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2017 Subaru Impreza

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Impreza years

Owner complaints for the 2017 Subaru Impreza are substantially higher than the model-year median of 56.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

65 reports with mileage · 60 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 32 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Visibility/wiper. Review the 25 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 21 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

10 crash reports3 fire reports7 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

21 reports
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Mileage unknown · Apr 16, 2026
Electrical System

I am filing a safety complaint regarding an Engine Control Module (ECM) failure in my 2017 Subaru Impreza and the handling of a prior recall repair. Dealership records show that a recall repair (WRE21 – ignition coil recall) was completed in June 2021. At that time, the dealership documented that the ECM calibration was up to d…

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I am filing a safety complaint regarding an Engine Control Module (ECM) failure in my 2017 Subaru Impreza and the handling of a prior recall repair. Dealership records show that a recall repair (WRE21 – ignition coil recall) was completed in June 2021. At that time, the dealership documented that the ECM calibration was up to date and functioning properly. However, I later experienced a check engine light and drivability concerns. Diagnostic records from February 2026 indicate: •Camshaft slow response codes •Persistent sensor issues •A technician recommendation to replace multiple components, including the ECM, stating that codes were “burned into the ECM” The dealership has since attempted to attribute the ECM failure to “engine sludge” and lack of maintenance. Concern with Dealership Explanation: This explanation is inconsistent and raises serious concerns: •Engine sludge is a mechanical lubrication issue and does not directly cause an ECM (electronic control module) to fail or become “burned.” •The ECM is an electronic unit, and failure typically results from electrical defects, internal faults, or manufacturing issues—not oil sludge. •The dealership has not provided technical evidence showing how sludge could damage or “burn” the ECM. •This appears to be an attempt to shift responsibility away from a potential defect or improperly completed recall repair. Safety Concern: The ECM is critical to safe vehicle operation. A failure can result in: •Engine malfunction or reduced power •Unpredictable vehicle behavior •Increased risk while driving If ECM failures are being misdiagnosed or incorrectly attributed to maintenance issues, this could allow serious safety defects to go unaddressed. Requested Action: I request that NHTSA: 1.Investigate whether ECM failures are being improperly attributed to maintenance issues such as engine sludge. 2.Review whether the recall repair (WRE21) was properly completed and whether it is related to thi

NHTSA ODI #11731598

Mileage unknown · Feb 16, 2026
Electrical SystemExterior LightingVisibility/wiper

I noticed that visibility at night was poor. I was pulled over by the police and give a warning that my headlight was out and told to get it fixed. I thought it may be as simple as a bulb but was told the entire left headlamp assembly had to be replaced at a cost of more than $2,000. Just days later my Dealership send me a servi…

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I noticed that visibility at night was poor. I was pulled over by the police and give a warning that my headlight was out and told to get it fixed. I thought it may be as simple as a bulb but was told the entire left headlamp assembly had to be replaced at a cost of more than $2,000. Just days later my Dealership send me a service notice which also stated that the left headlamp should be inspected. This was after I had already had it replaced at a local garage. The dealership confirmed that their was a recall but when I tried to get reimbursed by Subaru thru the safety recall WRG-22/NHTSA 22V624000 they said my vin# was excluded from the recall!(?)

NHTSA ODI #11718214

Mileage unknown · Sep 1, 2025
Electrical SystemService BrakesUnknown Or Other

[XXX] 2017 Subaru Impreza VIN [XXX] Cruze control error. Will it make brake lights fail if not repaired? go look in your database and see if Impreza has more than normal rear end collisions? What else is on bus that might be damaged by spike? Braking? Antilock? Lights? Why is this NOT a recall? INFORMATION REDACTED PURS…

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[XXX] 2017 Subaru Impreza VIN [XXX] Cruze control error. Will it make brake lights fail if not repaired? go look in your database and see if Impreza has more than normal rear end collisions? What else is on bus that might be damaged by spike? Braking? Antilock? Lights? Why is this NOT a recall? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11684276

Mileage unknown · Aug 2, 2024
Electrical SystemExterior LightingFire

Parked at a store. Car caught on fire while in store. Car had been parked approximately 10 minutes. Left side headlight spontaneously ignited.

