2017 Subaru WRX Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
100/100
#1 most-complained of 16 WRX years
The 2017 Subaru WRX has a Complaint Index of 100, the highest of all 16 model years tracked, ranking it worst overall (rank 1). NHTSA lists 53 complaints, 1 recall, 8 crashes, 2 fires, and 7 injuries, with Electrical System issues topping the list.
- Complaints
- 53
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 8 / 2
- Injuries / deaths
- 7 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 18 city / 24 hwy
Top 2017 Subaru WRX problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System17 (32%)
- Engine14 (26%)
- Transmission & Powertrain11 (21%)
- Steering6 (11%)
- Airbags4 (8%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires4 (8%)
- Visibility & Wipers4 (8%)
- Fuel System3 (6%)
- Other3 (6%)
- Brakes2 (4%)
What owners report
- Windshield wipers stop working entirely and remain inoperative even after motor replacement.
- Steering wheel becomes difficult or impossible to turn while driving, sometimes on inclines or at highway speed.
- Airbags fail to deploy during frontal or corner impacts, including collisions with deer at around 55 mph.
- Dashboard warning lights and EyeSight/lane-tracking systems activate unexpectedly during turns, coinciding with loss of steering control.
- Emergency brake cable breaks while parked, allowing the vehicle to roll into the street.
- Fuel system components, including a suspected air injection pump, trigger repeat check-engine codes before a fire occurs.
2017 Subaru WRX recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 22V522000Jul 21, 2022Electrical System59,934 vehicles
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.
Risk: Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-22.
2017 Subaru WRX fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18 MPG
- Highway
- 24 MPG
- Combined
- 21 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,800
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2017 compared with other WRX years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2017 Subaru WRX reliable?
- Among 16 model years of the WRX, 2017 has the highest Complaint Index (100) and ranks worst overall, with 53 NHTSA complaints, 8 crashes, 2 fires, and 7 injuries.
- What is the top problem area for the 2017 Subaru WRX?
- Electrical System complaints make up 32% of reports (17 of 53), with a median failure mileage of 48,000 miles, and account for 3 crashes and 2 fires.
- Does the 2017 Subaru WRX have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 1 recall (campaign 22V522000) covering 2015-2021 WRX models for a backup light switch that may corrode and disable the rearview camera image and backup lights.
- How does the 2017 WRX compare to other years?
- The 2017 WRX has a Complaint Index of 100, higher than the 2015 (80), 2018 (93), and 2022 (87) years, all also rated Avoid, while years like 2014 (index 20) are rated Best.
- What mileage do 2017 WRX problems typically show up at?
- The median mileage at failure across all reported issues is 36,000 miles, though Electrical System and Steering problems trend higher at 48,000 and 47,500 miles respectively.