AIR BAGS,SEATS07/18/2026
My 2017 Subaru Forester is experiencing the exact component failure and severe safety hazard outlined in NHTSA Recall 19V-701 (Subaru Campaign WUM-98R). The front passenger seat Occupant Detection System (ODS) is failing continuously, which illuminates the "Passenger Airbag Off" indicator and completely deactivates the front passenger airbag safety restraint system even when an adult is securely seated. Because my specific VIN was omitted from the recall population list, my local Subaru dealership refused to perform the recall repair, stating no active campaign exists for my vehicle. As a result, I have driven this vehicle for over a year with a completely disabled, non-functioning passenger airbag system. Upon researching the technical service bulletins for WUM-98R, my vehicle perfectly matches all manufacturing, model year, and component criteria for the defective occupant detection wiring harness. The omission of my VIN from this safety campaign is an error that has left a severe, life-threatening manufacturing defect unaddressed. I am filing this complaint to urge the NHTSA to investigate VIN exclusions for this campaign and force an expansion of Recall 19V-701 to protect impacted consumers.
AIR BAGS07/07/2026
The passenger airbag Occupant Detection System (ODS) has failed on my 2017 Subaru Forester (VIN: [XXX]) at 78,255 miles. This failure completely deactivates the front passenger airbag, creating an immediate, severe safety hazard for any front-seat passenger. This vehicle previously had Federal Safety Recall WUM-98 performed in 2020 to resolve this exact ODS engineering defect. However, the safety recall remedy has failed. The red SRS/airbag warning light is permanently illuminated, and the passenger airbag indicator status remains stuck on "OFF" even with an adult seated in the vehicle. A diagnostic scan performed on XXX by Lithia Subaru of Oregon City confirmed active code DTC B1760 (Occupant Detection Sensor Mat Malfunction). I was forced to pay a $100.00 diagnostic fee just to retrieve my vehicle, and the dealership quoted an additional $2,171.12 ($1,371.12 for parts and $800.00 for labor) to replace the entire passenger seat bottom cushion assembly and harness (Part 64084SG23A) to resolve the failed internal sensor. The dealership attempted to claim the seat got wet to excuse the failure, but the seat is bone dry and has never sustained any liquid spills, window leaks, or detailing. According to Subaru’s official technical service bulletin filed with the NHTSA (Document MC-XXX, Page 8, Step 6), the manufacturer explicitly documents that if DTC B1760 persists or returns after the recall harness is installed, the proper factory remedy is to replace the seat cushion assembly. Because the original safety recall failed to permanently resolve the safety defect, and the dealer is refusing to repair this deactivated safety system without a massive out-of-pocket consumer charge—after already charging a fee to diagnose a known, recurring safety defect—I am requesting an investigation into failed safety recall remedies for this vehicle generation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
POWER TRAIN07/06/2026
The shift guide plate in my 2017 Subaru Forester failed, causing the ignition key to become stuck and not release when the engine is off. The component is available for inspection upon request. The failure was confirmed by a Subaru dealer, who diagnosed the defective shift guide plate and provided a repair estimate of $685.23. The safety risk is significant - an inability to remove the key from the ignition can prevent the driver from securing the vehicle and creates confusion about whether the engine is truly off. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the failure. The problem presented suddenly and has been reproducible consistently since it first appeared. This is a known manufacturing defect. Subaru acknowledged it by issuing an 8-year extended warranty extension (TSB 16-112-18R) specifically covering this component. My vehicle has only 71,000 miles - well below average for a 9-year-old vehicle - and falls just outside the 8-year window. I contacted Subaru of America requesting goodwill assistance, which was denied with no explanation beyond the warranty expiration. I am filing this complaint to establish an official record of this defect and the manufacturer's failure to stand behind it.
SUSPENSION06/17/2026
The front lower control arm bushing were breaking apart at 53,156 miles. Shop reported significant play in the wheel while on the stand. Sounds like a safety hazards.
AIR BAGS06/15/2026
My 2017 had the passenger airbag sensor recall in 2020. It went into for repair. It began going off again where the passenger seat airbag is off when a passenger is in the seat in 2023 on and off. It consistently began going off again in August 2024. I spoke to subaru corporate and they said they needed to replace the whole seat and wouldn't cover the cost of the whole repair of 1600. The part had a long backorder because so many cars are affected. I didn't receive a new part until June 2025. The local dealer replaced the seat. Now not even a year later the passenger airbag sensor is off with a passenger. This is our only car that fits our whole family and my family has to sit in the seat. This is a massive safety issue that Subaru is not taking responsibility for ongoing repairs even after the 2020 recall. I'm extremely concerned for the safety of my passengers.
