2017 Subaru Forester Complaints

Airbag sensor does not work. It is not activated when someone sits in the passenger seat. This was recalled in other Subaru Foresters but for some reason our specific vin number is not eligible for repair.

My 2017 Subaru Forester is experiencing the exact component failure and severe safety hazard outlined in NHTSA Recall 19V-701 (Subaru Campaign WUM-98R). The front passenger seat Occupant Detection System (ODS) is failing continuously, which illuminates the "Passenger Airbag Off" indicator and completely deactivates the front passenger airbag safety restraint system even when an adult is securely seated. Because my specific VIN was omitted from the recall population list, my local Subaru dealership refused to perform the recall repair, stating no active campaign exists for my vehicle. As a result, I have driven this vehicle for over a year with a completely disabled, non-functioning passenger airbag system. Upon researching the technical service bulletins for WUM-98R, my vehicle perfectly matches all manufacturing, model year, and component criteria for the defective occupant detection wiring harness. The omission of my VIN from this safety campaign is an error that has left a severe,...

The passenger airbag Occupant Detection System (ODS) has failed on my 2017 Subaru Forester (VIN: [XXX]) at 78,255 miles. This failure completely deactivates the front passenger airbag, creating an immediate, severe safety hazard for any front-seat passenger. This vehicle previously had Federal Safety Recall WUM-98 performed in 2020 to resolve this exact ODS engineering defect. However, the safety recall remedy has failed. The red SRS/airbag warning light is permanently illuminated, and the passenger airbag indicator status remains stuck on "OFF" even with an adult seated in the vehicle. A diagnostic scan performed on XXX by Lithia Subaru of Oregon City confirmed active code DTC B1760 (Occupant Detection Sensor Mat Malfunction). I was forced to pay a $100.00 diagnostic fee just to retrieve my vehicle, and the dealership quoted an additional $2,171.12 ($1,371.12 for parts and $800.00 for labor) to replace the entire passenger seat bottom cushion assembly and harness (Part 64084SG23A) to...

The shift guide plate in my 2017 Subaru Forester failed, causing the ignition key to become stuck and not release when the engine is off. The component is available for inspection upon request. The failure was confirmed by a Subaru dealer, who diagnosed the defective shift guide plate and provided a repair estimate of $685.23. The safety risk is significant - an inability to remove the key from the ignition can prevent the driver from securing the vehicle and creates confusion about whether the engine is truly off. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the failure. The problem presented suddenly and has been reproducible consistently since it first appeared. This is a known manufacturing defect. Subaru acknowledged it by issuing an 8-year extended warranty extension (TSB 16-112-18R) specifically covering this component. My vehicle has only 71,000 miles - well below average for a 9-year-old vehicle - and falls just outside the 8-year window. I contacted Subaru of America requ...

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.