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ProblemsByVin File / 2017-SUBARU-CROSSTREK NHTSA data synced 8 hours ago
2017 · Subaru

Subaru Crosstrek problems

97 owner complaints and 1 active recall campaign on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, what a working mechanic would actually do about it.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.6 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2017 Crosstrek?
Generally reliable

Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

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Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

visibility
24 reports · fails ~33,421 mi · avg $350
moderate
electrical
15 reports · fails ~36,074 mi · avg $850
severe
powertrain
12 reports · fails ~47,050 mi · avg $2,500
severe
steering
5 reports · fails ~37,265 mi · avg $700
moderate
brakes
4 reports · fails ~10,600 mi · avg $450
moderate
cruise control
3 reports · fails ~15,760 mi · avg $600
severe
engine
3 reports · avg $3,100
moderate
lighting
3 reports · avg $250
moderate
Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2017 Crosstrek's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2017 Crosstrek?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2017 Crosstrek · visibility
The windshield cracked during the summer for no apparent reason, no obvious signs of chip in windshield surface. Crack starts upper middle edge of glass, down passed rearview mirror, then half way across passenger side, about 1/3 way down from top. We are getting it replaced…
12/31/2020 · at 27,800 mi · NHTSA ODI #11385944.0 · see visibility pattern →
2017 Crosstrek · cruise control 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…
12/30/2019 · at 12,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11291981.0 · see cruise control pattern →
2017 Crosstrek · steering
Key gets stuck in ignition and the car needs to be restarted, put in reverse/drive, and then either moved or step firmly on the break and back in park. Sometimes it takes multiple attempts. Having this issue for a couple months. It doesn't happen every time, but often.
12/05/2019 · at 20,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11287251.0 · see steering pattern →
2017 Crosstrek · powertrain
12042022 - not sure of cause, could be multiple as all systems just shut down for seconds, the car goes dead while driving down I235 at 70mph, first the radio turns off, then the car seemed to go to lower gear rpm to zero and just shut off at a high speed, NO POWER on anything,…
View all 97 owner complaints →
Had a problem with your 2017 Subaru Crosstrek? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

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At 80,000 miles
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Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 19V149000 February 28, 2019

Subaru of America, Inc

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.

Common questions

Is the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.6 out of 10 based on 97 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

Should you avoid the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek?

On the NHTSA data, the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 7.6/10 — above the segment average; 1 recall campaign on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.

What's the most common problem on the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is visibility, with 24 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 33,421 miles. Average repair cost runs about $350 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The visibility is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $350 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 33,421 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Subaru Crosstrek has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2017 Subaru Crosstrek?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 97 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $350, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 8 hours ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2017/Subaru/Crosstrek. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Subaru. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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