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.
Of the 2017 reports, 6 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 5 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
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: vehicle speed control
4 reports, newest first. Show all
Vehicle speed control, Sep 30, 2025
In August of 2024, I got into my car in a parking lot and turned the key in the ignition. The car started revving really high. I waited for it to slow down, and then I put it into reverse. The car shot back and would have hit the building if I hadn't slammed on the brakes. Fortunately, there wasn't anyone behind the car at the time, but the woman who had just walked in back of my car to enter the building stood there looking at me. I slowly put my foot on the gas pedal and drove home. The following day, I had a tow truck come and take the car to the dealer. They did a scheduled maintenance service and replace the throttle body. Everything was fine until 9/28/25. I was driving out of a parking lot and entering the street going very slowly, suddenly the car lurched forward very fast, and I had to slam on my brakes to stop it. I drove it home. I notified a friend who knew a mechanic that he said was familiar with this type of issue. He got in touch with the dealership where the car had been serviced, and I got a call from the Service Department manager. He asked me to bring the car in so they could try to find out what the problem was. He said that if they couldn't find out what it was, an engineer might be called in to inspect the car. I am planning on having the car towed to the dealership this week. On neither occasion did any warning lights come on in the car. It was very fortunate that no one was hurt during either incident, but it could have been tragic. I was only about 15 feet away from a crosswalk when the second incident occurred. I read online that the manufacturer is involved in a lawsuit where several other people have had the same experience, although not the same model as my car. I have driven the same brand of car for about fifteen years and have never had a problem before.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Dec 30, 2019, crash
I WAS DRIVING VERY SLOW INTO MY GARAGE FROM TOWNHOUSE STREET. I HEARD THIS STRANGE NOISE AND MY CAR ACCELERATED FAST. I TRIED TO BRAKE BUT COULD NOT STOP THE CAR. I HIT THE BACK OF MY GARAGE CAUSING DAMAGE TO GARAGE WALL AND INSIDE OF MY TOWNHOME. I HAVE LIVED HERE SINCE 1987 AND THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE. THE CAR IS NOW AT GALE AUTO REPAIR, BLAINE, MN.. THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING THAT WOULD HAVE CAUSED THIS SUDDEN ACCELERATION.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Nov 25, 2019
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT BLINKS. CANNOT USE CRUISE CONTROL. ITS A 2017 CROSSTREK. TOOK IT TO DEALER TWICE. THEY THOUGHT IT WAS CATALYTIC CONVERTOR OR O2 SENSORS WHICH WERE FIXED BUT LIGHTS REMAIN ON
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Engine, Apr 6, 2018, crash
I WAS SLOWLY PULLING INTO THE GARAGE AND WHEN I WENT TO APPLY THE BRAKES, THE CAR UNCONTROLLABLY LUNGED FORWARD AND HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THE FLOOR MAT WAS NOT AN ISSUE AND WAS SECURE. ALTHOUGH THE BRAKES WERE BEING APPLIED, THE CAR SUDDENLY LUNGED FORWARD.