Verdict
2017 Subaru Crosstrek: Complaints, Recalls & Known Issues
What the public record actually says about the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek — every figure below is a NHTSA or EPA number, not an opinion.
The read
Middle-of-the-pack complaint volume for SUV.
Owners filed 97 NHTSA complaints — fewer complaints than 51% of 2017 SUVs. Unknown Or Other leads the reports (22%). 1 safety recall campaign on record — check the VIN and remedy terms with a dealer.
Based on NHTSA complaint volume against 2017 SUVs, not adjusted for how many were sold. It describes the model year, not the individual car you are looking at.
Complaints filed
97
Reports to NHTSA, 2017
Safety recalls
1
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
27.5
EPA estimate
Complaint volume vs. segment peers
Fewer complaints than 51% of 2017 SUVs
The bar is this car's percentile among 2017 SUVs by complaint volume — a full bar means the fewest complaints in its class. Not adjusted for sales.
Known issues
Unknown Or Other issues lead owner complaints (22% of 97 reports), followed by visibility/wiper (22%).
+ 8 more component categories with fewer reports.
Share of all 97 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11291976, ODI 11121955, ODI 11540242, ODI 11476595, ODI 11438977.
Recalls(1)
Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.
Exterior Lighting · 19V149000Details +Close −
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.
Risk: Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: 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.
A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.
Investigations
0 NHTSA investigations on record
No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.
Crash-test ratings
2017 Subaru Crosstrek SW AWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crosstrek AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S6) | 26 | 33 | 29 |
| Crosstrek AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Manual 5-spd | 23 | 30 | 26 |
EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.
Before you buy
Useful next checks
Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.
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Compare model years
"Fewest reports" and "most complained" describe raw NHTSA complaint totals, not vehicle reliability. The last few model years are left unlabelled because they have had less road time.
2017 Subaru Crosstrek: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek?
Owners filed 97 NHTSA complaints about the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek — fewer complaints than 51% of comparable 2017 SUVs, so it sits toward the stronger end of its class. That's a signal, not a guarantee about any single car.
What are the most common problems on the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek?
The most-reported problem areas are Unknown Or Other (22% of complaints) and visibility/wiper (22%).
How many recalls does the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek have?
1 recall has been issued that affect the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek, covering components such as exterior lighting. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.
What gas mileage does the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek get?
The EPA rates the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek between 26 and 29 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.