NHTSA ODI #11606177

Mileage unknown · Sep 16, 2021
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemService Brakes

I bought a "Subaru Impreza" 2017, and in the span of 4 years, had numerous issues, including: -dead battery -car suddenly stopping on highway: no electroninc warning whatsoever -over 6 possibly lethal recalls (mainly pertaining to car electronics andbrakes), which might cause car to stop moving/responsing to steering/braking at…

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I bought a "Subaru Impreza" 2017, and in the span of 4 years, had numerous issues, including: -dead battery -car suddenly stopping on highway: no electroninc warning whatsoever -over 6 possibly lethal recalls (mainly pertaining to car electronics andbrakes), which might cause car to stop moving/responsing to steering/braking at any moment, which I send in for repair ASAP. Afterwards, I was assured all the electronics and brake components had been checked, and I would be safe to drive everyday for work. -This week, after all these "repaired" recalls, my car suddenly while I was driving on one of the busiest/most dangerous highways in our area: it took me several minutes to even manage to pull onto the shoulder. During that time, I was almost hit 5 times, and had to call CHP to come take me. I could have easily been killed. and the CHP operator clearly told me not to drive this car again. -The next day, I got to Subaru dealership which sold me this car, asking for a loaner, and free repair. Although Subaru provided the loaner, they also gave me a 1133.98$ to fix the electronic issue, which they assured me "is not my fault, but not on the recall list, so even though it malfunctioned, I have to pay, even though their negligence almost cost me my life. I'm curious to know how many other Subaru 2017 drivers had similar experience.

NHTSA ODI #11433154

54,000 miles · Aug 16, 2021
Electrical SystemFire

The contact owned a 2017 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway and turned off, a fire ignited. The neighbor had discovered three vehicles in the driveway were on fire and called the fire department to the scene who extinguished the flames. During the incident, the three-vehicle were…

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The contact owned a 2017 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway and turned off, a fire ignited. The neighbor had discovered three vehicles in the driveway were on fire and called the fire department to the scene who extinguished the flames. During the incident, the three-vehicle were destroyed. A fire report was taken at the scene. Fire investigators determined that the fire started on the front passenger side of the Subaru vehicle. No further information was available. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the incident. The failure mileage was 54,000.

NHTSA ODI #11429206

28,000 miles · May 15, 2021
Electrical System

BATTERY DRAINS TOO FAST AND KEEPS NEED A JUMP.

NHTSA ODI #11416758

25,000 miles · Nov 20, 2019
Electrical SystemEngineVehicle Speed Control

THERE ARE TWO SEPARATE ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE WHICH HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED THROUGH DEALERS HELP AND NO RECALLS HAVE BEEN ISSUED YET FOR THESE PROBLEMS. FIRST: THE ENGINE STALLS AROUND 16 TO 11 MPH. THE ACCELERATION SLOWS DOWN RAPIDLY AFTER 16-15MPH THEN IT RAMPS UP AT 13MPH AND THEN SLOWS DOWN AROUND 11 MPH SPEEDS. THIS ISS…

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THERE ARE TWO SEPARATE ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE WHICH HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED THROUGH DEALERS HELP AND NO RECALLS HAVE BEEN ISSUED YET FOR THESE PROBLEMS. FIRST: THE ENGINE STALLS AROUND 16 TO 11 MPH. THE ACCELERATION SLOWS DOWN RAPIDLY AFTER 16-15MPH THEN IT RAMPS UP AT 13MPH AND THEN SLOWS DOWN AROUND 11 MPH SPEEDS. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN PERSISTENT SINCE THE OWNERSHIP OF THE VEHICLE. NHTSA NEEDS TO LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM SINCE IT CAN BE A POTENTIAL SAFETY RISK AND CAN CAUSE ACCIDENTS. SECOND: THE BATTERY ON THIS VEHICLE WAS DEAD SUDDENLY OVER NIGHT WITHOUT ANY VISIBLE CLUES. NO MAP OR DOME LIGHTS WERE KEPT ON. THE VEHICLE WAS SWITCHED OFF PROPERLY AND NEXT MORNING THE BATTERY WAS DEAD. SOMEWHERE IN THE VEHICLE (THE SUSPECT IS INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM) THE BATTERY IS DRAINING. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE AND HAD TO CHANGE THE BATTERIES. THESE ISSUES ARE HUGE SAFETY HAZARDS THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESS IMMEDIATELY.

