2017 Subaru Crosstrek: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2017 Subaru Crosstrek? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 97 complaints, with Uncategorized Issues as the top reported area.
2017 Subaru Crosstrek Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2017 Subaru Crosstrek trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2017 Subaru Crosstrek Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
15.1% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
15.1% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek has 97 owner complaints, 6 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign on record. The most frequently reported component is Uncategorized Issues. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Crosstrek
- Model year
- 2017
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 97
- Crash-related complaints
- 6
- Safety recall campaigns
- 1
- Top reported component
- Uncategorized Issues
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 29
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 26 / 33
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2017 Subaru Crosstrek Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Uncategorized Issues
Visibility/Wiper
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Uncategorized Issues, Visibility/Wiper, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2017 Subaru Crosstrek?
The 2017 Subaru Crosstrek shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2017 Subaru Crosstrek
Inspection Focus
- Inspect visibility/wiper components for reported issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and transmission systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect visibility/wiper components for reported issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and transmission systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2017 Subaru Crosstrek, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 97 NHTSA complaints for the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek, issues appear concentrated in uncategorized problems, visibility/wiper components, and electrical faults. There is one recall and six crash-related complaints, but the low confidence level means these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Uncategorized Issues account for the highest number of complaints (33).
- Visibility/Wiper complaints total 23, making it the second most reported component.
- Electrical Faults are the third most common complaint area with 18 reports.
- Uncategorized Issues (33 complaints) – the most frequently reported category, though specifics are unclear.
- Visibility/Wiper (23 complaints) – a recurring theme that buyers may want to inspect.
- Electrical Faults (18 complaints) – another area of concern based on complaint volume.
All 2017 Subaru Crosstrek Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncategorized Issues | 33 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 23 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 18 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 13 | 2 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 12 | 3 | 1 | — | |
| Brake System | 7 | 3 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 4 | 2 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Chest Clip | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Buckle | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Harness | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | 1 | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Premature shift fork failure in 2017 Subaru Crosstrek manual transmission at 62,521 miles requiring complete transmission replacement ($10,000 repair, vehicle worth $11,000). EVIDENCE OF DESIGN DEFECT: - Subaru issued TSB 03-83-20R acknowledging shift fork design flaws in 2…
In August of 2024, I got into my car in a parking lot and turned the key in the ignition. The car started revving really high. I waited for it to slow down, and then I put it into reverse. The car shot back and would have hit the building if I hadn't slammed on the brakes. Fortun…
The harness on my child's Nuna RAVA loosened during a 30 minute drive home (highway and downtown driving) in May of 2025. I learned later that month that there is a recall on Nuna Ravas for that exact reason. It is available for inspection. My child was not properly secured, a…
On January 19, 2024 I was slowly pulling in to a parking spot at my doctors office. I did not pull up far enough, as there was a concrete retaining wall at the head of the spot and no tire block for safety. I was maybe 5 feet from the wall when I lightly tapped the gas pedal to i…
There is a battery draining problem. I have had to replace the battery 3 times in a two-year period.
Wheel bearing go out after 40K plus miles. After doing research on my own wheels bearings it appears that this is a very common issue for this vehicle. This is not a lot of miles to have on a car before wheel bearings (rear) go bad. Causing extensive damage if not caught and a sa…
The car has 26,000 miles and the heat shield over the muffler has shifted and causing a grinding sound against the back wheel. Told the shield had rusted and needed replacement. There were no warning lights, just the grinding sound from the rear of the car.
Greetings: As outlined in Service Bulletin 05-70-19, Rear Wheel Backing Plate Design change, I am having an almost overwhelming “whining or humming” sound coming from the rear portion of my vehicle. Given the significance of this WHEEL BEARING & BACKING PLATE issue, I respectfu…
Both of the front inner brake pads separated from the backing plate presenting a safety concern since the brake performance was compromised. The front outer brake pads did not separate from the backing plates. All four brake pads were installed by myself along with new rotors in …
- cam carrier leak, resulting in oil leaking from engine. oil is leaking onto catalytic converter sensor causing it to malfunction. - oil leaking from cars poses a safety and environmental hazard. - michael's subaru of bellevue (washington state) has confirmed it occurring, and i…
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated while pulling out of her driveway, the steering wheel became stiff, and the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over on the side the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mecha…
12042022 - not sure of cause, could be multiple as all systems just shut down for seconds, the car goes dead while driving down I235 at 70mph, first the radio turns off, then the car seemed to go to lower gear rpm to zero and just shut off at a high speed, NO POWER on anything, t…
I drove my car to work one morning (7 min drive through a city; no highways) and there was no crack in the windshield. I came out of work 8 hours later to go home, and there was a crack over 6 inches long in the windshield. There are no markings suggesting anything hit the windsh…
My husband has trouble getting the key out when in park and turn off. Have to use the E-break every time we park because even in park the vehicle seems to get a mind of its own and start to roll. IT ROLLED ON ME WHILE I WAS GETTING MY CHILD OUT OF THE CAR!! NOW my driver side wi…
Dome light goes has gone on automatically several times. Twice drained my battery. Never use dome light because I do not drive at night and have never turned it on myself.
Out of no where the window chipped and then cracked later that day
The key gets stuck in the ignition. We have to turn the ignition to ACC or start the car then switch it back to OFF multiple times for it to release. We have not had the issue looked at yet. It's easily reproduceable. No other symptoms are present. Subaru issued a recall for this…
Windshield cracked out of nowhere resulting in an ~8" damage
Ignition/starting I have issues w starting car on more than one occasion and I have also had problems with removing the key. It almost is in a key lock mode. I will then turn off and on until it will allow me to remove but sometimes it hasn’t started. Stabilizer light came o…
Upon accelerating, the engine seems to bog down and I lose speed. It has happened under many conditions—after turning a corner, going down a straightaway, and when accelerating to merge on a highway. This puts people in the car at risk and others traveling behind me. I took it…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek.
2017 Subaru Crosstrek Recalls
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2017 Subaru Crosstrek Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 97 owner complaints, 6 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2017 Subaru Crosstrek shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek?▾
#1: Uncategorized Issues (33 complaints). #2: Visibility/Wiper (23 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (18 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek, NHTSA complaints include 6 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 97 total complaints. 5 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek have any recalls?▾
Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek. A major recall area is EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2017 Subaru Crosstrek?▾
The 2017 Subaru Crosstrek shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Uncategorized Issues during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Subaru Crosstrek reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.