This bulletin is for information purposes only.The bulletin adresses design changes of the headlamps and rear combination lamps, where moisture and or condensation may develop on the inside of the lamp lenses.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Subaru WRX lighting problems
moderate 3 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $250 · see lighting across all vehicles →
Complaints
3
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$250
When does it fail?
Of the 3 lighting complaints filed for the 2017 Subaru WRX, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering lighting on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin provides a procedure for replacing the rear combination lamp wiring harness. The harness is now available as a service part separate from the lamp assembly.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Service Information bulletin provides a measurement and adjustment procedure for the stop lamp switch. An improperly adjusted (or faulty) stop lamp switch can cause any of the DTCs listed above to set and result in the related system?s warning lamp to illuminate.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Service Information bulletin announces a change made to the lens portion of the fog light assembly. The new lens has optimized light distribution characteristics while remaining interchangeable with the original type.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin outlines a design change made to the inner lens extension portion of the LED headlamp assembly. Under the right conditions, the shape of the lens for the actual head lamp light source can cause sunlight to be focused onto the extension portion of the lens resulting in deformation. A heatresistant shade has been added to protect the affected area.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru WRX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V522000 (Exterior Lighting). The contact stated that while reversing, the backup lights intermittently failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that he had to pay the labor cost to have the recall repair performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The…
The contact owns 2017 Subaru WRX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V522000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while shifted into reverse, the rear-view camera intermittently failed to operate. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the dealer then…
Had lighting trouble with your 2017 Subaru WRX?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the lighting problem on the 2017 Subaru WRX?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 3 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $250 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the lighting typically fail?
Based on the 3 complaints filed, lighting issues most often appear around 59,333 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $250 for lighting repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to lighting?
No active recalls currently cover lighting issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2017/Subaru/WRX.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.