NHTSA ODI #11281276

26,000 miles · Mar 31, 2019
Electrical System

IGNITION LOCKED. WOULD NOT RELEASE. TOOK 20 MINUTES. FINALLY THE LOCK RELEASED. HAVE COMPLAINED TO SUBARU SERVICE, TOLD IT IS ALL IN MY MIND.

NHTSA ODI #11192780

Mileage unknown · Jan 10, 2019
Electrical System

SUBARU IMPREZA 2017, 14.7K MILES: I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE IN JUN 2017. IN JAN 2018 AND AUG 2018, SEVEN AND SIXTEEN MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE, RODENTS CHEWED THROUGH THE SOY-BASED ELECTRICAL WIRING AND WIRE HARNESS, RESPECTIVELY. MY SUBARU SERVICE DEPT. ADVISED ME THE IMPREZA WILL ALWAYS BE PREDISPOSED TO WIRE DAMAGE FROM RODEN…

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SUBARU IMPREZA 2017, 14.7K MILES: I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE IN JUN 2017. IN JAN 2018 AND AUG 2018, SEVEN AND SIXTEEN MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE, RODENTS CHEWED THROUGH THE SOY-BASED ELECTRICAL WIRING AND WIRE HARNESS, RESPECTIVELY. MY SUBARU SERVICE DEPT. ADVISED ME THE IMPREZA WILL ALWAYS BE PREDISPOSED TO WIRE DAMAGE FROM RODENTS BECAUSE THEY CAN GAIN ACCESS TO GARAGES AND OTHER TYPES OF CAR STORAGE FACILITIES, AND, THEY LOVE THE TASTE OF THE SOY WANTING MORE AFTER THEY EXPERIENCE THE TASTE. SUBARU WAS WELL AWARE OF THE SOY WIRING PROBLEM AS EARLY AS 2015 AND WAS SUED BECAUSE OF IT IN 2017. EVEN SO, SUBARU DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM, AND IN FACT, OBVIOUSLY CONTINUES TO MANUFACTURE VEHICLES CONTAINING SOY-BASED PRODUCTS THAT ARE A PROVEN ATTRACTANT TO RODENTS. IN AN ATTEMPT TO COMPLETELY PREVENT RODENTS FROM BEING ABLE TO ACCESS MY CAR, AND AFTER MANY, MANY RODENT ABATEMENT ATTEMPTS, I WAS FORCED TO BUY A CAR BUBBLE WHERE I COULD LITERALLY SEAL THE CAR INSIDE AND PROTECT IT. SUBARU'S NEGLIGENCE CAUSES A BUILT-IN FINANCIAL LIABILITY FOR MANY IMPREZA OWNERS. AS OF OCT 2018, THE REPAIRS, RODENT ABATEMENT AND CAR BUBBLE HAS COST $2,000+ DOLLARS. SUBARU USED PROVEN RODENT ATTRACTANTS IN IMPREZA VEHICLE PRODUCTION CAUSING 1) UNNECESSARY REPAIRS EVEN FOR NEW CAR OWNERS WHO RIGHTFULLY DO NOT HAVE ANY EXPECTATION THAT THE VEHICLE WILL REQUIRE REPAIRS BECAUSE OF SOY INDUCED RODENTS, 2) FINANCIAL HARDSHIP FROM REPAIRS THAT CAN BE EXTENSIVE AND EXPENSIVE, AS WELL AS THE COST OF PRIMARY AND SUPPLEMENTAL RODENT ABATEMENT PROGRAMS, 3) INCONVENIENCE HAVING TO DEAL WITH ONGOING, SIMILAR TYPES OF REPAIRS AND RELATED INSURANCE CLAIMS, AND, 4) THE ROUTINE OF THE TIME AND EFFORT REQUIRED TO REMOVE AND REPLACE A VEHICLE THAT HAS TO BE HOUSED IN A CAR BUBBLE. DESPITE MY REQUESTS, THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO MAKE ANY AND ALL REPAIRS UNDER THE MANUFACTURER WARRANTY.

