2017 Subaru Forester Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2017 Forester
5
Air Bags complaints Red flag
Check that no airbag warning lights are on, and ask the seller for proof that any airbag recalls were completed. (164 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 164 NHTSA complaints
Electrical System complaints Red flag
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (106 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 106 NHTSA complaints
Visibility/Wiper complaints Check
Test wipers, washers, headlights, and all exterior lights, including the backup camera if equipped. (104 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 104 NHTSA complaints
Engine complaints Red flag
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (47 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 47 NHTSA complaints
Power Train complaints Red flag
Note any hesitation, harsh shifting, or slipping during city and highway driving. (44 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 44 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
71 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
1
Air Bags Red flag
If the connection loosens, the front passenger airbag may deactivate even though the seat is occupied, increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger in the event of a crash.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2017 Forester–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2017 Subaru Forester have?
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2017 Forester. The most serious involve Air Bags (19V701000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2017 Forester?
The top complaint areas are Air Bags (164 complaints) and Electrical System (106 complaints), out of 586 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2017 Forester?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Air Bags, which drew 164 complaints for this model-year.