2017 Subaru Forester Engine Problems

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 to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 156,774.

NHTSA ID

11647044

Incident

Jul 15, 2024

Mileage

156,774 mi

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 failure. The contact was informed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was scheduled to be repaired. The contact researched Warranty Extension: 09-84-22; however, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under any warranty programs. In addition, the contact stated that the case manager provided false information and stated that the Warranty Extension document did not exist. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA ID

11628507

Incident

Nov 3, 2024

Mileage

140,000 mi

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 recall notice on the Subaru Forester 2017. It's catalytic converter is faulty. I had to smell the fumes and so did my grandson.

NHTSA ID

11623867

Incident

Feb 23, 2022

need new engine keeps burning oil

NHTSA ID

11586702

Incident

May 2, 2024

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 ID

11558302

Incident

Jul 1, 2023

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 to drive, while continuing to press my foot down hard on the break peddle, move the shifter back from drive to the park position. Often I will have to repeat this process several times to remove the key form the ignition or attempt Option 2.. Option 2. When Option 1 above does not work, with the vehicle turned off and I park, I will release my foot from the break, pause, press down on the break, start the ignition, place my vehicle in drive or reverse (depending how I am parked) and drive the vehicle 2-3 feet, stop and repeat step 1 above. Again, I many have to try this procedure several times. Option 3. After 5-10 minutes and several attempts, I will give up, turn the vehicle off, place it in park, and leave the car unlocked with keys in the ignition. I'm not sure why this has not been addressed prior as I have found several articles from 2008 to 2020 on the same issue, specifically on Subaru's.

NHTSA ID

11540854

Incident

Aug 1, 2022

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 rest. The jagged remains of the wall prevented opening either the passenger or the driver’s side door. My adult son, [XXX] , was my passenger in the front seat. He climbed to the back, but the hatch has no handle on the inside, so we were trapped in the car. I called 911. Police and Fire departments arrived. Miraculously, we were not hurt, but had anyone been in the family room at the time, they would have been seriously injured or killed. I made an insurance claim with Allstate Insurance Company the next morning. They determined that the car is "repairable" but will not pay for it to be examined and repaired at a Subaru dealership or Subaru certified body shop . They tell me I have to use at shop in their "preferred network" and pay the extra cost that a Subaru facility would charge. A non-Subaru affiliated mechanic theorized that it was a computer problem that caused the malfunction. Doing a "google" search, I find that hundreds of drivers have had this sudden, unexpected acceleration problem,(Subaru Forester years 20120-2018) but that Subaru dealerships are unable to discover the cause. There have also been two "class action" lawsuitsI I called Groove Subaru dealership,(5300 S. Broadway, Englewood, CO, 80113, and the service department man that I spoke with seemed not at all concerned about the spontaneous acceleration issue, and casually recommended a body shop. The UNKNOWN cause needs to be found before someone is killed !!! PLEASE HELP INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF IN

NHTSA ID

11538950

Incident

Jul 31, 2023

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

NHTSA ID

11523736

Incident

Mar 17, 2023

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 to me. Something wrong if a defect exist where the computer needs time to reset itself in an emergency braking esp if you have to accelerate on the highwway

NHTSA ID

11523381

Incident

May 20, 2023

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 driver at fault accident. However, please refer to Detroit Free Press article printed 4/22/23: https://freep-mi.newsmemory.com/?publink=0dd2ac172_134ab3a

NHTSA ID

11518420

Incident

May 20, 2022

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 ID

11500879

Incident

Jan 9, 2023

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 / prevent rust from forming.

NHTSA ID

11491153

Incident

Sep 29, 2022

Exhaust fumes noticed in the passenger cabin of the vehicle. PZEV equipped. I have heard of others experiencing the same issue. This was noted some time ago, however parts were not available at the time and Subaru N.A. had not responded to my written correspondance until i finally phoned them. Very concerned about potential for Carbon Monoxide. I understandf Ford explorer and VW had similar issues. The attached estimate was recently obtained from the dealership but service rep claimed this was the recommended service at time of discovery.

NHTSA ID

11487135

Incident

Sep 29, 2022

Noticed sputtering in my car. Took it to dealership. I was told I needed condenser and compressor. When googled, there was a recall for condenser for Subaru Forester 2017 model. The dealership told me that it’s only vin# specific for that reason not covered under recall. That was a shock. Same model and year but they would only cover certain vin #? For the same known issue? Why? It should cover all vin # for the safety of the consumer. I am writing to report the issues encountered so far with this vehicle. 1. Batteries were leaking prematurely, I got it replaced 4 months ago 2. Need condenser and compressor replaced at less than 60,000 miles for a newly car purchased car from dealership. Please look in to this issue if reported by more consumers for safety reason and also to hold the company accountable for faulty parts. Thank you.

