VehicleVerdict

2017 Subaru Impreza problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 162 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.4 times the median Impreza year — the 2017 model ranks #7 of 34 Impreza years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 10 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across lighting (32), visibility & wipers (26), and other (22), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

162

NHTSA complaints

7

Recalls

0

Investigations

15

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

10

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2017 compare to other Impreza years?

See all Impreza years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Subaru Impreza problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Lighting3220%
Visibility & Wipers2616%
Other2214%
Electrical System2214%
Engine149%
Airbags117%
Brakes74%
Driver Assistance53%
Transmission53%
Fuel System53%
Tires & Wheels42%
Speed Control42%
Body & Structure21%
Suspension21%
Steering11%

Does the 2017 Subaru Impreza have recalls?

7 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V624000LightingAugust 12, 2022 · 188,397 units

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Impreza vehicles. The left and right side reflex reflector and left side low beam reflector may inadequately reflect light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence

Reflectors that do not provide adequate illumination reduce the driver's ability to see and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the front headlamp assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 15, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-22.

21V264000Electrical SystemApril 15, 2021 · 466,205 units

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Subaru Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, causing a short circuit.

Consequence

A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software, replace the ignition coils and, if necessary, the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 1, 2021. Owners can contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-21. Note: This recall includes all vehicles previously repaired under Recall 19V743.

19V743000Electrical SystemOctober 18, 2019 · 466,205 units

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, which could result in a short circuit and blown fuse.

Consequence

If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software and inspect and replace the ignition coil, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, on vehicles with confirmed ignition coil damage and a certain stored diagnostic trouble code (DTC), Subaru will replace the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. The recall began December 4, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUQ-02.

19V744000EngineOctober 17, 2019 · 205,000 units

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Impreza and 2018 Crosstrek vehicles equipped with an aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve. The PCV valve may come apart, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, possibly resulting in a loss of power while driving.

Consequence

An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began December 2, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUP-01.

19V745000EngineOctober 17, 2019 · 251 units

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017 Impreza vehicles equipped with an aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve. The PCV valve may come apart, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, possibly resulting in a loss of power while driving.

Consequence

An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUS-04.

17V216000Fuel SystemMarch 29, 2017 · 33,131 units

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017 Impreza vehicles. Winter fuels may vaporize prematurely in the fuel line, resulting in a reduction in fuel pressure, possibly causing the engine to stall.

Consequence

An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the engine control unit to turn the radiator cooling fan on at a lower temperature, free of charge. The recall began on April 20, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2738. Subaru's number for this recall is WTP-75.

17V132000Driver AssistanceMarch 2, 2017 · 25,567 units

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017 Impreza vehicles. Due to a software problem, the rearview camera display may not work properly.

Consequence

A rearview camera display that does not function as designed can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the car, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the infotainment software, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for the recall is WTN-74.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

Parked at a store. Car caught on fire while in store. Car had been parked approximately 10 minutes. Left side headlight spontaneously ignited.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · August 1, 2024 · fire

I hit the guard rail going 35 mph on an exit ramp because of the low visibility because of the safety recall. I went to get the recall fixed when I found out and they refused to fix the recall because my bumper is messed up.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · September 21, 2024 · crash

Parked at a store. Car caught on fire while in store. Car had been parked approximately 10 minutes. Left side headlight spontaneously ignited.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 1, 2024 · fire

I PURCHASED A 2017 SUBARU IMPREZA LIMITED ON 7.30.17 FROM BOB BARKER SUBARU IN CARLSBAD, CA. THE CAR, UNTIL YESTERDAY, HAD APPROXIMATELY 500 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. ON 8.9.17 AT 1830 MY SON WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND HIS FRIEND WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE CAR WAS STRUCK ON THE LEFT FRONT SIDE BY A…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 9, 2017 · crash · fire

I hit the guard rail going 35 mph on an exit ramp because of the low visibility because of the safety recall. I went to get the recall fixed when I found out and they refused to fix the recall because my bumper is messed up.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 21, 2024 · crash

2017 Subaru Impreza — common questions

Is the 2017 Subaru Impreza reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 162 complaints put the 2017 model at #7 of 34 Impreza years. It is one of the Impreza years to avoid.

What are the most common 2017 Impreza problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are lighting (32 complaints), visibility & wipers (26 complaints), other (22 complaints).

Does the 2017 Subaru Impreza have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns affecting the 2017 Subaru Impreza. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Subaru Impreza years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Impreza years to avoid are 2013, 2002, 2012, 2008, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2014, 2009, 2004, 2016, 2005. The cleanest record among Impreza years belongs to 1990.

How safe is the 2017 Subaru Impreza?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2017 Subaru Impreza 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.