Is the 2017 Subaru WRX reliable?

The 2017 Subaru WRX has 73 complaints filed with NHTSA (3.2x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: avoid. Most common issue: ELECTRICAL problems.

What are common problems with the 2017 Subaru WRX?

Top problems: ELECTRICAL (14 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (12 complaints, avg repair $500); TRANSMISSION (11 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2017 Subaru WRX?

Yes, there are 1 recall(s): EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS:SWITCH. 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 WRX?

The 2017 Subaru WRX gets 21 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2286. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

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

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2017 Subaru WRX 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 WRX

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Avoid This Year

Quick Summary

The 2017 Subaru WRX has 73 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 3.2x the segment average of 23. The most common issue is electrical problems (19% of all complaints), specifically: subwoofer and amp overheated during normal use causing wires to burn and melt causing a significant fire safety issue. this is seemingly similar to the issues that lead to a 2017 recall of almost 10,000 2015 model year wrxs. There is 1 recall issued for this model year. ⚠️ 4 fire reports filed.

4 fire reports 12 crash reports 8 injuries

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

3.2x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ELECTRICAL

14 complaints

19%

• SUBWOOFER AND AMP OVERHEATED DURING NORMAL USE CAUSING WIRES TO BURN AND MELT CAUSING A SIGNIFICANT FIRE SAFETY ISSUE. THIS IS SEEMINGLY SIMILAR TO THE ISSUES THAT LEAD TO A 2017 RECALL OF ALMOST 10,000 2015 MODEL YEAR WRXS
• DRIVING AND ON A TURN BETWEEN 35-40 MPH MY WRX FREAKED OUT. THE DASH LIGHT UP LIKE A CHRISTMAS TREE, THE LANE TRACKING ALONG WITH THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL INDICATORS FLASHED, AND THE DASH SAID EYESIGHT UNAVAILABLE. IT FELT LIKE I COULDN'T CONTROL THE CAR AND ALMOST FELT AS IF IT ACCELERATED ON IT
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SUBARU WRX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED, THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE THEN STEER THE WHEEL TO THE RIGHT, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS OK, THEN THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE JERK THE WHEEL A L

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 2 fire reports💥 3 crashes

“SUBWOOFER AND AMP OVERHEATED DURING NORMAL USE CAUSING WIRES TO BURN AND MELT CAUSING A SIGNIFICANT FIRE SAFETY ISSUE. THIS IS SEEMINGLY SIMILAR TO THE ISSUES THAT LEAD TO A 2017 RECALL OF ALMOST 10,000 2015 MODEL YEAR WRXS”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2017 Subaru WRX

Based on 44 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 37K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 30-60K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

Reported earliermedian 26K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 42K mi · 8 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 37K mi · 5 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 (1)

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS:SWITCH21/07/2022

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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2017 Subaru WRX

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,286

Per month

$191

Per mile

19.1¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,824/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,778/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 WRX

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 WRX 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 WRX, 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

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

VISIBILITY(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 73 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ELECTRICAL: SUBWOOFER AND AMP OVERHEATED DURING NORMAL USE CAUSING WIRES TO BURN AND MELT CAUSING A SIGNIFICANT FIRE SAFETY ISSUE. THIS IS SEEMINGLY SIMILAR TO THE ISSUES THAT LEAD TO A 2017 RECALL OF ALMOST 10,000 2015 MODEL YEAR WRXS
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: CLUTCH ON MANUAL TRANSMISSION HAS BURNED OUT TWICE IN 13000 MILES. DEALER BLAMES DRIVER AND IS NOT LOOKING HARD FOR OTHER CAUSES. WE ARE 100% POSITIVE THIS IS NOT CAUSED BY DRIVER ERROR. HAVE BEEN STRANDED ON HIGHWAY TWICE IN LESS THAN A YEAR.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: THROW OUT BEARING HAS NOW GONE OUT FOR THE 3X. SUBARU OF AMERICA DID EVERYTHING TO NOT REPLACE UNDER WARRANTY. GRIND IN 3RD GEAR NOT DUE TO DRIVER ERROR.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
STEERING: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SUBARU WRX. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN AND WAS UNCONTROLLABLE. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A DITCH. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DEP
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 1 recall have been completed — free at any Subaru dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)