NHTSA ID

11480335

Incident

Aug 20, 2022

The exhaust pipe assembly for our 2017 non-turbo Subaru Forester has failed. Two other similar complaints for this model and year vehicle have been submitted to NHTSA (ID#’s 11429564 and 11395158). Exhaust fumes spread within the vehicle cabin and presents a significant safety and health issue for occupants. A similar problem has been reported for turbo charge vehicles for which Subaru issued a voluntary emissions recall on March 27, 2020. No such recall for non-turbo vehicles has been issued by Subaru. The vehicle will be inspected by the local dealer. I request NHTSA investigate this issue and request Subaru expand its voluntary emissions recall to non-turbo vehicles.

NHTSA ID

11453653

Incident

Feb 23, 2022

I was pulling into a parellel parking space, braking to slow to a stop when my car surged froward inspite of increased and continued braking and hit the car in front of me. The collision is what stopped the car. My Subaru Forester is very damaged (bumper, lights, and frame rail) and the car in front also had extensive damage. My safety and the safety of the neigbhorhood cars, pedestrians and homes was at risk given my car was unstoppable despite braking. I couldn't understand what happened so I did an internet search for acceleration while braking and many articles came up reguarding several Subaru models (including mine) of "sudden unintended acceleration" issues. What was described was exactly what I experienced. There are several class action lawsuits in the works as Subaru has not taken any responsibility. No dashboard warning lights came on before or after the crash. I took the car to the Subaru dealer I purshased it from. At first they said there would be a 250. dollar diagnostic fee. When I picked it up they said there was an ECM (Engine Control Module) update and they performed it on my car. The update was designed "to address problems" like those I described. The clerk would not elaborate, was very vague and would say nothing beyond that except he didn't know if the update would fix the problem-that we would just have to wait and see. I explained that if it happened again it could have catastrophic consequences, he had nothing to say. He waived the service fee. I got the impression Subaru didn't want to say much because they would be responsible. By waiving the fee they hoped I would just go away. I am left with: a severely damaged car, as is my neighbor's, an accident that looks to be my fault-when in fact it is Subaru's fault, a large deductable to pay, a point on my lisence and increased insurance rates, and a car I have no faith in. This should not be on my driving record. Subaru should be found responsible.

NHTSA ID

11433469

Incident

Sep 9, 2021

I started noticing exhaust fumes in the cabin while idling at a stop. I did some research and found that several Foresters have had an issue with their exhaust manifold bellows cracking on a flexi pipe. So I started looking for a leak. I took the plastic underbody engine cover off and took off the heat shield and located the crack on the flexi pipe. The flexi pipe have been replaced at approximately 60k miles. It lasted for approximately a year or another 30K miles and I had to replace it again. My vehicle currently has 160K and the same issue comes back. It is very frustrating because I feel very lightheaded when driving this vehicle and replacement of this part is very expensive. $1800 for the full manifold.

NHTSA ID

11429564

Incident

Aug 1, 2021

My 2017 Subaru Forester has 52,000 miles driven. Recently the ignition key will NOT turn to start the engine. The transmission was in park and all the doors were fully closed. After 15 minutes trying several times to no avail it did finally turn to the right and the engine started. Also, previously a few times, randomly, the key would not turn all the way to to the left to turn the engine off. Again, the car was in park and I kept my foot on the brake while trying. Each time this happened I had to move the transmission from Part to Drive and back to Park again, (while keeping my foot on the brake) and the key finally turned all the way to turn the engine off. I am now bringing the car to a Subaru dealer service shop (in Annapolis, Maryland) to try to have them repair this problem once and for all. Thank you, [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID

11428550

Incident

Aug 10, 2021

With engine running and shift lever in Park (CVT transmission) driver is unable to turn the engine off or remove the ignition key from the steering wheel. This occurs sporadically/unpredictably such that driver has no forewarning and cannot take proactive steps to avoid the problem, resulting in instances where driver is forced to leave the car running in situations that present safety concerns. (Examples: in a garage or enclosed area; when temporarily exiting vehicle necessitating leaving the doors unlocked; etc.). The problem is widespread in Subaru vehicles and consistent with problems exhibited/described in Subaru Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) #16-112-18R for which no recall has to date been issued for corrective action by Subaru. Driver was told by Subaru of America that a diagnostics test is needed by a Subaru dealer to verify existence of the problem (which as stated occurs unpredictably) at driver's expense (locally approximately $140), with repair coverage of defective/poorly-designed shift or electrical components not being covered by Subaru beyond the standard warranty period for the affected vehicle. estimated cost of repair for defects as listed in the TSB (per on-line sources)...$400-$650 depending on dealer and geographical location.

