2017 Subaru Forester

2017 Subaru Forester

Overview

The 2017 Subaru Forester is generally regarded as a reliable compact SUV, known for its standard all-wheel-drive system, practical interior, and good visibility. It offers a comfortable ride and is well-suited for various weather conditions and light off-roading. Owners often praise its utility and safety features. While most owners report a positive ownership experience, like any vehicle, there are specific areas where potential issues have been noted, primarily related to the powertrain and some electronic components. These are typically not widespread enough to overshadow the vehicle’s overall dependability, but awareness can help in proactive maintenance and troubleshooting.

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Engine

2.5L Boxer (FB25)

Oil Consumption

• Symptoms: Excessive oil burning between oil changes, potentially leading to low oil levels.
• Solution: Monitor oil levels regularly. In some cases, piston ring replacement may be necessary, though this is not a universal fix.
• Cost: $1,500 - $3,000

Head Gasket Leaks

• Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, white smoke from exhaust, milky oil.
• Solution: Replacement of head gaskets and associated seals.
• Cost: $2,000 - $3,500

2.0L Turbo Boxer (FA20DIT)

Turbocharger Issues

• Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling noises, boost leaks.
• Solution: Inspection and potential replacement of the turbocharger unit or associated plumbing.
• Cost: $1,200 - $2,500

Transmission

CVT (TR580/TR690)

Hesitation/Jerking

• Symptoms: Slight hesitation or jerky movements during acceleration or gear changes.
• Solution: Software updates for the transmission control module (TCM) are often effective. Fluid changes may also be recommended.
• Cost: $150 - $500

6-Speed Manual

No Major Issues

• Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
• Solution: No widespread issues reported.
• Cost: No widespread issues reported.

Suspension

Standard Chassis

No Major Issues

• Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
• Solution: No widespread issues reported.
• Cost: No widespread issues reported.

Electrical

Infotainment System

Screen Freezing/Unresponsiveness

• Symptoms: Touchscreen becomes unresponsive or freezes intermittently.
• Solution: Software updates or, in some cases, replacement of the head unit.
• Cost: $500 - $1,500

Battery Drain

No major issues reported for this configuration.

Exterior

Body Panels & Seals

No Major Issues

• Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
• Solution: No widespread issues reported.
• Cost: No widespread issues reported.

Interior

Upholstery & Trim

No Major Issues

• Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
• Solution: No widespread issues reported.
• Cost: No widespread issues reported.

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Summary Verdict

The 2017 Subaru Forester is a dependable vehicle with a strong reputation for safety and capability. While the 2.5L engine has seen some reports of oil consumption and potential head gasket issues, these are not universal and often manageable with regular checks. The CVT transmission is generally robust, though occasional software glitches can cause minor drivability concerns. Electrical issues, particularly with the infotainment screen, are also noted but typically resolvable. Overall, the Forester offers good value and reliability for its class, with most potential issues being repairable and not indicative of systemic failure across the model range.