2017 Subaru Forester: Air Bags complaints
Owner-reported issue (NHTSA complaints, not a recall)
Symptoms
NHTSA has 166 owner complaints for the 2017 Subaru Forester that list the air bags component. Complaints are individual owner reports, not verified defects.
Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11772550 (filed 10/20/2026): “After replacement of the passenger ods harness under recall wum-98, the system still fails to detect a passenger in the seat, making it impossible for me to safely drive with a passenger. subaru will not fairly cover the defect and would have to install a new seat and recode the new seat to the airb…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11769811 (filed 10/08/2026): “The occupant detection system has failed for years, the subaru dealership keep temporarily fixing the problem and has finally quoted me 2,000 to completely replace the seat as that is where the sensor is located. if i get in a wreck with a passenger they will have no airbag, and i dont think the sea…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11757891 (filed 08/19/2026): “The airbag sensor in the passenger front seat has malfunctioned and it is indicating that the passenger airbag will not deploy. this is after the recall that was completed on the ods from service campaign 19v701000.…”
Likely causes
These complaints do not establish a single root cause; read the examples above and get a diagnosis.
Fix, in plain English
No single fix is established by these reports. Check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs) or extended warranty coverage, then have the system diagnosed.
DIY difficulty: Pro
Airbag and seat-belt restraint systems are safety-critical and need a scan tool and manufacturer procedures; do not DIY. (Our assessment.)
Cost
No sourced cost range for this issue. Get a written quote after diagnosis.
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
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Sources
Page last updated .