Most common 2017 Subaru WRX problems
Share of the 53 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Subaru WRX complaints by model year
Best WRX years: 2010, 2012, 2011. Years to avoid: 2017, 2015, 2022, 2009, 2024. Compare all years →
2017 Subaru WRX recalls (1)
Exterior lighting › Back up lights › Switch
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.
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.
What 2017 Subaru WRX owners say
Electrical system
Likely secondary air injection pump and/or its related relays, CEL P2444 came on 3 separate times. November 2024, brought it in to get replaced under warranty, came on again the day after picking her up in December 2024 due to faulty pump, didn't get to bring her back in until March 1st 2025, fixed part again, brought her home [redacted]. Car engulfed in flames 10 days later on [redacted]. I do have the car's ECU available for scan to check for previous codes. I could have been killed in a car fire, the building my car was in front of could have been turned to ash. No, the problem has not been reproduced, the car is totaled and in a pile of ash. Yes, the vehicle was inspected by police and fire force after the incident. The CEL light had come back on that morning. 9:11 am, came on, parked at 9:28am, car was on fire by 9:52am. …
1, At about 12000 miles the car's windshield wipers stop working. And did not ever work again for the past several years. Wipers which was checked the motor was replaced to admission to the key was replaced and wiper still don't work. 2, About 24000 miles Was turning the vehicle around on a inclined road in the mountains went to pull forward and the steering wheel would not work anymore which resulted in me crashing into a ravine dropping about 10 feet off the side of the cliff. 3, 33000 miles time issue occurred I was doing 75 on the Kansas turnpike and a curb came up as I entered the term for the curve that wheel would not turn and I kept going straighitting the guard railBut just only grazing it for I regained power to my steering at the last moment. And now currently again. …
Engine & cooling
Car all the sudden stall/ lock up tires at high way speeds due to sudden no warning engine failure causing a massive safety concern My car locked up during a normal drive up a slowly passing a semi when my car died no power steering no engine power transmission locking due engine failure Car was checked and maintenance at the dealer less then a week prior for a small misfire then was dismissed due to car all the sudden running fine so I drove it 100 miles then it died and almost killed me due to the sudden lockup 2017 Subaru wrx WITH THE FA20 DIT Also worth mentioning cars 100% factory stock Car wasn't terribly damaged, although I was very shaken up from sudden failure into a ditch
The Direct Injection Engine causes valves to become coated in carbon build-up, unlike indirect injections which constantly clean the valves. This issue then results in the sudden loss of power and engine stalls (often when attempting to accelerate from low speeds) which are extremely dangerous when attempting to merge or turn in traffic. Subaru has not addressed the issue but based on online searches it appears to be a major issue for all 2.0l direct injection engines.
Transmission & drivetrain
Car all the sudden stall/ lock up tires at high way speeds due to sudden no warning engine failure causing a massive safety concern My car locked up during a normal drive up a slowly passing a semi when my car died no power steering no engine power transmission locking due engine failure Car was checked and maintenance at the dealer less then a week prior for a small misfire then was dismissed due to car all the sudden running fine so I drove it 100 miles then it died and almost killed me due to the sudden lockup 2017 Subaru wrx WITH THE FA20 DIT Also worth mentioning cars 100% factory stock Car wasn't terribly damaged, although I was very shaken up from sudden failure into a ditch
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 thousands, of vehicles.
2017 Subaru WRX engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | AWD | 20 / 27 / 23 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | CVT | AWD | 18 / 24 / 21 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | AWD | 17 / 23 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2017 Subaru WRX a good car?
Based on 53 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2017 WRX rates avoid: 3.4× as many complaints as a typical year of the WRX at the same age. It is one of the WRX 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 WRX?
The electrical system — 14 complaints, 26% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the engine & cooling (12) and transmission & drivetrain (11).
How many recalls does the 2017 Subaru WRX have?
There is 1 recall for the 2017 Subaru WRX, the most recent from July 21, 2022 (switch). 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 WRX?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2010, 2012 and 2011. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2017, 2015, 2022, 2009 and 2024. See the full Subaru WRX years comparison.
At what mileage do 2017 Subaru WRX problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 36,000 miles; 64% 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.