2017 Subaru Forester seats problems
32 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the seats on the 2017 Subaru Forester — 6% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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…”
filed Jul 18, 2026
“Had recall completed for passenger airbag prior now SRS airbag on since 6/7/2026 per dealer code B1650 & B1760 as history codes. States found passenger side airbag sensor has erratic operation, recommended replacing seat bottom with integrated sensor for $2015 at Spreen Subaru of San Bernardino…”
filed Jun 9, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Seats problems in other Forester years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Forester | 1 | 1% |
| 2023 Forester | 3 | 4% |
| 2022 Forester | 1 | 1% |
| 2021 Forester | 1 | 0% |
| 2020 Forester | 4 | 1% |
| 2019 Forester | 4 | 0% |
| 2018 Forester | 29 | 6% |
| 2016 Forester | 22 | 5% |
| 2015 Forester | 22 | 4% |
| 2014 Forester | 14 | 3% |
| 2012 Forester | 2 | 2% |
| 2011 Forester | 4 | 3% |
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.