2017 Subaru Forester: Electrical System complaints
Owner-reported issue (NHTSA complaints, not a recall)
Symptoms
NHTSA has 106 owner complaints for the 2017 Subaru Forester that list the electrical system component. Complaints are individual owner reports, not verified defects.
Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11758062 (filed 08/19/2026): “The airbag warning light for the front passenger seat has been intermittently lighting. both when the passenger seat is occupied and vacant. the light sometimes indicates the passenger airbag is off when there is a passenger in the seat. i took the car to the subaru dealer where i purchased the veh…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11710736 (filed 01/13/2026): “There was a recall on this vehicle from 2022, and we did not own this vehicle at that time. recall passenger side airbag contact under seat can cause fire or electrical issues. i contacted subaru and they said the recall was satisfied in 2022. if that's the case, the repair piece must have been fau…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11702417 (filed 12/02/2025): “Two incidents happened first battery died, we replaced the battery. then battery died again, we replaced the alternator on june 5, 2025. then on saturday september 13, 2025; all system lights came on at once on the dashboard then the battery died again. car locks up and is stalled out. cannot restar…”
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: Moderate
Finding and splicing chewed wiring is doable with a multimeter and patience but can be time-consuming; harness replacement is pro work. (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 .