AIR BAGS,SEATS06/12/2026
The recall repair for the ODS has failed again.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER06/11/2026
I own a 2017 Subaru Forester with approximately 55,324 miles. The vehicle has experienced repeated rear wheel bearing failures at relatively low mileage. On October 1, 2024, at 48,877 miles, the passenger-side rear wheel hub assembly, including the wheel bearing, was replaced by a Subaru dealership. Subaru provided goodwill assistance for that repair. At approximately 55,324 miles, both rear wheel bearings were diagnosed as failed and required replacement. The failure was confirmed by a Subaru dealer and an independent repair facility. Manufacturer was contacted regarding assistance but declined coverage support. Consequently this most recent repair was performed by independent repair shop. Prior to replacement, the vehicle exhibited increasing humming, roaring, and grinding noises from the rear, which worsened with vehicle speed. No warning lights were illuminated. I am concerned about repeated premature rear wheel bearing failures and the potential safety risk associated with wheel bearing deterioration, including loss of wheel stability and vehicle control if the condition progresses while driving.
AIR BAGS,SEATS06/09/2026
Had recall completed for passenger airbag prior now SRS airbag on since 6/7/2026 per dealer code B1650 & B1760 as history codes. States found passenger side airbag sensor has erratic operation, recommended replacing seat bottom with integrated sensor for $2015 at Spreen Subaru of San Bernardino. Why is the sensor failing again? Unable to drive vehicle due to potential of airbags not deploying, making the vehicle unsafe to drive. No other issues with vehicle no one in front passenger seat when SRS airbag illuminated on dashboard, no spills, have seat covers to protect from ant fluids. No accidents that would cause this issue.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER06/04/2026
My windshield cracked significantly after shutting the passenger side door. I chalked that up to maybe a possible chip was put under stress, until a few months later, my driver's side window burst spontaneously right in front of my eyes as I was shutting the trunk door. The pieces went half inside the car and half outside the car. Even though most of it was chunks of glass, I have been sliced and cut up trying to remove it from the driver's, passenger and rear seats, carpets, doors, etc. The entire thing shattered completely, like it almost exploded. The car was parked in the shade on a relatively cool day (it was about 75 degrees) and had not been running.
AIR BAGS06/02/2026
2017 Subaru Forester with heated seats. Recall WUM-98 / NHTSA Campaign 19V701000 was completed in 2020 by previous owner, replacing the ODS sensor mat harness. The same passenger airbag OFF condition has now returned. Dealer has diagnosed failure of the ODS sensor mat (seat bottom subassembly), quoting $1,800 for repair. This is the same safety defect — same system, same symptom — that the recall was intended to fix. The vehicle has approximately 17,000 miles and has been garage-kept. Subaru of America (Case #260512-1901206) offered $1,000 goodwill toward the repair, acknowledging partial responsibility, but has not responded to further communications in over two weeks. I am filing this complaint to document that the WUM-98 remedy was incomplete and that this safety defect remains unresolved.
AIR BAGS06/01/2026
The passenger airbag sensor does not sense when I have a passenger in the vehicle. This was a recalled issue and was fixed. However, the fix did not work and Subaru dealership says that they already fixed it and it is because water probably got on the seat. I have not let water get on the seat, and even if I did that would be a very poor design for a safety feature. I imagine people would spill or get rain on the seat very easily. Subaru also refused to fix it under the recall because my car was written off for cosmetic hail damage. So I asked if they could fix it and I pay for it -they quoted me to replace the entire passenger seat, but said there are no parts coming in so they couldn't fix it anyway. In many online Subaru forums, other owners have said their passenger airbag recalls were not sufficiently fixed and other dealerships also blamed the customer and a potential water spill.
POWER TRAIN05/11/2026
2017 SUBARU FORESTER WITH 40,000 MILES, REAR WHEEL BEARINGS AND PLATE ARE BAD. $2100.00 TO FIX. SEEMS A LITTLE EARLY IN MILEAGE FOR SUCH AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR. I HAVE READ ABOUT BAD REAR WHEEL BEARINGS AND PLATE FROM SEVERAL PEOPLE.
Showing 12 of 579 complaints.