NHTSA ODI #11166171

Official recalls

7

22V624000 · Exterior Lighting:headlights

Aug 12, 2022

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Impreza vehicles. The left and right side reflex reflector and left side low beam reflector may inadequately reflect light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Reflectors that do not provide adequate illumination reduce the driver's ability to see and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the front headlamp assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 15, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-22.

21V264000 · Electrical System:ignition; Electrical System:software; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:engine Control Module (ecu/ecm):software; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe

Apr 15, 2021

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Subaru Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, causing a short circuit.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software, replace the ignition coils and, if necessary, the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 1, 2021. Owners can contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-21. Note: This recall includes all vehicles previously repaired under Recall 19V743.

Additional source detail variants (4)

Electrical System:software

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Subaru Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, causing a short circuit.

Consequence: A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software, replace the ignition coils and, if necessary, the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 1, 2021. Owners can contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-21. Note: This recall includes all vehicles previously repaired under Recall 19V743.

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:engine Control Module (ecu/ecm):software

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Subaru Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, causing a short circuit.

Consequence: A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software, replace the ignition coils and, if necessary, the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 1, 2021. Owners can contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-21. Note: This recall includes all vehicles previously repaired under Recall 19V743.

Electrical System:ignition

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Subaru Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, causing a short circuit.

Consequence: A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software, replace the ignition coils and, if necessary, the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 1, 2021. Owners can contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-21. Note: This recall includes all vehicles previously repaired under Recall 19V743.

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Subaru Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, causing a short circuit.

Consequence: A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software, replace the ignition coils and, if necessary, the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 1, 2021. Owners can contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-21. Note: This recall includes all vehicles previously repaired under Recall 19V743.

19V743000 · Electrical System:ignition; Electrical System:software

Oct 18, 2019

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, which could result in a short circuit and blown fuse.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software and inspect and replace the ignition coil, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, on vehicles with confirmed ignition coil damage and a certain stored diagnostic trouble code (DTC), Subaru will replace the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. The recall began December 4, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUQ-02.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System:software

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, which could result in a short circuit and blown fuse.

Consequence: If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software and inspect and replace the ignition coil, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, on vehicles with confirmed ignition coil damage and a certain stored diagnostic trouble code (DTC), Subaru will replace the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. The recall began December 4, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUQ-02.

Electrical System:ignition

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, which could result in a short circuit and blown fuse.

Consequence: If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software and inspect and replace the ignition coil, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, on vehicles with confirmed ignition coil damage and a certain stored diagnostic trouble code (DTC), Subaru will replace the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. The recall began December 4, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUQ-02.

19V744000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:crankcase (pcv)

Oct 17, 2019

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Impreza and 2018 Crosstrek vehicles equipped with an aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve. The PCV valve may come apart, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, possibly resulting in a loss of power while driving.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began December 2, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUP-01.

19V745000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:crankcase (pcv)

Oct 17, 2019

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017 Impreza vehicles equipped with an aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve. The PCV valve may come apart, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, possibly resulting in a loss of power while driving.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUS-04.

17V216000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Mar 29, 2017

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017 Impreza vehicles. Winter fuels may vaporize prematurely in the fuel line, resulting in a reduction in fuel pressure, possibly causing the engine to stall.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the engine control unit to turn the radiator cooling fan on at a lower temperature, free of charge. The recall began on April 20, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2738. Subaru's number for this recall is WTP-75.

17V132000 · Back Over Prevention: Camera System

Mar 2, 2017

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017 Impreza vehicles. Due to a software problem, the rearview camera display may not work properly.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A rearview camera display that does not function as designed can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the car, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the infotainment software, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for the recall is WTN-74.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.