Anyone else tired of the chronic battery drain? '17 XT Premium

I'm having a similar problem. It seems to be worse in cold temperatures. Rumor has it there's a class-action lawsuit in the works.

Huh... I too am on my third battery ('17 FXT), somehow it never crossed my mind that there was a problem.

But mind you, it gets driven pretty much every single day. So I've not been in the situation where I've been away and come back to find the car dead.

My last car (Suzuki) would also be dead every time we went on vacation. Yeah, we haven't done much international traveling for many years.

There are options to make the car go into a lower power state, partially to ignore key fob detection.

But still doesnt sound right

I have a '19 and thankfully don't have to deal with this problem (original battery is now 3 years old and doing fine). But have you heard of battery tenders? There are some that are not too expensive ($30 to $60) that may make your life better. Also, I know this is not for everyone, but I got one of those solar panels that you attach to your hood, and it runs directly into my battery, always topping it off continuously (it has a charge controller so it doesnt overdo it). Mine is from a Canadian company called Cascadia 4x4 and I like it - it lets me charge a large GoalZero battery using any extra energy gathered (there is an extra "accessory" terminal coming off the charge controller) as well as run our electric fridge off the trunk's cigarette lighter terminal without worrying as much about the battery dying. I think there are some other companies too (some are aimed more at Jeep overlanders, but would still work for a Forester) - you can find lots of videos on youtube of various options.

I have a '17 XT and have not had this problem at all. Does anyone one know which circuit is drawing the excess power?

You should check the battery terminals and make sure there is no corrosion. Then check ground cable connection from both ends (negative battery terminal and the chassis) and make sure no rust/dirt/gunk is present. If that also doesn't work, I'd suggest replacing wires as well. For my car audio system, i did what's called "The Big 3 upgrade" and I have not had one single battery issue ever.

I went through this with my old Honda the battery looked like it belonged in a golf cart and every winter I had issues. I know my 2018 Forester will be needing a replacement and would like to do it sooner before I get stuck... however Mercury is Retrograde and wont touch it just yet lol
Depending on pricing I may go with a yellow top Optima. For those that have battery issues in the winter, look to see what battery you currently have. If it is only 5xx*cca (CCA is cold cranking amps -this matters) you may want to upgrade to over 600. The battery will cost more but it will last. If you can afford so, go AGM over lead. If AMG is not available, try gold or platinum series of whatever brand. I dont have a Sears near me any longer but the Platinum series were very good.
*Just a tip - I use to work in an autoparts store. If you buy local when you see the battery look for a sticker on the side its a prorated sticker, or like a born on date. Try and find the freshest. Also, say X autopart store sells A brand and you bring in that brand name battery that was rated for 4yr and it only lasted two and you dont have a receipt they may prorate the battery from its born on date. Not every store will do this but ours use to. Some stores will stick it on a battery charger for hours and that does not help when you are stuck.

I have the same issue on my 17’ touring XT. I do have a Drone (remote start) system but it shouldn’t drain as fast as it does. I have to drive it at least once a week. I use a battery tender to help combat the drain. The drain is noticeably worse in cold weather.

I bought mine used and on the third battery in one year. Luckily battery is under warranty from AAA so not paying for replacements.

But man my poor ‘17 in generally seems chronically ill. Like it has so many problems :/