2017 Subaru Impreza: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2017 Subaru Impreza? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 125 complaints, with Headlight/Taillight Failures as the top reported area.
2017 Subaru Impreza Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2017 Subaru Impreza 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. 8 trims analysed.
2017 Subaru Impreza Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2017 Subaru Impreza SW AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
9.5% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
9.5% 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 Impreza has 125 owner complaints, 10 crash-related complaints, and 7 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Headlight/Taillight Failures. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Impreza
- Model year
- 2017
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 125
- Crash-related complaints
- 10
- Safety recall campaigns
- 7
- Top reported component
- Headlight/Taillight Failures
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 30
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 27 / 36
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 5/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2017 Subaru Impreza Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Headlight/Taillight Failures
Visibility/Wiper
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Headlight/Taillight Failures, Visibility/Wiper, Uncategorized Issues. 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 Impreza?
The 2017 Subaru Impreza 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 Impreza
Inspection Focus
- Inspect headlights and taillights for proper operation and any signs of failure.
- Check windshield wipers and visibility components for wear or malfunction.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and engine-related repairs.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect headlights and taillights for proper operation and any signs of failure.
- Check windshield wipers and visibility components for wear or malfunction.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and engine-related repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2017 Subaru Impreza, 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 125 NHTSA complaints for the 2017 Subaru Impreza, issues appear concentrated in lighting and visibility systems, with headlight/taillight failures and wiper problems being the most frequently reported. The data also shows a notable number of electrical faults and engine problems. However, the confidence level is low, and these complaints are consumer-submitted, so they do not confirm a manufacturing defect.
- Headlight/Taillight Failures account for the largest share of complaints (32 out of 125).
- Visibility/Wiper issues are the second most reported component (25 complaints).
- There are 7 recalls associated with this model year, though specific recall details are not provided.
- Headlight/Taillight Failures
- Visibility/Wiper issues
- Electrical Faults
All 2017 Subaru Impreza Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Subaru Impreza. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 32 | — | 1 | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 25 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 22 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 21 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 14 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 11 | 5 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 7 | 2 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 3 | 2 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 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 Impreza. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
I am filing a safety complaint regarding an Engine Control Module (ECM) failure in my 2017 Subaru Impreza and the handling of a prior recall repair. Dealership records show that a recall repair (WRE21 – ignition coil recall) was completed in June 2021. At that time, the dealersh…
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,…
[XXX] 2017 Subaru Impreza VIN [XXX] Cruze control error. Will it make brake lights fail if not repaired? go look in your database and see if Impreza has more than normal rear end collisions? What else is on bus that might be damaged by spike? Braking? Antilock? Lights? Why…
1. Any and all airbags failed to deploy. The car is currently parked in my garage and is available for inspection. The insurance company has declared the car a "total loss," and would like to tow it away as soon as possible. 2. The driver had a concussion and whiplash after their…
Premature failure of wheel bearings. Both rear wheel bearings had to be replaced after only 54,192 miles. Technician indicated that replacements were upgraded "sealed" systems. At 73,712 miles the front driver's side wheel bearing was also replaced by the dealer after the same…
After reading forums online and my own experience I’m convinced the Subaru sun visors are improperly installed or fitted and pose a danger to drivers and those on the road. The sun visors on the driver and passenger side are incredibly loose and prone to falling off while I’m d…
The contact owned a 2017 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH, she crashed into the rear of another vehicle on the front passenger side of her vehicle. The contact mentioned that the seat belt did retract during the impact. No air bags deployed. The vehic…
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…
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.
Parked at a store. Car caught on fire while in store. Car had been parked approximately 10 minutes. Left side headlight spontaneously ignited.
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the vehicle began to hesitate without warning. The contact then stated that while at a stop light, the vehicle stalled upon the depression of the accelerator pedal with the traction control symbol fl…
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 availa…
Brunswick Subaru refuses to do headlight recall. I was told there is no fix yet over 6 months ago. I called again 2 weeks ago and told the same thing. I called Subaru directly and was told there is a fix and that they would contact me in two days. They still have not gotten me in…
The clutch release bearing seized while driving preventing the clutch from being depressed. The only way to stop the car was by overpowering the clutch with the brakes and pulling the emergency brake. There is a service information bulletin (NUMBER: 03-82-18) currently for the kn…
Hard to see at night
Since new, maybe once a month, Cruise control idiot light comes on and flashes until car is turned off. usually no bother but one day it started braking without me and I bought the DUMB base model!!! before extended warranty expires, this august, hopefully dealer will replace…
I was driving on the freeway and the all the airbags in my vehicle deployed, sides, front and under the steering wheel. I did not have an accident or hit anything in the road. The airbags blocked my view of the road, and the cabin filled with smoke. I was traveling at a freewa…
I was involved in an auto accident 9/18/2023. An SUV ran a red light and struck my care on the drivers side. The SUV struck me going between 45 and 50 mph according to the police report. My car was pushed over 20 feet and struck a traffic sign in the center median. My car was e…
I received recall notice WRG-22 in October 2022. If this is a safety issue 15 months and no follow up is ridiculous.
I have NOT been on an accident or anything related, my complaint is about my car's current recall that the manufacturer cannot fix. My husband is military and we are currently stationed in Spain, the car has a recall to be fixed before shipment to the new duty station. As per t…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2017 Subaru Impreza.
2017 Subaru Impreza Recalls
7 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2017 Subaru Impreza. 7 recall campaigns are 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 Impreza Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2017 Subaru Impreza reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 125 owner complaints, 10 crash-related complaints, and 7 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2017 Subaru Impreza 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 Impreza?▾
#1: Headlight/Taillight Failures (32 complaints). #2: Visibility/Wiper (25 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (22 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2017 Subaru Impreza?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2017 Subaru Impreza?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2017 Subaru Impreza, NHTSA complaints include 10 crash-related reports and 3 fire reports out of 125 total complaints. 7 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2017 Subaru Impreza have any recalls?▾
Yes. 7 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2017 Subaru Impreza. A major recall area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. 7 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2017 Subaru Impreza?▾
The 2017 Subaru Impreza 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 Headlight/Taillight Failures 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 Impreza reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2017 Subaru Impreza based on your ownership experience.
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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.