Is the 2017 Subaru IMPREZA reliable?

The 2017 Subaru IMPREZA has 162 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.6x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: LIGHTING problems.

What are common problems with the 2017 Subaru IMPREZA?

Top problems: LIGHTING (32 complaints, avg repair $500); VISIBILITY (26 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (22 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2017 Subaru IMPREZA?

Yes, there are 7 recall(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV), ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS, BACK OVER PREVENTION: CAMERA SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS. Contact any Subaru dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2017 Subaru IMPREZA?

The 2017 Subaru IMPREZA gets 30 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1600. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2017 Subaru IMPREZA?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2017 Subaru IMPREZA is approximately $1,607/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2017 Subaru IMPREZA

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2017 Subaru IMPREZA has 162 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.6x the segment average of 99. The most common issue is lighting problems (20% of all complaints), specifically: the contact owns a 2017 subaru impreza. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 22v624000 (exterior lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. the local dealer was contacted. the contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount. There are 7 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 4 fire reports filed.

4 fire reports 11 crash reports 7 injuries

162

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.6x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

LIGHTING

32 complaints

20%

• The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Impreza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V624000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount
• The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Impreza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V624000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.
• In September 2021, the driver side headlight failed, creating a hazard driving at night. In January 2023, the passenger side headlight failed, creating the same hazard. The dealer reviewed both issues and confirmed the ENTIRE headlight assembly has failed in both cases, requiring a full replacement

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 1 fire reports

“The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Impreza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V624000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2017 Subaru IMPREZA

Based on 90 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 11K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 4K mi · 14 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

In line with typicalmedian 8K mi · 14 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 9K mi · 10 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

AIR BAGS

In line with typicalmedian 5K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

VISIBILITY

Later than typicalmedian 31K mi · 17 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (7)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE15/04/2021

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Subaru Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, causing a short circuit.

Risk: A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software, replace the ignition coils and, if necessary, the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 1, 2021. Owners can contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-21. Note: This recall includes all vehicles previously repaired under Recall 19V743.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2017 Subaru IMPREZA

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,600

Per month

$133

Per mile

13.3¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,001/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,263/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2017 Subaru IMPREZA

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,607

Full coverage / month

$134

Liability only / year

$611

vs US avg

-4%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1607

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Subaru IMPREZA Service Intervals

Oil change

6K mi / 6 mo

Tire rotation

6K mi

Brake fluid

30 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

138K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

Boxer engines have specific oil consumption patterns — check oil monthly. CVT service every 30K is critical; skipping shortens life dramatically. AWD requires matched tire wear.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Subaru New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Subaru. If you're buying a used 2017 IMPREZA, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Subaru dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

LIGHTING(~50K mi)

$500

VISIBILITY(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 162 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
LIGHTING: The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Impreza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V624000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
VISIBILITY: I HAVE NOTICED THAT IT IS SIMPLY NOT POSSIBLE TO ADJUST THE DRIVER-SIDE REARVIEW MIRROR OUTWARD ENOUGH TO BE ABLE TO PROPERLY SEE VEHICLES WHICH COULD BE IN MY SIDE BLIND SPOTS, AND THIS FEELS INCREDIBLY UNSAFE. I'M HAPPY THAT THE CAR HAS BLIND SPOT DETECTORS ON THE MIRRORS, BUT THAT IS NO SUBSTITUT
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: WE PURCHASED A NEW IMPREZA ON 2/4/17, WITHIN DAYS OF BRINGING THE CAR HOME WE NOTICED THAT ALL THE RADIO PRESETS HAD BEEN WIPED OUT, AND THE XM RADIO HAD REVERTED BACK TO A TRIAL PERIOD. THAT SAME DAY WE RECEIVED AN EMAIL SAYING THAT OUR CAR WAS SENDING A PROBLEM CODE FOR THE STARLINK SYSTEM. UPON
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: WE PURCHASED A NEW IMPREZA ON 2/4/17, WITHIN DAYS OF BRINGING THE CAR HOME WE NOTICED THAT ALL THE RADIO PRESETS HAD BEEN WIPED OUT, AND THE XM RADIO HAD REVERTED BACK TO A TRIAL PERIOD. THAT SAME DAY WE RECEIVED AN EMAIL SAYING THAT OUR CAR WAS SENDING A PROBLEM CODE FOR THE STARLINK SYSTEM. UPON
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 7 recalls have been completed — free at any Subaru dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)