2017 Subaru WRX recalls and problems

The 2017 Subaru WRX has 1 safety recall and 53 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Subaru dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
53
Crashes / fires
8 / 2
Injuries / deaths
7 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2017 Subaru WRX vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2017 Subaru WRX recalls

Recall 22V-522: Exterior Lighting

Reported Jul 21, 2022 · 59,934 vehicles affected · Subaru of America, Inc.

Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2021 WRX vehicles. The backup light switch may corrode and become inoperative, which can result in the backup lights not illuminating and the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is in reverse.

Risk: Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the backup light switch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-22.

2017 Subaru WRX problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System14
Engine12
Power Train11
Steering6
Visibility/Wiper4
Air Bags4
Exterior Lighting4
Suspension3
Unknown or Other3
Vehicle Speed Control3
Fuel/Propulsion System3
Service Brakes2

Most reported parts

  • Suspension › Front › Wheel Bearing — 1
  • Structure › Body — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 36,000 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 WRX complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · reported May 6, 2026
Experienced catastrophic engine failure with no known cause. The car had been inspected and had an oil change 3,000 miles prior to the incident. Thankfully, I had already exited the thruway and was on a quiet backroad but if this had happened 15 minutes earlier on the thruway this could have been a much different story.
Engine · reported Apr 9, 2026
Car all the sudden stall/ lock up tires at high way speeds due to sudden no warning engine failure causing a massive safety concern My car locked up during a normal drive up a slowly passing a semi when my car died no power steering no engine power transmission locking due engine failure Car was checked and maintenance at the dealer less then a week prior for a small misfire then was dismissed due to car all the sudden running fine so I drove it 100 miles then it died and almost killed me due to the sudden lockup 2017 Subaru wrx WITH THE FA20 DIT Also worth mentioning cars 100% factory stock…
Air Bags · reported Nov 7, 2025
Hit a deer. Airbags did not deploy, however I have reasonable suspicion to believe my head hit the A pillar during impact.
Air Bags · reported Nov 6, 2025
Going about 55mph, I struck a deer head on. It struck towards the center, but more so on the passenger side. During the impact, no airbags deployed, however, based off IIHS videos, it seems likely that they should have. Additionally, I have reasonable suspicion to believe I hit my head on the pillar of the door, which would have been unlikely if the airbags deployed.
Engine · reported Dec 14, 2024
The current issues with my recently purchased used vehicle are as follows: Clutch, odometer tampering, steering rack, 2 axle leaks, electrical issues, inspection issues. I tried to see if the dealership that I bought the car from is willing to fix these issues they keep going back and forth with me on these issues even though I just recently purchased the car stating that I have to pay for it. I purchased this car [XXX]. There were several issues with this car prior to purchase that were not disclosed when I purchased it. The dealership that I bought the car from, highline car…

Other Subaru WRX years

Compare all Subaru WRX years · All Subaru models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2017 Subaru WRX have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2017 Subaru WRX: 22V-522 (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 WRX?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (14 reports), followed by engine (12). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 36,000 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.