This bulletin announces the service manual correction regarding clutch master cylinder reservoir service procedures.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Subaru WRX powertrain problems
moderate 11 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
11
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
When does it fail?
Of the 11 powertrain complaints filed for the 2017 Subaru WRX, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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.
What stands out
Among the 6 model years of Subaru WRX in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Powertrain accounts for 21% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 7 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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 announces design changes made to the rear axle hubs. These changes have been implemented to reduce cases water intrusion further leading to harmonic, humming, and grinding type sounds heard from the axle hub while driving.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin has been developed in response to a small number of customer concerns regarding fluid seepage found coming from the CVT assembly.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin announces a design change to the CVT select lever (shifter) mechanism in response to isolated customer concerns of not being able to remove the key from the ignition switch when the vehicle is in Park.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin announces a design change to the CVT select lever (shifter) mechanism in response to isolated customer concerns of not being able to remove the key from the ignition switch when the vehicle is in Park.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Manual transmission complaints dominate this cluster. The throw-out bearing (clutch release bearing) is the most common culprit—owners report it failing as early as 10,000 miles, often in the first year of ownership, with rattling or chirping noise when the clutch pedal is not engaged. Some vehicles have had the bearing replaced multiple times in rapid succession. A TSB exists for 2015–2018 WRX clutch issues, but dealerships often refuse to perform the repairs. Subaru of America actively contests warranty claims, citing maintenance conditions or mileage thresholds owners say they've met.
Clutch slipping and full clutch failure also appear frequently. One owner's clutch slipped at 38,000 miles despite light personal use (4,000 miles in their ownership); another experienced complete clutch failure with smoke at highway speeds after a transmission fluid leak was dismissed as "acceptable."
Engine issues, while less common, are serious. One owner with meticulous oil-change records suffered rod bearing failure at 61,545 miles; dealer claimed the engine must have run low on oil despite oil being at safe levels and no evidence of burning between services. Another owner experienced sudden engine failure without warning during highway driving, 100 miles after dealer service for an unrelated misfire.
Transmission fluid leaking from the manual gearbox housing has been reported and deemed acceptable by Subaru despite occurring post-service.
Same Subaru WRX powertrain reports on nearby years: 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Rod Bearing Failure
Number 2 rod bearing failure causing catastrophic engine damage in a well-maintained, low-mileage vehicle with documented regular oil changes. Owner alleges the 2.0L turbocharged engine was not designed with adequate lubrication for the boost pressures applied.
When: 61,545 miles, highway driving at idle
Symptoms owners cite: Tapping noise at idle; Oil pressure warning light; No oil burn or leak between services
Repairs/costs cited: Short block replacement, $9,957.50; repair took 31 days
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer claimed engine was run low on oil; owner denies. Subaru offers lifetime powertrain warranty only with proof of proper maintenance and biennial dealer inspections; claim denied for missing two-year inspection
Clutch Failure with Slipping
Clutch exhibiting severe slipping (RPM rise without speed increase) in early ownership of used vehicle. Owner reports the car had only 4,000 miles on it since purchase when failure occurred, and doubts clutch was already worn.
When: 38,000 miles total (4,000 miles since owner purchase)
Symptoms owners cite: RPM rise without corresponding speed increase; Clutch felt worn despite light use
Repairs/costs cited: Clutch replacement performed; Subaru of America covered partial repair cost
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru of America offered partial financial assistance; dealership offered no help. Service bulletins exist for 2015–2018 WRX with improved clutch parts, but owner was not informed of options.
Throw-Out Bearing Failure (Repeated)
Throw-out bearing (clutch release bearing) failing prematurely, often within 10,000–15,000 miles of replacement, with multiple repeat failures in single vehicles. Occurs across model years 2015–2018 and is widely reported as a common defect affecting hundreds of vehicles.
When: First failures as early as 10,000 miles; repeat failures within months to 15,000 miles of repair
Symptoms owners cite: Rattling or chirping noise when clutch pedal is not engaged; Rattling present both in gear and neutral; Noise resolves when clutch pedal is pressed
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple replacements performed by dealerships; parts replaced but defect recurs. One owner replaced bearing 3 times within 36,000 miles and under 1 year.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSBs issued for clutch issues on 2015–2018 WRX, but dealerships report unwillingness to perform repairs under warranty. Subaru of America actively resists warranty claims.
Transmission Fluid Leak (Manual)
Transmission fluid leaking from housing after clutch service. Dealer routed leak to CV axle but marked condition as 'acceptable' per Subaru policy, refusing corrective action.
When: Post-clutch service, 53,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Fluid pooling under transmission
Repairs/costs cited: No repair performed; deemed acceptable by Subaru
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru classified leak as acceptable condition; no warranty action taken
Gear Selection Malfunction with Catastrophic Clutch Failure
Instrument cluster displays incorrect gear (showing 4th when in 6th), accompanied by engine tachometer bouncing and engine running out of gear during highway driving. Resulted in severe clutch overheating and complete failure with smoke entering cabin. Issue occurred once before (display error only, self-resolved) but escalated to full failure on second occurrence.
When: Unknown mileage; highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard gear display incorrect; Tachometer needle bouncing; Engine sounding/feeling out of gear; Smoke from engine bay entering cabin; Complete clutch failure
Repairs/costs cited: Clutch fried; tow required; exact cause unknown
Engine Stalling with Loss of Power at Highway Speed
Complete engine failure without warning during highway driving while passing a semi-truck. Engine loss caused transmission lock-up, loss of power steering, and vehicle veered into ditch. Dealer performed service one week prior for reported misfire, cleared the issue, and dismissed concern. Vehicle then failed catastrophically 100 miles later.
When: Post-service, approximately 100 miles after dealer service
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden complete engine failure; No power steering; Transmission lock-up; No engine power
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle minimal damage; owner nearly killed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer serviced car one week prior for misfire, cleared issue and released car; no follow-up diagnostic performed
Synthesized from 11 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
Pampered 2017 Subaru wrx, auto transmission, 61,545 highway miles and proof of oil changes between 5,000 and 7,000 miles, synthetic 5-30. Car idling at stop light when tapping noise started and then oil light lite up but quickly went out. Pulled over to check oil and found oil level mid level in safe zone. Engine didn't burn or leak oil between oil changes. Giles Subaru in lafayette la said the…
Premature clutch failure. Tsb out on clutch but dealership will not preform repairs. Needs to be a full recall. Not caused by driver error.
Premature clutch failure and throw out bearing failure with less that 50000 miles
Throw-Out bearing design defective flaw for 2015 2016 2017 2018 SUBARU WRX PREMATURE CLUTCH FAILURE. Bearing has been making noises since before 10,000 miles and dealers fail to diagnose or repair under warranty. Searches on the internet show it is a common problem affecting hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles.
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2017 Subaru WRX?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 11 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 34,450 and 61,545 miles, with the median around 48,843. A quarter of owners report trouble before 34,450; a quarter make it past 61,545. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.