would just have to wait and see. I explained that if it happened again it could have catastrophic consequences, he had nothing to say. He waived the service fee. I got the impression Subaru didn't want to say much because they would be responsible. By waiving the fee they hoped I would just go away. I am left with: a severely damaged car, as is my neighbor's, an accident that looks to be my fault-when in fact it is Subaru's fault, a large deductable to pay, a point on my lisence and increased insurance rates, and a car I have no faith in. This should not be on my driving record. Subaru should be found responsible.
I started noticing exhaust fumes in the cabin while idling at a stop. I did some research and found that several Foresters have had an issue with their exhaust manifold bellows cracking on a flexi pipe. So I started looking for a leak. I took the plastic underbody engine cover off and took off the heat shield and located the crack on the flexi pipe. The flexi pipe have been replaced at approximately 60k miles. It lasted for approximately a year or another 30K miles and I had to replace it again. My vehicle currently has 160K and the same issue comes back. It is very frustrating because I feel very lightheaded when driving this vehicle and replacement of this part is very expensive. $1800 for the full manifold.
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).
With engine running and shift lever in Park (CVT transmission) driver is unable to turn the engine off or remove the ignition key from the steering wheel. This occurs sporadically/unpredictably such that driver has no forewarning and cannot take proactive steps to avoid the problem, resulting in instances where driver is forced to leave the car running in situations that present safety concerns. (Examples: in a garage or enclosed area; when temporarily exiting vehicle necessitating leaving the doors unlocked; etc.). The problem is widespread in Subaru vehicles and consistent with problems exhibited/described in Subaru Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) #16-112-18R for which no recall has to date been issued for corrective action by Subaru. Driver was told by Subaru of America that a diagnostics test is needed by a Subaru dealer to verify existence of the problem (which as stated occurs unpredictably) at driver's expense (locally approximately $140), with repair coverage of defective/poorly-designed shift or electrical components not being covered by Subaru beyond the standard warranty period for the affected vehicle. estimated cost of repair for defects as listed in the TSB (per on-line sources)...$400-$650 depending on dealer and geographical location.
Exhaust manifold cracked and needed replaced; was first advised that the catalyt converter was bad and would need replaced by a non subaru service provider. When I took to subaru dealer, was advised I had to pay for 2 hours labor to "diagnosis" the exhaust before they could advise of issue/fix; did not do at that time. Next subaru maintenance requested to have situation diagnosed; was then advised that did not need to remove covers to diagnosis, they knew it was the exhaust manifold. Part was on backorder; ordered and then replaced; exhaust still loud and now have fumes that were not present prior to the repair
Periodically unable to remove key from the ignition. Has been happening more frequently over the past 2 months. Key is "locked" in ignition, unable to completely "turn off" key switch and therefore unable to remove the key. Only resolution has been to turn the vehicle back on and shift the gears and reattempt to turn car off and remove key. This is also, likely, affecting being able to use the remote start for my vehicle.
The vehicle was traveling along the highway at around 65-75mph and we went up a grade (cuesta grade) along 101 freeway in california and vehicle had a sudden loss in power while climbing up the hill. Ultimately, no power was ever regained and the vehicle shut off completely and stopped. We were stuck on the side of the road and had to call 911 to have a chp offer park behind us so that we would not be hit because we were partially in the lane. The car could not move so we had to have it towed to a subaru dealership. We received a check engine light, vehicle emissions controls, hill assist, and the car was shaking. Subaru recently made a recall on models that have had a loss of power but my vehicle is not on the list but I did experience everything mentioned in the recall. Can you assist?
There is a problem with the engine and the fuel feed. The engine will buck, much like a backfire and fail to accelerate. This problem has been on-going since we purchased the vehicle. The date of the event is an approximation but it has been on-going since we purchased the car.
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.
Smell of gasoline at startup. The car has only 30000 miles on it and seems to be a widely reported problem/issue with subarus of all makes/models. This was not in cold weather. This is a major safety issue!
After attempting to turn off the car and remove the key from the ignition, the key will not remove. After some manhandling of the shifter and turning the car on and off, eventually, I am able to get the key out of the ignition. This is occurring 80% of the time now. The vehicle has about 37,000 miles and is less than 4 years old.
We have a 2017 subaru forester xt touring model 2.0 turbo engine with approximately 20,000 miles. Wife and son were traveling to a wedding when check engine light came on no sooner did light come on heavy smoke filled inside of car from air vents heavy smoke was coming out from under hood also waited for smoke to clear noticed oil all over engine had vehicle towed to subaru dealership service manager called and said there was a hole in engine block I asked him how could happen he said it could be faulty engine this vehicle is a fire hazard my family could of been seriously been injured if vehicle caught fire while they were driving or passed out due to heavy smoke inside vehicle was in motion traveling on paved black surface road this vehicle should be recalled completely.
