How many electrical complaints does the 2017 Subaru WRX have?

NHTSA lists 17 Electrical System complaints for the 2017 WRX, which is 32% of the 53 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2017 Subaru WRX electrical system?

Yes. Recall 22V522000, reported 2022-07-21, covers a backup light switch that can corrode and stop working, disabling the backup lights and rearview camera image.

At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up on the 2017 WRX?

The median mileage at failure for Electrical System complaints on the 2017 WRX is 48,000 miles.

Are the electrical issues linked to any crashes or fires?

NHTSA data tied to this complaint area for the 2017 WRX shows 3 crashes and 2 fires reported, along with 2 injuries.

How does the 2017 WRX compare to other years for electrical complaints?

The 2017 WRX's 32% share of complaints in the Electrical System is higher than 2015 (19%), 2018 (26%), 2020 (29%), and most later years, but lower than 2016 (35%) and 2019 (47%).

2017 Subaru WRX Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 17 Electrical System complaints for the 2017 Subaru WRX, 32% of its 53 total complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 48,000 miles. A related recall (22V522000) covers a corroding backup light switch that can disable the rearview camera and backup lights.

Electrical System complaints: 17; 32% of 53
Crashes reported: 3
Fires reported: 2
Injuries reported: 2
Median mileage: 48,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

Batteries drain repeatedly after the car sits for a few days, often requiring multiple replacements over time.
Backup light switch corrosion causes the rearview camera and backup lights to fail intermittently when shifted into reverse, matching recall 22V522000.
Steering wheel becomes difficult to turn or briefly seizes while driving, in one case at highway speed.
Windshield wipers stop working entirely and remain unresponsive even after motor replacement.
A subwoofer and amplifier overheated during normal use, melting wires and creating a fire risk similar to a prior recall on 2015 model year WRXs.
Dashboard warning lights and driver-assist systems (lane tracking, adaptive cruise, EyeSight) activated erratically during a turn, coinciding with a loss of vehicle control.

When 2017 Subaru WRX electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Jun 1, 2018, latest Mar 27, 2025.

17 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jun 2018 to Mar 2025; peak Jul 2021 (2).

Electrical System recalls for the 2017 Subaru WRX

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.

Electrical System complaints by WRX model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20100 (0%)
20110 (0%)
20120 (0%)
20130 (0%)
20140 (0%)
201510 (19%)
201611 (35%)
201717 (32%)
201811 (26%)
201914 (47%)
20205 (29%)
20212 (15%)
20223 (12%)
20230 (0%)
20240 (0%)
20251 (50%)

Frequently asked questions

How many electrical complaints does the 2017 Subaru WRX have?: NHTSA lists 17 Electrical System complaints for the 2017 WRX, which is 32% of the 53 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2017 Subaru WRX electrical system?: Yes. Recall 22V522000, reported 2022-07-21, covers a backup light switch that can corrode and stop working, disabling the backup lights and rearview camera image.
At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up on the 2017 WRX?: The median mileage at failure for Electrical System complaints on the 2017 WRX is 48,000 miles.
Are the electrical issues linked to any crashes or fires?: NHTSA data tied to this complaint area for the 2017 WRX shows 3 crashes and 2 fires reported, along with 2 injuries.
How does the 2017 WRX compare to other years for electrical complaints?: The 2017 WRX's 32% share of complaints in the Electrical System is higher than 2015 (19%), 2018 (26%), 2020 (29%), and most later years, but lower than 2016 (35%) and 2019 (47%).