2017 Subaru WRX problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 73 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.1 times the median WRX year — the 2017 model ranks #3 of 24 WRX years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 12 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (14), engine (12), and transmission (11), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2017 compare to other WRX years?

WRX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all WRX years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Subaru WRX problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Electrical System	14	19%	— flat
Engine	12	16%	▲ up
Transmission	11	15%	▲ up
Steering	6	8%	▲ up
Airbags	4	5%	▲ up
Lighting	4	5%	▲ up
Visibility & Wipers	4	5%	▲ up
Suspension	3	4%	— flat
Other	3	4%	▼ down
Speed Control	3	4%	▲ up
Fuel System	3	4%	▲ up
Brakes	2	3%	— flat
Body & Structure	1	1%	▼ down
Tires & Wheels	1	1%	— flat
Driver Assistance	1	1%	new
Seats	1	1%	▼ down

Does the 2017 Subaru WRX have recalls?

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

22V522000LightingJuly 21, 2022 · 59,934 units

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2021 WRX vehicles. The backup light switch may corrode and become inoperative, which can result in the backup lights not illuminating and the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is in reverse.

Consequence

Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the backup light switch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-22.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“DRIVING AND ON A TURN BETWEEN 35-40 MPH MY WRX FREAKED OUT. THE DASH LIGHT UP LIKE A CHRISTMAS TREE, THE LANE TRACKING ALONG WITH THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL INDICATORS FLASHED, AND THE DASH SAID EYESIGHT UNAVAILABLE. IT FELT LIKE I COULDN'T CONTROL THE CAR AND ALMOST FELT AS IF IT ACCELERATED ON…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 27, 2019 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SUBARU WRX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED, THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE THEN STEER THE WHEEL TO THE RIGHT, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS OK, THEN THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE JERK THE WHEEL A…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 13, 2020 · crash

“Throw-Out bearing design defective flaw for 2015 2016 2017 2018 SUBARU WRX PREMATURE CLUTCH FAILURE. Bearing has been making noises since before 10,000 miles and dealers fail to diagnose or repair under warranty. Searches on the internet show it is a common problem affecting hundreds, if not…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 4, 2019

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SUBARU WRX. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN AND WAS UNCONTROLLABLE. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A DITCH. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · April 27, 2019 · crash

“UNKNOWN. Was hit very hard, approximately at 70mph, on rear passenger corner of car, hit caused my vehicle to slide and hit the guardrail on front end of vehicle, and no airbags deployed at any point in collision. Airbags are intact. I have included close up pictures of the airbag crash sensors on…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · December 18, 2022 · crash

2017 Subaru WRX — common questions

Is the 2017 Subaru WRX reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 73 complaints put the 2017 model at #3 of 24 WRX years. It is one of the WRX years to avoid.

What are the most common 2017 WRX problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (14 complaints), engine (12 complaints), transmission (11 complaints).

Does the 2017 Subaru WRX have recalls?

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

Which Subaru WRX years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the WRX years to avoid are 2002, 2008, 2017, 2015, 2009, 2003, 2018, 2004, 2019, 2016. The cleanest record among WRX years belongs to 2007.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2017 compare to other WRX years?

What are the most common 2017 Subaru WRX problems?

Does the 2017 Subaru WRX have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2017 Subaru WRX — common questions

Is the 2017 Subaru WRX reliable?

What are the most common 2017 WRX problems?

Does the 2017 Subaru WRX have recalls?

Which Subaru WRX years should you avoid?

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