2017 Subaru Wrx: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2017 Subaru Wrx? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 52 complaints, with Electrical Faults as the top reported area.
2017 Subaru Wrx Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2017 Subaru Wrx 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. 3 trims analysed.
2017 Subaru Wrx 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
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: 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 Wrx has 52 owner complaints, 8 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Wrx
- Model year
- 2017
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 52
- Crash-related complaints
- 8
- Safety recall campaigns
- 1
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 21
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 18 / 24
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2017 Subaru Wrx Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Transmission / Drivetrain
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Transmission / Drivetrain, Engine Problems. 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 Wrx?
The 2017 Subaru Wrx 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 Wrx
Inspection Focus
- Inspect electrical systems, including battery, alternator, and wiring, for signs of faults.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, drivetrain, and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on reported components.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect electrical systems, including battery, alternator, and wiring, for signs of faults.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, drivetrain, and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on reported components.
- Test drive to check for steering or unintended acceleration issues.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2017 Subaru Wrx, 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
Complaints for the 2017 Subaru WRX are concentrated in electrical faults, transmission/drivetrain, and engine problems, with a smaller number of steering and airbag issues. Crash-related complaints are present but not dominant. The data suggests potential reliability concerns in these areas, though confidence is low due to limited sample size.
- Electrical faults account for the highest number of complaints (14) among the 52 total.
- Transmission/drivetrain and engine problems each have 11 complaints, tied for second most.
- Steering defects (6 complaints) and airbag malfunctions (4) are less frequent but notable.
- Electrical Faults
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Engine Problems
All 2017 Subaru Wrx Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Subaru Wrx. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 14 | 3 | 2 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 11 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 6 | 3 | 1 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 4 | 4 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 4 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 | — | 1 | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 2 | 2 | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 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 Wrx. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 eng…
Hit a deer. Airbags did not deploy, however I have reasonable suspicion to believe my head hit the A pillar during impact.
Going about 55mph, I struck a deer head on. It struck towards the center, but more so on the passenger side. During the impact, no airbags deployed, however, based off IIHS videos, it seems likely that they should have. Additionally, I have reasonable suspicion to believe I hit m…
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 Ma…
The current issues with my recently purchased used vehicle are as follows: Clutch, odometer tampering, steering rack, 2 axle leaks, electrical issues, inspection issues. I tried to see if the dealership that I bought the car from is willing to fix these issues they keep going ba…
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru WRX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V522000 (Exterior Lighting). The contact stated that while reversing, the backup lights intermittently failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was …
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru WRX. The contact stated that while reversing, the reverse back up switch was activated; however, the reverse lights and the back over prevention camera feature failed to activate as designed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be di…
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 ve…
Reverse lights won’t go on, and rear camera won’t turn on in reverse. While in reverse it says I’m in first.
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru WRX. The contact stated that while shifted into reverse, the rear-view camera and the back-up lights failed to operate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the reverse lig…
UNKNOWN. Was hit very hard, approximately at 70mph, on rear passenger corner of car, hit caused my vehicle to slide and hit the guardrail on front end of vehicle, and no airbags deployed at any point in collision. Airbags are intact. I have included close up pictures of the airba…
Engine failure on the highway driving 60mph , Rod bearing failed causing engine to be destroyed (new block , new pistons, new head needed). Car was under warranty . Dealership filed claim but subaru of America denied claim giving erroneous reasons for denial . Subaru of Americ…
I have a 2017 Subaru WRX that stalls while driving (including at highway speeds) 2 to 3 times every day on my commute to work through the mountains. This has led the vehicle to skid sideways and lose control. When I looked into this problem, I found that Subaru has a recall on it…
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 extre…
I own a 2017 Subaru WRX. On 8/10/2019 I had the battery replaced at the dealership because it does for no reason. The battery died overnight and I had to jump the car to get it to the dealership. This happened again and the battery replaced at the dealership on 9/29/2022. This ti…
The contact owns 2017 Subaru WRX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V522000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while shifted into reverse, the rear-view camera intermittently fai…
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 hund…
Premature clutch failure due to faulty clutch release fork and bearings.
I have a 2017 model year Subaru and I've gone through 2 batteries and about to get a third one which seems like a lot considering how many other cars I've seen not get their battery replaced once and older in year than my car.
Vehicle suffers from repeated battery drain issues - continue to replace top of the line batteries in the vehicle because they are constantly draining
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2017 Subaru Wrx.
2017 Subaru Wrx Recalls
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2017 Subaru Wrx. 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 Wrx Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2017 Subaru Wrx reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 52 owner complaints, 8 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2017 Subaru Wrx 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 Wrx?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (14 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (11 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (11 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2017 Subaru Wrx?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2017 Subaru Wrx?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2017 Subaru Wrx, NHTSA complaints include 8 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 52 total complaints. 7 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2017 Subaru Wrx have any recalls?▾
Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2017 Subaru Wrx. A major recall area is EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP 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 Wrx?▾
The 2017 Subaru Wrx 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 Electrical Faults 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 Wrx reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2017 Subaru Wrx 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.