2017 Subaru Forester engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 11, 2026CAEngine

   the TGV valve metal flap screw came undone and came loose with the intake manifold. piece of metal about 1 in x 2 inch (flap) fell down to cylinder 2 intake and rubbed against the intake valve nipping pieces off and those pieces of metal along with loose screw fell chipping corner of cylinder 2 top edge. at my shop they had to replace cylinder 2 and TGV valve and rebuild the damaged cylinder head. REASON WHY I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP There was small vibrations at a idle at about…

   NHTSA complaint #11763627 · source
2. Filed Mar 7, 2025156,774 miRIEngine

   The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being started, the contact heard an abnormally loud sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that a dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline…

   NHTSA complaint #11647044 · source
3. Filed Dec 3, 2024140,000 miMNEngine

   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 intermittently for over a month prior to a diagnostic test. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where DTC code: P0420 was retrieved, and the vehicle was diagnosed with catalytic converter…

   NHTSA complaint #11628507 · source
4. Filed Nov 6, 2024CAEngine

   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 and 100,000 miles. I read that it should be covered by Subaru. I called them and they never replied and wanted to charge $299 just for a diagnostic check. There should have been a…

   NHTSA complaint #11623867 · source
5. Filed Dec 4, 2023MTEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Forester in known for chronic exhaust leak into cabin through AC vents. Reported this to dealership and they "could not find the problem." Cabin of vehicle smells heavily of exhaust. Driver gets headache from smell/gas while driving. Internet forums show this is a common unaddressed issue by dealerships. Car is a 2017 and should not be leaking exhaust into the cabin.

   NHTSA complaint #11558302 · source
6. Filed Aug 26, 2023MTElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11540854 · source
7. Filed Aug 16, 2023COCrashTowedEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / Unknown

   On July 31,2023, approximately 8PM, I was driving my 2017 Subaru slowly as I made the 90degree turn into my driveway. Midway up the driveway, the car suddenly —on its own—spontaneously accelerated , burst through the half open garage door, across the garage, and crashed through the garage wall into my family room—bulldozing through two sheets of plywood and large pieces of firewood in the garage, and then destroying heavy antique furniture in the family room before coming to…

   NHTSA complaint #11538950 · source
8. Filed May 24, 2023CAEngine

   Cam carrier leak-unreliable car-detected and confirmed by Subaru dealership-no warning lights-appears to be an issue for many Subaru vehicles

   NHTSA complaint #11523736 · source
9. Filed May 23, 2023NJEngine

   While driving on the highway at 65 MPH another vehicle cut me off causing me to apply my brakes. Car came down to about 20 MPH. Then I attempted to accelerate and the car would not accelerate. I pulled off on the shoulder to check. Everything seemed okay. There was no error codes on the dashboard. I pulled back on the highway and the car accelerated fine. I went in to talk to Subaru service in Jersey City. He said maybe the computer needed to reset itself. Doesnt sound right…

   NHTSA complaint #11523381 · source
10. Filed Apr 22, 2023MICrash1 injuredTowedBrakesEngineAcceleration & Cruise Control

    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…

    NHTSA complaint #11518420 · source
11. Filed Jan 9, 2023GAEngine

    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.

    NHTSA complaint #11500879 · source
12. Filed Oct 27, 2022PAEngine

    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 /…

    NHTSA complaint #11491153 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology