2017 Subaru IMPREZA: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
125 owner complaints analyzed
7 distinct recall campaigns
14,953 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2017 model year. Data snapshot: . 65 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Exterior Lighting is the most frequently named component, appearing in 31 of 125 complaints (24.8%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical and battery issues | 12 | 9.6% |
| Braking behavior | 11 | 8.8% |
| Engine operation | 5 | 4.0% |
| Steering behavior | 4 | 3.2% |
| Transmission and shifting | 1 | 0.8% |
| Fuel system concerns | 1 | 0.8% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Exterior Lighting | 31 |
| Visibility/Wiper | 25 |
| Unknown Or Other | 22 |
| Electrical System | 21 |
| Engine | 14 |
| Air Bags | 10 |
| Service Brakes | 7 |
| Power Train | 5 |
Exterior Lighting: 31; Visibility/Wiper: 25; Unknown Or Other: 22; Electrical System: 21; Engine: 14; Air Bags: 10; Service Brakes: 7; Power Train: 5
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 37 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 16 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 10 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 2 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 37; 25,000 to 49,999: 16; 50,000 to 74,999: 10; 75,000 to 99,999: 2; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (37). 60 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 17 |
| 2018 | 13 |
| 2019 | 14 |
| 2020 | 17 |
| 2021 | 12 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2023 | 31 |
| 2024 | 10 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 2 |
2017: 17; 2018: 13; 2019: 14; 2020: 17; 2021: 12; 2022: 2; 2023: 31; 2024: 10; 2025: 7; 2026: 2
Pattern summary
Exterior Lighting leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 12 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 11 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 5 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10954314 · 2017-02-13 (February 13, 2017)
WE PURCHASED A NEW IMPREZA ON 2/4/17, WITHIN DAYS OF BRINGING THE CAR HOME WE NOTICED THAT ALL THE RADIO PRESETS HAD BEEN WIPED OUT, AND THE XM RADIO HAD REVERTED BACK TO A TRIAL PERIOD. THAT SAME DAY WE RECEIVED AN EMAIL SAYING THAT OUR CAR WAS SENDING A PROBLEM CODE FOR THE STARLINK SYSTEM. UPON CALLING THE DEALERSHIP WE SPOKE WITH A SERVICE ADVISER WHO OWNS THE SAME CAR AND SHE TOLD US THAT SHE HAS ALL KINDS OF PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR SOFTWARE. INCLUDING BACKUP CAMERA, SCREEN FREEZING, LOSING RADIO PRESETS, CLOCK TIME CHANGING. AND SHE INDIC…
Owner-reported narrative. 69 miles reported. Look up ODI 10954314 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10968330 · 2017-03-24 (March 24, 2017)
EYESIGHT SYSTEM KEEPS TURNING ITSELF OFF. REAR CAMERA HAS FAR MORE PROBLEMS AFTER FEDERAL REAR CAMERA RECALL. CAMERA OFTEN DOESN'T APPEAR AND LEAVES ME WITH A BLANK SCREEN. EYESIGHT SYSTEM SHUTS OFF RANDOMLY AND RESETS AFTER A RESTART. NOTHING ELSE CHANGES BUY A RESTART, AND PROBLEM IS SOLVED. SOUND ALSO CEASES TO COME OUT OF THE RADIO, TOTAL SILENCE, REGARDLESS OF INPUT AND VOLUME SETTING. ALL OF THE ABOVE IS RANDOM. CAR'S BATTERY RUNS DOWN AT TIMES, AS THE SCREEN STAYS ON ON THE RADIO, EVEN WHEN TURNED OFF. TWICE THE CAR WOULD NOT START. WE N…
Owner-reported narrative. 1,400 miles reported. Look up ODI 10968330 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10969706 · 2017-03-31 (March 31, 2017)
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 …
Owner-reported narrative. 1,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10969706 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10979645 · 2017-04-20 (April 20, 2017)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SUBARU IMPREZA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. ALSO, THE GEARS FAILED TO SHIFT WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENTIRE COMPUTER NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL OTHER TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER THREE DIFFERENT TIMES ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE …
Owner-reported narrative. 80,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10979645 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10991269 · 2017-05-23 (May 23, 2017)