NHTSA ID

11420270

Incident

May 1, 2021

EXHAUST MANIFOLD CRACKED AND NEEDED REPLACED; WAS FIRST ADVISED THAT THE CATALYT CONVERTER WAS BAD AND WOULD NEED REPLACED BY A NON SUBARU SERVICE PROVIDER. WHEN I TOOK TO SUBARU DEALER, WAS ADVISED I HAD TO PAY FOR 2 HOURS LABOR TO "DIAGNOSIS" THE EXHAUST BEFORE THEY COULD ADVISE OF ISSUE/FIX; DID NOT DO AT THAT TIME. NEXT SUBARU MAINTENANCE REQUESTED TO HAVE SITUATION DIAGNOSED; WAS THEN ADVISED THAT DID NOT NEED TO REMOVE COVERS TO DIAGNOSIS, THEY KNEW IT WAS THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. PART WAS ON BACKORDER; ORDERED AND THEN REPLACED; EXHAUST STILL LOUD AND NOW HAVE FUMES THAT WERE NOT PRESENT PRIOR TO THE REPAIR

NHTSA ID

11395158

Incident

Jan 4, 2021

Mileage

90,000 mi

PERIODICALLY UNABLE TO REMOVE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. HAS BEEN HAPPENING MORE FREQUENTLY OVER THE PAST 2 MONTHS. KEY IS "LOCKED" IN IGNITION, UNABLE TO COMPLETELY "TURN OFF" KEY SWITCH AND THEREFORE UNABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY. ONLY RESOLUTION HAS BEEN TO TURN THE VEHICLE BACK ON AND SHIFT THE GEARS AND REATTEMPT TO TURN CAR OFF AND REMOVE KEY. THIS IS ALSO, LIKELY, AFFECTING BEING ABLE TO USE THE REMOTE START FOR MY VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID

11395156

Incident

Feb 8, 2021

Mileage

114,000 mi

THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING ALONG THE HIGHWAY AT AROUND 65-75MPH AND WE WENT UP A GRADE (CUESTA GRADE) ALONG 101 FREEWAY IN CALIFORNIA AND VEHICLE HAD A SUDDEN LOSS IN POWER WHILE CLIMBING UP THE HILL. ULTIMATELY, NO POWER WAS EVER REGAINED AND THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF COMPLETELY AND STOPPED. WE WERE STUCK ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND HAD TO CALL 911 TO HAVE A CHP OFFER PARK BEHIND US SO THAT WE WOULD NOT BE HIT BECAUSE WE WERE PARTIALLY IN THE LANE. THE CAR COULD NOT MOVE SO WE HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO A SUBARU DEALERSHIP. WE RECEIVED A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, VEHICLE EMISSIONS CONTROLS, HILL ASSIST, AND THE CAR WAS SHAKING. SUBARU RECENTLY MADE A RECALL ON MODELS THAT HAVE HAD A LOSS OF POWER BUT MY VEHICLE IS NOT ON THE LIST BUT I DID EXPERIENCE EVERYTHING MENTIONED IN THE RECALL. CAN YOU ASSIST?

NHTSA ID

11363958

Incident

Oct 11, 2020

Mileage

64,500 mi

THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE AND THE FUEL FEED. THE ENGINE WILL BUCK, MUCH LIKE A BACKFIRE AND FAIL TO ACCELERATE. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN ON-GOING SINCE WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. THE DATE OF THE EVENT IS AN APPROXIMATION BUT IT HAS BEEN ON-GOING SINCE WE PURCHASED THE CAR.

NHTSA ID

11353128

Incident

Sep 8, 2017

MY FIANC AND I BOUGHT THIS CAR AND WE WERE TOLD IT WAS NOT AN ACCIDENT, AFTER WE PURCHASED IT WE FOUND OUT THAT IT HAD BEEN IN 2 ACCIDENTS AND DURING DRIVING 1 NIGHT IT BUCKED REAL HARD AND WOULD NOW ACCELERATE AND IT SCARED BOTH OF US. SO THE NEXT DAY I TOOK IT TO CENTER SUBARU IN TORRINGTON CONNECTICUT TO GET IT INSPECTED, DURING THE TRIP TO THE DEALER IT HAD BUCKED THREE MORE TIMES VIOLENTLY. I TOLD THEM ABOUT IT AND THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY CODES IN THE SYSTEM, I SPOKE WITH THE MECHANIC LATER AND HE SAID IF IT DOESN'T THROW TROUBLE CODES IT HAS SERIOUS ISSUES IN THE COMPUTER. I EXPLAINED THAT IT WAS IN A TWO ACCIDENTS AND HE GOES I WOULD EXPLAIN A LOT, HIS OFF THE BOOKS RECOMMENDATION TO ME WAS GET RID OF THE VEHICLE AND FIND SOMETHING ELSE. I TOLD HIM I BOUGHT IT FROM A BETTER WAY WHOLESALE AUTOS IN NAUGATUCK CONNECTICUT AND HE SAID TO CONTACT YOU. I WANT THIS CAR FLAGGED SO WHEN WE TURN IT BACK IN SOMEONE ELSE DOES NOT COME ACROSS IT THE SAME WAY WE DID, I KNOW THE DEALERSHIP WILL PUT THIS ARE BACK OUT FOR SALE AND NOT TELL ANYONE.

NHTSA ID

11349318

Incident

Jul 3, 2020

Mileage

97,120 mi

SMELL OF GASOLINE AT STARTUP. THE CAR HAS ONLY 30000 MILES ON IT AND SEEMS TO BE A WIDELY REPORTED PROBLEM/ISSUE WITH SUBARUS OF ALL MAKES/MODELS. THIS WAS NOT IN COLD WEATHER. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE! *TR

NHTSA ID

11330497

Incident

Jun 23, 2020

Mileage

30,606 mi