2017 Subaru Forester suspension problems

Filed Oct 19, 2026 · Suspension · NC

I am filing a formal complaint regarding repeated, costly, and premature failures on my 2017 Subaru Forester, as well as the outright refusal by Subaru Consumer Advocacy to provide financial relief or goodwill reimbursement. Between 2024 and 2026, reaching under 90,000 miles, I was forced to pay out-of-pocket for over $6,200 in major repairs: Rear Wheel Bearings (2024): $2,000+ for premature bearing failure. A/C Evaporator Repair (Feb 2025, ~87,000 miles): $2,000 A/C Compressor Replacement (March 2026): $2,200 following additional system breakdown. Subaru issued Service Program Bulletin WRB-21 / WRB-21R specifically acknowledging factory-defective A/C condensers in 2017 Foresters. When an A/C condenser leaks refrigerant and oil, it directly damages down-stream components, including the evaporator and compressor. Despite pointing out Service Program WRB-21 to the Subaru Consumer Advocacy group, my request for goodwill reimbursement was flatly denied.

Filed Sep 22, 2026 · Suspension · NY

Within 30k miles, Front passinger control arm bushings required replacement due to bushing failure resulting in uneven tire ware. By 35k miles, the front driver lower control arm also had the same issue effecting steering and uneven tire ware.

Filed Jun 17, 2026 · Suspension · CA

The front lower control arm bushing were breaking apart at 53,156 miles. Shop reported significant play in the wheel while on the stand. Sounds like a safety hazards.

Filed Sep 15, 2025 · Steering, Suspension · IN

My [XXX] mother in law was told by Subaru White Plains NY her both her front control arms and both front sway bar links had to be replaced due to rust as they were not safe and would not pass the NY vehicle inspection. So I did a Google search and saw 2017 Subaru Foresters had rust issues in this area and had a recall. However it doesn't show up for this VIN. [XXX] ) Her car was built before 7/2016 when she bought it new. Could it have fallen between the cracks, does the federal safety agency need to have these added as they also obviously have the same issue as they have age to that point of danger. This obviously puts not just 2017 owners at danger, but the public around them. I will try to attach the bills which show what was replaced as unsafe and unable to pass NY vehicle inspection. As I under stand the bill this was a video inspection, so they may have video that you can review. I live in Indiana 800 miles from my mother in law so I was not able to see any of the above in person. I am going on what I was told by her and what I have seen on the bill. I am not asking you to address the bill. I will do that if at some point the federal safety agency has Subaru add her car and others to a recall. Thank You for looking into this, (Son In Law) [XXX] [XXX] cell [XXX] [XXX] The owner is [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 30, 2025 · Steering, Suspension · CA

After a recent regular tire rotation and balance, my vehicle steering felt shakier than normal. Had rotation and balance checked again, but problem continued. Thought an alignment might rectify the problem but was informed this was not needed. Went to my regular mechanic and did notice the steering vibration. Found that it had to do with the forward bushings, and provided me a copy of a service bulletin issued by Subaru dated 6/20/18, #05-63-18R addressing this item, and also provided me with a video and picture of the problem to provide to Subaru repair. Since the Subaru dealer that I went to was not interested in repairing with the information provided, went back to my mechanic and had the work done. No more vibrating steering wheel.

Filed Apr 16, 2025 · Suspension, Wheels · NJ

First was a control arm bushing and than a rear wheel hub assembly. At around 40000 miles. Both failures created unsafe control of the vehicle. Subaru has a tsb with updated parts, so they know the original are poor quality. It has been confirmed with dealer and independent shops. No warning lamps.

Filed Feb 24, 2025 · Suspension · CA

While driving at 50 miles an hour or greater on the freeway the right front wheel began to shake violently and it felt like the wheel was going to come off. I checked online and found similar complaints that referenced a Subaru Service bulletin # 05-63-18R dated 6/20/2018 revised 7/10/2018. It effects 2014 -- 2018 Foresters. As it turned out my mechanic said I need to replace front two lower control Arms. The issue was the suspension. My car has 72,000 miles. The cost was $1200.00

Filed Nov 22, 2024 · Suspension · CA

The control arms on my 2017 Subaru Forester started malfunctioning at a relatively low mileage (~48K miles) and need to be replaced. This seems to be a common issue with Subaru Forester and Outback models manufactured between 2014 and 2019: - [XXX] - [XXX] - [XXX] - [XXX] There are many similar complaints and discussions online. My family has used our car in the San Francisco Bay Area exclusively for commuting. The roads here are in decent condition, and the climate is far from severe. The fact that these parts wore out so quickly suggests a possible manufacturing defect. I wonder why there hasn’t been a recall on these parts, given the potentially fatal implications. The car begins shaking on highways at speeds of 55–65 mph, making it feel as though the wheels might fall off. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 21, 2024 · Suspension, Wheels · NC

My wife's Subaru Forester (2017, VIN [XXX] ) at 70,131 miles started to have a loud droning sound from the rear of the vehicle on [XXX]. I took the SUV to a local mechanic, and they diagnosed the problem as two faulty rear wheel bearings. They removed the old bearings on September 4, 2024 (I have the faulty parts if needed) and placed new bearings. The mechanic warned me that the faulty wheel bearings can seize and cause an accident if they are not replaced. The repair resulted in the disappearance of the droning sound from the rear of the car, so it was clearly a correct diagnosis. In looking online, I have learned that many 2017 Subaru Foresters have a problem with rear wheel bearing failures. The company has expressed no interest in my concern about this incident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 16, 2023 · Suspension, Wheels · NY

Ball bearings all broke in car. This is a known issue but not until I googled it. It causes horrible noises and potential inquiry if not corrected.