1997 Subaru Forester
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1997 Subaru Forester is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 26 on record.
1997 Subaru Forester at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
1997 Subaru Forester recalls 0
No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 1997 Subaru Forester.
Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.
Investigations & service bulletins
Manufacturer service bulletins 16
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 16.
This bulletin announces the recommended cleaning procedures to followed when encountering vehicles with long time exposure to pollen on painted surfaces on vehicles imported from Japan. This bulletin does not apply to SIA built vehicles.
Bulletin 12-249-23R · Equipment · Jul 2023This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
Bulletin 15-302-22 · Equipment, Electrical System · Aug 2022This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
Bulletin 01-167-08R · Equipment · Aug 2022This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic essential information during diagnosis and repair of the Infotainment concerns. (Applicable to all models with Harman or Denso CP1 Infotainment).
Bulletin 15-192-22R · Electrical System · Mar 2022This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models
Bulletin 01-167-08R · Electrical System, Equipment · Jun 2021This bulletin is to advise of SOAâs revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
Bulletin 09-51-08R · Equipment, Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2021To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate Special Service Tool.
Bulletin 14-22-16R · Equipment · Feb 2021Special Service Tools Cross Reference List.
Bulletin 14-22-16R · Equipment · Aug 2020All Models (Vehicle Cleaning- COVID-19Best Practices)
Bulletin 01-181-20 · Equipment · Apr 2020This Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips. This will prevent the pad from dragging due to corrosion buildup which may result in uneven or premature wear of…
Bulletin 06-68-19R · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 2019Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the FORESTER. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 1
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1997 Subaru Forester. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Other
Certain vehicle do not comply with Regulation 6 - Statement of Compliance. Compliance label was not expressed in both official languages in regard to vehicle classification. Correction: No corrective action will be taken for existing vehicles. Correct compliance label will be affixed in current production vehicles.
Transport Canada #2000069 · Mar 2000Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester is a compact crossover SUV that has been manufactured by Subaru since 1997. The first generation was built on the platform of the Impreza in the style of a taller station wagon, a style that continued to the second generation, while the third-generation model onwards moved towards a crossover SUV design. A performance model was available for the second-generation Forester in Japan as the Forester STi.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
1997 Subaru Forester vehicles on record
1997 Subaru ForesterJF1SF5LJ4WG008335
1997 Subaru ForesterJF1SF5LJ4WG008020
1997 Subaru ForesterJF1SF5LJ4WG008620
1997 Subaru ForesterJF1SF5LR5WG002721
1997 Subaru ForesterJF1SF5LR5WG003980
1997 Subaru ForesterJF1SF5LJ4WG004484
1997 Subaru ForesterJF1SF5LJ4WG008269
1997 Subaru ForesterJF1SF5LJ4WG007928
1997 Subaru ForesterJF1SF5LJ4WG008002
1997 Subaru ForesterJF1SF5LR5WG009914
1997 Subaru ForesterJF1SF5LJ4WG007884
1997 Subaru ForesterJF1SF5LJ4WG008011
1997 Subaru ForesterJF1SF5LJ4WG007125
1997 Subaru ForesterJF1SF5LJ4WG009322
1997 Subaru ForesterJF1SF5LJ4WG008481
1997 Subaru ForesterJF1SF5LR5WG007986
1997 Subaru ForesterJF1SF5LR5WG004255
1997 Subaru ForesterJF1SF5LJ4WG004957
1997 Subaru ForesterJF1SF5LR5WG004116
1997 Subaru ForesterJF1SF5LR5WG011115
1997 Subaru ForesterJF1SF6554WH753996
1997 Subaru ForesterJF1SF5LJ4WG007141
1997 Subaru ForesterJF1SF5LJ4WG008289
1997 Subaru ForesterJF1SF5LR5WG011081