Tl* the contact owns a 2017 subaru forester. While driving approximately 70 MPH the vehicle suddenly stalled. The dealer was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The contact was concerned that the vehicle was unsafe. The contact stated that the vehicle would not accelerate when pressing the accelerator pedal. While driving, the speed was suddenly reduced. After turning the vehicle off and restarting the engine, the vehicle operated as normal. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer reedman toll subaru (1700 east lincoln hwy, langhorne pa) who was unable to duplicate the failure or determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.
My car stole in the middle off highway on a very busy traffic time,, I can hear the engine but the car did not move, finally it moved very slowly and stop again, I almost got hit many times since vehicles were speeding over 65miles and no one will allow me to move to the shoulder, finally after 10 minutes the car engine accelerated and I was able to drive away, very scary situacin
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.
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.
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.
While driving my vehicle wants to stall and I have to floor the gas pedal and it slowly starts to accelerate. I'm afraid that one of these days it will not accelerate and will cause a fatal accident. I brought it in to pine belt subaru in lakewood, nj for service and they said the software needs updating and they updated it. However, it's still stalling. This stalling happens many times. The last time was on 03/22/2019.
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.
I did my first oil change at 1500 miles, then the next two changes at about 3000 mile intervals. Then I decided to stretch them to the 5k miles recommended by subaru. I was about 4k miles into this change interval when my oil level light came on. I checked the dip stick and it was bone dry. I wouldn't have noticed oil consumption on the first few changes because I was doing them more frequently than needed and therefore the engine didn't have time to consume enough oil to trip the low oil light. I went to subaru for an oil consumption test, which it "passed". I documented everything and took photos of the dip stick before and after the test. Subaru fills your oil to the top line of the dip stick. The mechanic informed me this is standard procedure. I was told that the amount of oil between the 2 lines is a quart. After the 1200 miles of the oil consumption test, the oil level was down about 20% between the two lines. Taking that out to a full 5-6k mile interval, that means it burns about a quart or more in between changes. I spoke with the mechanic who said that this is completely within spec of subaru's standards. I told him I thought this was a lot, but he said this is normal for subarus in his experience. A car with only 16k miles should not require over a quart of oil to be added between oil changes. When my oil light came on again, within the same oil change interval as the oil consumption test (about 4k miles into the interval), I took the car back to subaru for a second oil consumption test. Instead of performing this, they opted to replace my short block, a very extensive repair. I am still waiting for this repair to occur under factory warranty.
2.5 manual, burns oil at excessive rate. Check engine oil light turned twice so far, once at 2k miles on a car and next time at 16k miles. Both lights were well within the oil change schedule and the car has not been subdued to any unusual use. Unable to travel in the car long distances without having 2 quarts of oil in a trunk due to possible engine failure for lack of oil. Both times the low oil lights went up when traveling on roads and sunaru dealer had to add oil (still under warranty).
Screen blacked out everything went off, no lights, no radio, no dash board vision. This happened 3 times before I took it to the dealer. I was told it was an electrical issues and electrical cables were replaced, however, just this week my vehicle, while waiting at a light, turned completely off. It was so scary, good thing there was no one else behind me. A few minutes later I was able to turn the car on and continue my journey. Now, I do not feel safe when I use my vehicle.
On 9/29/18, 1:35 pm while in the process of parking the vehicle and initiating a turn to the right the car suddenly accelerated from idle to full throttle unintentionally and launched itself towards a 12' x 20' wood framed outbuilding on our property which has an attached deck. Before the vehicle could be shut off it had jumped up onto the deck and smashed into and partially penetrated the front of the outbuilding. Forward progress was halted when the rear portion of the car had become high centered on the edge of the deck. Presently the car is still on the deck and partially in the building. The right rear wheel is I" off the ground. The left rear wheel dug itself 3" down into the gravel. - no one was injured during this accident. The car was occupied by only the driver. - the airbag did not deploy even though the car experienced two (2) significant impact events. 1st when it hit a temporary wood step and the edge of the deck (18" above grade) and 2nd when it struck the building. Most of the bumper was torn off the car when it hit the deck and is now pinned under the car. The impact shifted the building approx. 3/8" on it's post & pier foundation. - this report was written & submitted on 10/1/18. - a wrecker is scheduled to extricate the car from the outbuilding on 10/2/18. - the driveway and parking area where this occurred is crushed rock/gravel. - the distance from where the car instantly accelerated to the edge of the deck was approximately 22 feet. The face of the outbuilding is 8 feet from the edge of the deck. The distance covered by the car during this accident was approx. 30 plus feet. - during this event an attempt was made to control/stop the car with extreme application of the foot brake and handbrake and ultimately the stop button. - it was a dry, sunny, early fall day in the west side of the cascade mountains in washington state.
Vehicle hesitates during acceleration, worse if AC is on. Engine nearly stalls, losing power. Initially happened during left turn and while vehicle is in middle of intersection in front of oncoming traffic. This is repeated issue over several months
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2017 Subaru Forester?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history