Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2017 Subaru Impreza owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
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!(?)
I am logging a complaint regarding my Subaru Impreza 2017 windshield. I bought new in 2017, and it currently has only about 55k miles. The windshield is completely covered (literally thousands) of tiny pinpoint chips. At certain times of day (usually sunset) the glare that this causes is so bad that visibility is very poor and driving is almost scary. I contacted the dealership and they said they haven't heard of this issue. I drive regular roads and with this low of a mileage, I shouldn't be having to think about replacing my windshield. I've driven cars with triple the mileage and windshields don't look like this.
There is a 15 inch crack in my windshield that was not there yesterday. It seemingly formed over night for absolutely no reason. Just driving 15 mins to work, it spread about 4 inches! I have a toddler and have to work. If I hadn't noticed it initially way in the corner, it could have brought in the entire windshield while driving with my child in the car. The crack seems to have formed at the very edge between the frame and glass near the windshield wiper. Will be calling insurance next, but this seems to have happened for no reason at all which is very concerning.
Small chip in windshield was in for sealing/repair. After the tech tried to fix it, the chip grew into an incredibly large crack. The tech shared that this happened with nearly no pressure being applied to to windshield. He reported this is a common issue with our vehicle's model and year. Safety is obviously compromised if the windshield is so easily destroyed in a way that requires replacement.
Driving on a four-lane freeway with no other vehicles around me, the passenger's door side mirror "exploded". There was a large bang that sounded like a blown tire, which is what I thought it was at first. Then I looked to my right and saw my passenger's side door mirror hanging in pieces by its electrical wiring, and the plastic, outside mirror casing completely destroyed. I pulled to the side of the road to get a better look, and the debris scrapped-up my passenger window pretty badly, too. Lots of "etching" in the passenger window. I was driving approximately 45 MPH through a curve on a four-lane road. There were no cars in front of me or behind me, and nothing for me to hit or sideswipe. The side door mirror simply "exploded". …
I have noticed that it is simply not possible to adjust the driver-side rearview mirror outward enough to be able to properly see vehicles which could be in my side blind spots, and this feels incredibly unsafe. I'm happy that the car has blind spot detectors on the mirrors, but that is no substitute for visibility. In addition, I don't believe the lower trim levels have blind-spot detectors. I am 6'3', which is on the taller side, but still, I am not the only one experiencing this problem and I have never had this problem in any other vehicle I've driven. Other owners are also unable to adjust their side mirrors to the sae and aaa recommended positions. L can't believe that the vehicle was allowed to be designed and produced with these mirrors! …
I have had to replace my windshield twice within 12 months due to chipping and cracking. The first chip caused a 12+ inch crack which prompted replacement ($1000.00) 5 months after the original replacement salt on the expressway chipped the 2nd windshield. Each time something comes in contact with the windshield, it seems to chip. I have approximately 4 chips in my newest windshield. I don't think the windshield should have chipped so easily
Windshield cracks light debris while driving on highway. Starts from the bottom of the windshield and while driving, the crack just keeps growing from 3 inches until about 8-9 inches, and it's still going. The sound of the debris wasn't that loud, never had this type of issue with other cars with even louder hits.
A small object hit the side of my windshield while I was driving home and later caused a 6-inch crack to form. The crack expanded to 10+ inches overnight while my car was parked in my garage. I now have to have my windshield replaced and safety system will need to be re-calibrated at an additional cost.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Impreza years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2017 Subaru Impreza?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2017 Subaru Impreza, 20% of the model year's 125 complaints. The component named most often is sun/moon roof assembly (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2017 Subaru Impreza window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof recall for the 2017 Subaru Impreza, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2017 Subaru Impreza window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 32,000 miles, and 44% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to windows, wipers & sunroof problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.