VehicleVerdict

2017 Subaru Crosstrek problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 132 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.3 times the median Crosstrek year — the 2017 model ranks #5 of 15 Crosstrek years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 12 injuries in total across these filings.

Other leads the complaint categories with 35 reports (27% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

132

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

12

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

12

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2017 compare to other Crosstrek years?

Crosstrek NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted355 complaints2012: 3 complaints2013: 35 complaints2014: 22 complaints2015: 27 complaints2016: 164 complaints2017: 132 complaints2018: 253 complaints2019: 355 complaints2020: 82 complaints2021: 151 complaints2022: 41 complaints2023: 51 complaints2024: 130 complaints2025: 57 complaints2026: 3 complaints
Crosstrek NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Crosstrek years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Subaru Crosstrek problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other3527%
Visibility & Wipers2519%
Electrical System1713%
Transmission1310%
Engine108%
Brakes65%
Steering54%
Tires & Wheels43%
Airbags32%
Fuel System32%
Lighting32%
Speed Control32%
Suspension22%
Body & Structure11%
Seats11%
Driver Assistance11%

Does the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

19V149000LightingFebruary 28, 2019 · 1,303,530 units

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.

Consequence

Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.

Remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WHEN DRIVING INTO MY GARAGE, MY CAR MADE A STRANGE NOISE AND ACCELERATED INTO THE BACK OF MY GARAGE. I DID PUT ON MY BRAKES BUT THE CAR WAS GOING TOO FAST AND DID NOT STOP. I HAD DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END OF MY GARAGE, A SHELF AND INSIDE MY LAUNDRY ROOM AND BATHROOM. I DRIVE SLOW INTO MY STREET AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · December 13, 2019 · crash

“WAS DRIVING ON CITY STREET WITH FAIRLY HIGH TRAFFIC. VERY HEAVY RAIN AND HUMIDITY. I TURNED ON DEFOGGER AND THE WINDSHIELD GOT INCREASINGLY MORE FOGGED UP. THE DEFOGGER DID NOT CLEAR THE WINDSHIELD. I HAD TO DRIVE AT 20 MPG TO AVOID A COLLISION. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · August 30, 2018

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SUBARU CROSSTRAK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH IN THE RAIN, THE DRIVER PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO THE REAR OF A SECOND VEHICLE. DURING THE INCIDENT THE COLLISION AVOIDANCE FEATURE(…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 2, 2019 · crash

“MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY GOING 45MPH IN A STRAIGHT LINE WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER AND TURNED OFF. AS A RESULT MY WIFE WAS REAR ENDED BUT SUFFERED NO MAJOR PHYSICAL INJURY. WE BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY INSPECTED IT. HOWEVER, THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO FIND ANY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 17, 2019 · crash

“WHEN DRIVING INTO MY GARAGE, MY CAR MADE A STRANGE NOISE AND ACCELERATED INTO THE BACK OF MY GARAGE. I DID PUT ON MY BRAKES BUT THE CAR WAS GOING TOO FAST AND DID NOT STOP. I HAD DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END OF MY GARAGE, A SHELF AND INSIDE MY LAUNDRY ROOM AND BATHROOM. I DRIVE SLOW INTO MY STREET AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 13, 2019 · crash

2017 Subaru Crosstrek — common questions

Is the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 132 complaints put the 2017 model at #5 of 15 Crosstrek years. It is one of the Crosstrek years to avoid.

What are the most common 2017 Crosstrek problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (35 complaints), visibility & wipers (25 complaints), electrical system (17 complaints).

Does the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Subaru Crosstrek years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Crosstrek years to avoid are 2019, 2018, 2016, 2021, 2017, 2024. The cleanest record among Crosstrek years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.