8.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$0
Average Mileage:
46,150 miles
Total Complaints:
6 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (6 reports)
2017 Subaru Forester engine problems

engine problem

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2017 Subaru Forester Owner Comments

problem #6

Aug 212020

Forester

  • CVT transmission
  • 76,500 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

We were driving at midnight north on 95, going about 70 in the fast lane, 50 mi cruising range left in the tank, when all of a sudden I lost acceleration. The dash lit up. There were hardly any cars on the road luckily, and this being the THIRD time this has happened to me I quickly steered the car into the breakdown lane. This time however, the lights stayed on. We tried to start it up again, but it would only just barely rev.

We called AAA, they gave us a 45 minute wait. Ultimately couldn't locate us because they mistakenly thought we were in Connecticut, despite following the prompts and describing our exact location. They sent another truck 45 minutes later but we were unable to ride with the driver because of COVID precautions. Uber, Lyft, and all local taxis were down, so we walked 3 miles home down the interstate, me in 3 inch platforms (LOL– or am I crying??!! ). The next morning we drove to the mechanic to check on the car, and it started up with no issue at all. I drove it to the gas station to feel it out and fill the tank – no issue. Car started up at the gas station, no problem. Brought it back to the dealership where we bought it.

They just called us and told us that the previous time we brought it in the bad battery clouded them from being able to see the underlying issue. They think this time that it is an issue with the Body Control Module. At this point I have no faith in these people, I do not think they are honest or skilled and I do not know what to do. I have avoided three life-threatening high-speed highway accidents in the last 6 months in this car. Not to mention the pain and inconvenience of having to have your "like new" car towed four times in 6 months. I am terrified to drive it.

- Madeline C., Byfield, MA, US

problem #5

Jan 022020

Forester

  • CVT transmission
  • 70,300 miles

I had been on the road about 25 minutes driving south on 95 in the right lane (after being totally freaked out by a previous highway incident a few weeks before). I had about 1/4 tank left. All of a sudden the car lost all acceleration. I coasted into the breakdown lane. All power was lost. My husband tried to jump the car to no avail. We called AAA, the guy told us we ran out of gas so he brought us to the nearest pump. We filled it up while the car was still on the lift (quite a funny sight).

He started the car up no problem and told us we could go on our way if we wanted. My husband drove behind me while I drove it the 5 miles to the local mechanic. The mechanics pulled the codes and got no errors. They encouraged us to have it towed to the dealership where we bought it.

A couple days later we get a call from the dealership saying there was a bad fuel cell in the battery and they would replace it free of charge. It seemed like a mystery but we were grateful to have an explanation and pleased that they took ownership of having sold us the car with a bad battery.

- Madeline C., Byfield, MA, US

problem #4

Dec 122019

Forester

  • CVT transmission
  • 70,000 miles

I was about 30 miles along on my drive home from work one evening, driving probably 70 mph in the left-hand lane, 60 mi cruising range left in the tank, when the car suddenly lost acceleration and power. It was quite dark so to make my situation apparent to the other drivers around me, I turned on my overhead and hazard lights and was able to coast the car to the breakdown lane.

A vigilant driver (guardian angel?) behind slowed down as well and put their lights on and followed me to the travel lane and continued on their way. The dash lit up with all the lights but the overhead light started to dim. By the time the car stopped the lights were off and power was completely gone. I could not restart it. To be honest I was very shaken and quite scared. It could have been horrific for me and others around me.

I had the car towed to my local shop just a few miles away. They pulled the codes but nothing came up. They said the car was fine and let me on my way.

- Madeline C., Byfield, MA, US

problem #3

Jul 012019

Forester

  • Automatic transmission
  • 43,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I'm taking my 2017 Forester into the dealership for the last time tomorrow. I know this will be the last time because these highly trained mechanics refuse to acknowledge there is a hesitation problem with this car. If you start going up hill or just flat straight, or turning the engine will very noticeable change in acceleration. Decelerating at times then surging forward. Sometimes it even feels like it will stall then suddenly returns to normal. My wife feels it, I feel it and everyone that drives in it feels it. I worked for two different dealerships for several years and I know what goes on behind the doors. I'm still kicking myself for trusting this one. Don't be a fool like me and buy one of these cars.

- James S., Aubrey, US

problem #2

Nov 162017

Forester Limited 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 16,800 miles

I was accelerating getting on I-95, was in the far right lane going about 65 MPH, it was raining and was trying to accelerate into the traffic pattern and all of a sudden I completely lost power, would not accelerate, luckily I was able to glide to the side of the road , my hazard light would not go on my panel was completely black. The car was in Drive and the ignition was on. After getting my mind around the situation, I turned the car off and put it in

park. After about 3-4 minutes I restarted the car without difficulty. I had over a half tank of gas, no warning light had come on before or after the incident.

This incident scared the crap out of me. If I would have been in the middle lane with cars going 70MPH+ , it would have been a major pile up. I no longer feel safe driving this car.

I did take it to the dealer the next day, they couldn't find anything wrong, just said it was probably just a glitch in the system. You cant have a GLITCH going 70 on an interstate.

I'm not sure what I am going to do with car.

- Frances C., Port Saint Lucie, US

problem #1

May 202017

Forester Premium 2.5 I

  • CVT transmission
  • 64 miles

It stalls in intersections mostly, when I am turning left with a green light. I will complete the turn, and when I accelerate it stalls completely. In heavy commute traffic, this is life-threatening. Further, the ultra-slippery plastic steering wheel on the vehicle exacerbates the situation no end.

- Bob & Cat B., Troutdale, OR, US

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