2017 Subaru Crosstrek

Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues

Visibility/wiper is the leading concern among 97 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 6th highest complaint count among 14 Crosstrek model years with reports.

Complaints by model year
  1. 97

Of the 2017 reports, 6 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 5 people were injured.

Primary concernVisibility/wiper23 reports · 24% of complaints
Owner complaints97Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship1 safety recallNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Other or unspecified33
  2. Visibility/wiper23
  3. Electrical system18
  4. Power train13
  5. Engine12
  6. Service brakes7
  7. Steering5
  8. Vehicle speed control4

Recalls and investigations

  1. Exterior lighting, brake lights, switchFeb 28, 2019

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.

    Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.

    Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.

    Campaign 19V149000 on NHTSA.gov

Representative owner complaints: steering

5 reports, newest first. Show all

  1. Steering, Feb 21, 2023

    The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated while pulling out of her driveway, the steering wheel became stiff, and the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over on the side the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the power steering module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle needed to diagnose by a dealer. The failure mileage was 48,300.

  2. Steering, Wheels, Jun 11, 2021

    CV axles click when turning. CV axles could break at any given point. If not fixed you could lose control of your car causing death to yourself or others while driving or render your car driveless. I've looked online and many other 2017 cross track owners have the same problem. So why is this not a recall.

  3. Steering, Jan 21, 2020

    THE CAR LOST POWER STEERING SHORTLY AFTER CAR WAS STARTED TO GO ON S SHORT TRIP. WE WERE STILL N OUR DRIVEWAY WHEN IT HAPPENED. I COULD STILL DRIVE IT, BUT TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT ON CURVES ON BACK ROADS AND HIGHWAY TO THE DOCTOR'S OFFICE 32 MILES AWAY. I HAVE HEARD OTHER SUBARUS HAVE HAD SHORTS IN THE ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM.

  4. Steering, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jan 13, 2020

    KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION AND THE CAR NEEDS TO BE RESTARTED IN ORDER TO REMOVE KEY. THIS OCCURS WHEN STATIONARY AND TRYING TO REMOVE KEY FROM IGNITION. HAD THIS ISSUE FOR A ABOUT A MONTH BEFORE I TOOK IT IN AS SUBARU HAD A RECALL FOR WUE90 STOP LIGHT SWITCH REPLACEMENT AND I THOUGHT IT MAY BE RELATED AS DID MY SERVICE PROVIDER AT NORTH PARK SUBARU OR MAYBE HAD TO DO WITH STEERING. THE PROBLEM WAS NOT SOLVED, THE REPAIR WAS OUT OF MY POCKET. THE SERVICE PROVIDER REPORTED 'ERRATIC OPERATION OF PARK SWITCH ON SHIFTER' AND THE SHIFTER WAS REPLACED AND PROBLEM IS RESOLVED. THIS APPEARS A MANUFACTURING FLAW THAT SHOULD BE RECALLED AS MANY OTHERS REPORT THE SAME ISSUE. THE SERVICE PROVIDER ALSO REPORTED THE SAME ISSUE AND STATED MANY PEOPLE HAD COME IN RECENTLY TO HAVE THE SAME ISSUE SERVICED. IT MAYBE UNETHICAL THAT THE SERVICE PROVIDER HAS NOT OR DID NOT APPEAR TO BE REPORTING THE MATTER. CAR IS LESS THAN THREE YEARS OLD (WHEN OCCURED) AND HAS 50K MILES ON IT.

  5. Steering, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 5, 2019

    KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION AND THE CAR NEEDS TO BE RESTARTED, PUT IN REVERSE/DRIVE, AND THEN EITHER MOVED OR STEP FIRMLY ON THE BREAK AND BACK IN PARK. SOMETIMES IT TAKES MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS. HAVING THIS ISSUE FOR A COUPLE MONTHS. IT DOESN'T HAPPEN EVERY TIME, BUT OFTEN.