The 2017 Forester is the next-to-last year of the SJ chassis. The FB25 engine still consumes oil in some VINs, the Lineartronic CVT can shudder, and head gasket weeps appear above 100K. Class action settled covering FB engine oil consumption.
Subaru settled a class action covering FB20 and FB25 oil consumption on 2011-2014 (extended to some 2015+). Some 2017 owners report similar consumption but coverage requires verification with Subaru.
FB25 burns 1qt per 1,000-2,500 miles in affected units. Subaru oil consumption test confirms; piston ring replacement is the long-term fix.
Oil Use Diagnosis →CVT shudder at low speed and pulley whine. Subaru TSB 16-103-17 covers fluid replacement and TCM update. Severe cases need valve body or full unit.
P0700 Diagnosis →External weep at the head-to-block joint; coolant residue visible. Less catastrophic than EJ-series gaskets but still requires replacement.
Run an AI diagnosis →Stereo camera fogs in humid weather, disabling Eyesight. Often self-clears; persistent cases need windshield seal or camera mount adjustment.
Run an AI diagnosis →Rear wheel bearings hum, often the right side first. Replace as hub assembly. Common across SJ Foresters.
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Steering column may have inadequately tightened U-joint allowing separation. Free inspection and replacement.
Fluid replacement and TCM update procedure for CVT shudder and pulley whine.
Settled class action covering FB20/FB25 oil consumption on 2011-2014 (extended to some 2015+). Some 2017 owners pursue under powertrain warranty; verify eligibility.
If your Forester is throwing a check engine light, these are the codes most commonly tied to the problems above. Click any code for full diagnosis steps and typical repair costs.
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Mostly. The FB25 oil consumption and CVT shudder are the watch items. Bodies and AWD systems hold up well.
Some FB25 engines burn 1qt per 1,000-2,500 miles. Subaru's oil consumption test can qualify ring replacement under powertrain warranty in some cases.
The Lineartronic CVT shudders and whines in some units. Subaru TSB 16-103-17 covers a fluid replacement and TCM update.
2018 added Eyesight Touring trim and minor refinements. 2017 is otherwise identical. 2019 launched the all-new 5th gen on the Subaru Global Platform.
200K-250K is realistic with routine maintenance. Watch oil consumption between changes and service the CVT every 60K.
Yes, including a steering column U-joint recall (17V-661). Check VIN at NHTSA.gov.