2017 Subaru Forester engine problems
46 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2017 Subaru Forester — 8% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and several safety features failed to function as intended. In addition, the contact stated that the check engine warning light had been illuminated…”
filed Dec 3, 2024
“My subaru forester started smelling and rattling loud. My mechanic told me it could be the muffler. I took it to the muffler shop and it was the catalytic converter. I had to pay $800 to fix it but my friend who had the same exact car had it replaced at Subaru for free. My car is under 8 years old…”
filed Nov 6, 2024
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
This bulletin provides updated parts information and a service procedure to follow for removing accumulated carbon deposits from fuel injectors and internal engine components (e.g. intake valves and / or manifold, and…
02-193-24R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 30, 2026This bulletin provides updated parts information and a service procedure to follow for removing accumulated carbon deposits from fuel injectors and internal engine components (e.g. intake valves and / or manifold, and…
02-193-24R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 13, 2026This bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be used when DTCs B1571(REFERENCE CODE INCOMPATIBILITY IMMOBILIZER CM TO ECM) and B1572(IMM CIRCUIT EXCEPT ANTENNA CIRCUIT) are detected by Keyless Access with Push…
18-230-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 1, 2026
Engine problems in other Forester years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Forester | 3 | 3% |
| 2024 Forester | 1 | 4% |
| 2023 Forester | 5 | 7% |
| 2022 Forester | 10 | 11% |
| 2021 Forester | 32 | 15% |
| 2020 Forester | 74 | 12% |
| 2019 Forester | 106 | 13% |
| 2018 Forester | 31 | 6% |
| 2016 Forester | 60 | 15% |
| 2015 Forester | 131 | 21% |
| 2014 Forester | 69 | 17% |
| 2013 Forester | 26 | 34% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2017 Subaru Forester
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.