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2017 Subaru

Forester AWD

Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L

Subaru Forester: best and worst years
2017 Subaru Forester AWD

Closest available photo (2019 model year); you're viewing the 2017.

2019 photoMatti BlumeCC BY-SA 4.0Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Body
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Drivetrain
All-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Transmission
Automatic (variable gear ratios)EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Powertrain
GasEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel
RegularEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Engine & performance

HP
170
Power to weight
0.051 hp/lb
Axle ratio
3.70
Cyl
4EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Aspiration
Naturally aspiratedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Start-stop system
NoEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Efficiency

MPG Hwy
32 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG City
26 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG Comb
28 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel $/yr
$2,200EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
CO₂
315 g/miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Eco Score
6/10EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Smog score
7/10
Elec. Range
0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Real-world MPG
26.3 mpg, reported by 4 driversabout 1.7 mpg below the EPA combined estimate
SmartWay certified
No

Dimensions & capacity

Length
181 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Width
71 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Height
69 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Wheelbase
104 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Curb Weight
3,303 lbNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026

Safety NHTSA, model year

Overall crash rating
★★★★★
Rollover rating
★★★★
Stability control (ESC)
Standard
Forward-collision warning
Optional
Lane-departure warning
Optional
Recalls
1
Owner complaints
571
Reported injuries
27

Reported problems NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • AIR BAGS21%
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM14%
  • VISIBILITY/WIPER14%
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER13%
  • ENGINE6%
  • POWER TRAIN6%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 739 total.

Subaru Forester: best and worst years

Federal investigations NHTSA defect investigations, model year

  • PE19009opened Aug 6, 2019AIR BAGS

    Occupant Detection System (ODS) Failure

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

252 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • May 18, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHER01-167-08R

    This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.

  • May 13, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEM16-156-25R

    This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability.

  • May 13, 2026ENGINE02-193-24R

    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 combustion chambers).

  • May 4, 2026POWER TRAINSubaruNet Announcement (R

    This announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program.

  • May 1, 2026ENGINE18-230-26

    This 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 Button Start(KACM).

  • Apr 30, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHER07-240-26R

    This Service Information Bulletin was developed to provide interim guidance for vehicles exhibiting DTC B2A20.

  • Apr 24, 2026POWER TRAIN03-97-26

    This bulletin announces the service manual correction regarding clutch master cylinder reservoir service procedures.

  • Apr 20, 2026WHEELS05-97-26

    This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedures to be followed when addressing customer concerns of steering wheel/vehicle body vibration when driving at highway speeds when tire/wheel balance is suspected.

  • and 244 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
3 yr / 36k mi
Powertrain
5 yr / 60k mi
Roadside assistance
3 yr / 36k mi
EV battery
8 yr / 100k mi

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.