I DID A TEST DRIVE OF THE SUBARU IMPREZA 2017 PREMIUM WAGON AT A SEATTLE-AREA DEALERSHIP. I NOTICED THAT THE CAR DOOR DID NOT LOCK COMPLETELY OR OPENED BY ITSELF WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION. I NOTICED THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO SEES THIS SAFETY ISSUE. THERE ARE OTHERS WHO HAVE REPORTED THE SAME OR SIMILAR PROBLEM ON SUBARU OWNERS FORUM. HERE ARE TWO LINKS TO REVIEW TO SEE THIS ISSUE BEING DISCUSSED: HTTP://WWW.IMPREZA5.COM/FORUM/9-2017-IMPREZA-GENERAL-DISCUSSION-FORUM/3281-IMPREZA-DOOR-CLOSING-ONLY-WHEN-SLAMMED.HTML HTTP://WWW.IMPREZA5.C…
Owner-reported narrative. 5 miles reported. Look up ODI 10991269 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10993829 · 2017-06-07 (June 7, 2017)
DASHBOARD AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT IS ON WHEN OUTSIDE TEMPERATURES ARE HOT. HAPPENS ALLS SURFACES/MOVEMENT: STATIONARY, MOVING, CITY STREET, HIGHWAY. PASSENGER SEAT EMPTY, DRIVER IN CAR ONLY. SUBARU DEALER BLAMED IT ON MY SEAT COVERS, AFTER PUSHING FOR MORE RESEARCH DEALERSHIP SAYS THERE IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH AIRBAG SENSOR BUT ONLY TECHS WHO CALL INTO THEIR TECH HELP LINE ARE MADE AWARE. THE PART TO FIX THE AIRBAG ISSUE/LIGHT IS NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE, AND NO SPECIFIC DATE THE PART WILL BE AVAILABLE TO FIX. DEALERSHIP STATES THE ISSUE IS THE SEN…
Owner-reported narrative. 3,496 miles reported. Look up ODI 10993829 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11005535 · 2017-07-16 (July 16, 2017)
EYESIGHT DISABLES IT'S SELF, RADIO VOLUME STOPPED WORKING, REARVIEW CAMERA DISABLES IT'S SELF, CAR LOCKED ITS SELF WITH ENGINE RUNNING FOR 1 HOUR WITH BOTH KEYS IN MY POCKET WHILE STANDING OUTSIDE WAITING FOR A TOW TRUCK. I PURCHASED THE 2017 SUBARU IMPREZA SPORT ON MEMORIAL DAY 2017. SINCE MY PURCHASE THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN RETURNED TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES TO FIX THESE ISSUES. THE LAST ISSUE REGARDING THE SELF LOCKING HAPPENED ON 07/13/17. SUBARU SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAS ADDRESSED THE PREVIOUS CONCERNS BY STATING AND UPGRADING SOFTWARE UPDATES T…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11005535 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11013722 · 2017-08-08 (August 8, 2017)
RADIO CONTROLS "FROZE" BEFORE I EVEN DROVE IT OFF THE DEALER'S LOT. COULD NOT SELECT AF OR FM. SATELLITE RADIO, HOWEVER, WORKED. FIX WAS EITHER TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY OR REMOVE AND REINSERT A FUZE. DEALER MECHANIC SHOWED ME HOW TO USE THE FUZE METHOD. CAR WAS STATIONARY AND HAD BEEN RUNNING FOR 5-10 MINUTES. I DID NOT TEST TO SEE IF OTHER ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS WERE IMPACTED AS WELL.
Owner-reported narrative. 12 miles reported. Look up ODI 11013722 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
7 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
17V132000 · Back Over Prevention: Camera System
Reported: 2017-03-02 (March 2, 2017)
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗17V216000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings
Reported: 2017-03-29 (March 29, 2017)
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗19V743000 · Electrical System:Software | Electrical System:Ignition
Reported: 2019-10-18 (October 18, 2019)
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗19V744000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Crankcase (Pcv)
Reported: 2019-10-17 (October 17, 2019)
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗19V745000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Crankcase (Pcv)
Reported: 2019-10-17 (October 17, 2019)
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗21V264000 · Electrical System:Software | Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Engine Control Module (Ecu/Ecm):Software | Electrical System:Ignition | Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Reported: 2021-04-15 (April 15, 2021)
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗22V624000 · Exterior Lighting:Headlights
Reported: 2022-08-12 (August 12, 2022)
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