2017 Subaru Crosstrek recalls
Reported Feb 28, 2019 · 1,303,530 vehicles affected · Subaru of America, Inc.
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
2017 Subaru Crosstrek problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Unknown or Other | 34 | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 22 | |
| Electrical System | 18 | |
| Power Train | 14 | |
| Engine | 11 | |
| Service Brakes | 5 | |
| Steering | 5 | |
| Wheels | 4 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 4 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 3 | |
| Air Bags | 3 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 3 | |
Most reported parts
- Visibility › Windshield — 2
- Suspension › Front › Wheel Bearing — 1
- Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 1
- Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 1
- Power Train › Manual Transmission › Floor Shift Assembly — 1
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Pads — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 28,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2017 Subaru Crosstrek complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Electrical System · reported Nov 7, 2026
While driving, the car stalls out. Sometimes it recovers automatically, but most times I need to restart it, causing me to be very concerned about a possible rear-end crash. I have taken it to the dealer (Rafferty in Newtown Sq PA) twice. The fist time (Oct 8th) the MAF sensor was replaced and a fuel induction service was performed. The problem seemed to be fixed for about a month and it recurred. The second visit (Nov 6th), the technician wanted to perform a fuel induction again until I reminded him he had already done that. He did replace a clamp on the loose intake hose. Upon return, I…
Engine · reported Nov 3, 2026
*The engine experienced a failure of an internal valve spring, a component that controls the operation of the engine valves. The failure required significant engine repair, including engine teardown. The vehicle was diagnosed by Subaru of Olathe, and the failed component and vehicle should be available for inspection through the servicing dealership. Subaru of America reviewed the dealer's repair estimate and approved partial goodwill assistance toward the repair. valve spring failure is a serious engine malfunction that can result in engine performance issues, loss of power, engine stalling…
Power Train · reported Oct 22, 2025
Premature shift fork failure in 2017 Subaru Crosstrek manual transmission at 62,521 miles requiring complete transmission replacement ($10,000 repair, vehicle worth $11,000). EVIDENCE OF DESIGN DEFECT: - Subaru issued TSB 03-83-20R acknowledging shift fork design flaws in 2018-2020 Crosstreks with identical transmission - TSB states original forks required "thicker nylon inserts" proving inadequate design - My VIN (HG269902) is before production change (LG225906), confirming defective pre-improvement design - Shift fork failure can cause sudden inability to shift gears while driving -…
Vehicle Speed Control · reported 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…
Power Train · reported Mar 6, 2024
On January 19, 2024 I was slowly pulling in to a parking spot at my doctors office. I did not pull up far enough, as there was a concrete retaining wall at the head of the spot and no tire block for safety. I was maybe 5 feet from the wall when I lightly tapped the gas pedal to inch up (as the back end of the car was sticking out into the passing lane). When I did so, the car slipped into rapid acceleration causing a full head on crash with the retaining wall. I had pressed the break pedal but the brakes did not have enough time to engage before the wall stopped my car. As a result, I had…
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek: 19V-149 (exterior lighting). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek?
Owners report unknown or other problems most often (34 reports), followed by visibility/wiper (22). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 28,000 miles.
Are Subaru recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Subaru dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.