2017 Subaru Impreza Problems & Complaints

Avoid2.9× as many complaints as a typical year of the Impreza at the same age

Owners have filed 125 complaints about the 2017 Subaru Impreza with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 2.9× as many as a typical Impreza model year at the same age, which makes the 2017 one of the Impreza years to avoid. The most reported problem area is the lights (32 complaints, typically around 60,000 miles). 7 recalls cover this model year.

125complaints
7recalls
10crashes
3fires
7injuries
0deaths

Most common 2017 Subaru Impreza problems

  • Lights~60,000 miles
    3226%
  • 2520%
  • Other / not specified~8,000 miles
    2218%
  • Electrical system~5,000 miles
    2117%
  • Engine & cooling~9,000 miles
    1411%
  • Air bags~5,000 miles
    119%
  • Brakes~28,000 miles
    76%
  • Transmission & drivetrain~80,000 miles
    54%
  • Fuel & propulsion system~11,000 miles
    54%
  • Wheels & tires~96,000 miles
    43%
  • Speed control & acceleration~20,000 miles
    43%
  • Driver assistance~20,000 miles
    43%
  • Suspension~30,000 miles
    22%
  • Body & structure~10,000 miles
    22%
  • Steering~3,000 miles
    11%
  • Stability & traction control~9,000 miles
    11%

Share of the 125 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Subaru Impreza complaints by model year

’95’96’97’98’99’00’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25462030302241112926296755668176104465824325110877751251511948514144325
Owner complaints per model year, Subaru Impreza. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best Impreza years: 2023, 2021, 2022. Years to avoid: 2012, 2013, 2019, 2018, 2017. Compare all years →

2017 Subaru Impreza recalls (7)

Exterior lighting › Headlights

NHTSA recall 22V-624 · Aug 12, 2022 · 188,397 vehicles

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.

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.

Electrical system › Software

NHTSA recall 21V-264 · Apr 15, 2021 · 466,205 vehicles

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.

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.

Electrical system › Software

NHTSA recall 19V-743 · Oct 18, 2019 · 466,205 vehicles

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.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software and inspect and replace the ignition coil, as necessary, free of charge.

Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Crankcase (pcv)

NHTSA recall 19V-744 · Oct 17, 2019 · 205,000 vehicles

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.

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…

Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Crankcase (pcv)

NHTSA recall 19V-745 · Oct 17, 2019 · 251 vehicles

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.

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.

Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

NHTSA recall 17V-216 · Mar 29, 2017 · 33,131 vehicles

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.

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.

Show 1 more recall

Back over prevention › Camera system

NHTSA recall 17V-132 · Mar 2, 2017 · 25,567 vehicles

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

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.

What 2017 Subaru Impreza owners say

Lights all 32 →

The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that the "Check Headlight Assembly" message was displayed, and the front passenger's side headlight occasionally turned off or on, while attempting to start the vehicle and while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the front passenger's side headlight assembly was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V624000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING); as a possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 69,534.

Headlights · 70,000 miles · Oct 2024

The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Impreza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V624000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had experienced the failure causing the low beam reflector to inadequately reflect light. The failure mileage was 60,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

60,000 miles · Apr 2024

Windows, wipers & sunroof all 25 →

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.

Sep 2024 · crash

I noticed that visibility at night was poor. I was pulled over by the police and give a warning that my headlight was out and told to get it fixed. I thought it may be as simple as a bulb but was told the entire left headlamp assembly had to be replaced at a cost of more than $2,000. Just days later my Dealership send me a service notice which also stated that the left headlamp should be inspected. This was after I had already had it replaced at a local garage. The dealership confirmed that their was a recall but when I tried to get reimbursed by Subaru thru the safety recall WRG-22/NHTSA 22V624000 they said my vin# was excluded from the recall!(?)

Jan 2026

Electrical system all 21 →

The contact owned a 2017 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway and turned off, a fire ignited. The neighbor had discovered three vehicles in the driveway were on fire and called the fire department to the scene who extinguished the flames. During the incident, the three-vehicle were destroyed. A fire report was taken at the scene. Fire investigators determined that the fire started on the front passenger side of the Subaru vehicle. No further information was available. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the incident. The failure mileage was 54,000.

54,000 miles · Aug 2021 · fire

I bought a "Subaru Impreza" 2017, and in the span of 4 years, had numerous issues, including: -dead battery -car suddenly stopping on highway: no electroninc warning whatsoever -over 6 possibly lethal recalls (mainly pertaining to car electronics andbrakes), which might cause car to stop moving/responsing to steering/braking at any moment, which I send in for repair ASAP. Afterwards, I was assured all the electronics and brake components had been checked, and I would be safe to drive everyday for work. -This week, after all these "repaired" recalls, my car suddenly while I was driving on one of the busiest/most dangerous highways in our area: it took me several minutes to even manage to pull onto the shoulder. During that time, I was almost hit 5 times, and had to call CHP to come take me. I could have easily been killed. and the CHP operator clearly told me not to drive this car again. …

Sep 2021

2017 Subaru Impreza engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
2.0L 4-cylCVTAWD27 / 36 / 30
2.0L 4-cyl5-speed manualAWD23 / 31 / 26

EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2017 Subaru Impreza a good car?

Based on 125 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2017 Impreza rates avoid: 2.9× as many complaints as a typical year of the Impreza at the same age. It is one of the Impreza years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.

What is the most common problem with the 2017 Subaru Impreza?

The lights — 32 complaints, 26% of all complaints for this model year, most often about headlights. Next are the windows, wipers & sunroof (25) and electrical system (21).

How many recalls does the 2017 Subaru Impreza have?

There are 7 recalls for the 2017 Subaru Impreza, the most recent from August 12, 2022 (headlights). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Subaru Impreza?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2023, 2021 and 2022. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2012, 2013, 2019, 2018 and 2017. See the full Subaru Impreza years comparison.

At what mileage do 2017 Subaru Impreza problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 15,000 miles; 82% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.