2017 Subaru WRX
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 427 |
| 2003 | 60 |
| 2004 | 42 |
| 2005 | 19 |
| 2006 | 14 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2008 | 65 |
| 2009 | 41 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2011 | 4 |
| 2012 | 2 |
| 2013 | 7 |
| 2014 | 6 |
| 2015 | 52 |
| 2016 | 31 |
| 2017 | 53 |
| 2018 | 42 |
| 2019 | 30 |
| 2020 | 17 |
| 2021 | 13 |
| 2022 | 24 |
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 13 |
| 2025 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
26% of complaints: electrical system — 14 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231222
DRIVING AND ON A TURN BETWEEN 35-40 MPH MY WRX FREAKED OUT. THE DASH LIGHT UP LIKE A CHRISTMAS TREE, THE LANE TRACKING ALONG WITH THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL INDICATORS FLASHED, AND THE DASH SAID EYESIGHT UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190502
23% of complaints: engine — 12 distinct reports on file.
CRASH21% of complaints: power train — 11 distinct reports on file.
11% of complaints: steering — 6 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231222
8% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231222
SAFETY TIMELINE
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2021 WRX vehicles.
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.
Campaign 22V522000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2017 Subaru WRX — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 22V522000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2017 Subaru WRX reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2017 Subaru WRX is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Subaru WRX?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2017 Subaru WRX have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.