This page covers 14 recalls, 125 owner complaints and NHTSA crash-test ratings for the 2017 Subaru Impreza.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Owners of the 2017 Subaru Impreza file the most complaints around exterior lighting and visibility. The dominant pattern is headlight failure, owners frequently describe headlights burning out prematurely or going out unexpectedly, sometimes discovering the failure only after being stopped by law enforcement. Wiper and visibility complaints are the second most-reported area, with owners describing poor forward visibility under normal driving conditions. Electrical system issues come up less frequently but include various warning lights and intermittent faults. A smaller number of owners report wheel bearing noise and early bearing wear, with some needing multiple replacements across both front and rear axles before reaching 75,000 miles.
125
Total Complaints
10
Crash-Related
3
Fire-Related
7
With Injuries
By System
The 2017 Subaru Impreza has 14 recalls, the most serious involving two distinct engine issues: a PCV valve that can break apart and send debris into the engine, and an engine control module that can short-circuit an ignition coil and blow a fuse, either of which can cause the engine to stall or fail while driving.
Both issues have been the subject of multiple repair attempts, and prior fixes did not fully resolve the problems. On the fuel side, winter-blend fuels can vaporize prematurely in the fuel line, dropping fuel pressure and stalling the engine, and a separate software issue means the radiator cooling fan for the fuel system may not activate at the right temperature when using winter fuels. Rearview camera visibility is also covered by two recalls: a software problem can cause the camera display to show a blank screen or freeze during startup, leaving the driver without a rear view while backing up. Rounding out the list, the reflectors built into the headlamp assemblies may not bounce back enough light at certain angles, making the vehicle harder for other drivers to spot; vehicles with halogen headlamps are specifically noted as affected by the Canadian filing covering this issue.
At a glance
What can fail
The side reflectors in the headlamp assemblies may not reflect enough light at certain angles. The low beam reflector in the left headlamp may reflect light incorrectly. These reflectors may not meet Canadian regulatory requirements.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
Subaru will mail owners. The corrective actions for this recall are currently being developed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The left and right side reflectors and left low beam reflector may not reflect light adequately, making the vehicle harder to see at night.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front headlamp assemblies at no cost to restore proper light reflection.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine control module may have incorrect programming, causing ignition coils to overheat. This can create a short circuit and blow a fuse, leading to sudden engine power loss and difficulty restarting.
What the fix does
Reprogram the engine control module if needed and replace the ignition coils. If coil damage is detected, the front exhaust pipe will also be replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Engine Control Module may continue supplying power to the ignition coil after the engine shuts off, creating a short circuit.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the ECM software and replace the ignition coils and front exhaust pipe if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine control module may continue sending power to the ignition coil after the engine shuts off, potentially causing an electrical short circuit and blown fuse.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the engine control module software and inspect or replace the ignition coil as needed. Vehicles with confirmed coil damage will also get a new front exhaust pipe.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The aluminum PCV valve may separate internally. Loose components can enter the engine and cause power loss while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the PCV valve if needed. If components are missing, the engine will be replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The positive crankcase ventilation valve may fail. If driving continues, valve pieces can enter the engine and cause it to stop working.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the engine short block assembly to restore proper engine function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine control unit may be programmed incorrectly, causing ignition coils to overheat internally. This can create a short circuit and blow a fuse, leading to sudden loss of engine power and inability to restart.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the engine control unit and inspect the ignition coils. Damaged coils will be replaced. If certain trouble codes are present, the front exhaust pipe will also be replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The positive crankcase ventilation valve may fail. If the vehicle continues operating, valve pieces can enter the engine and cause it to stop working.
What the fix does
A dealer will replace the PCV valve and inspect it. If it separated, the dealer will remove the separator cover and oil pan to locate pieces, or replace the engine block if pieces aren't found.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The aluminum PCV valve can separate internally, allowing pieces to enter the engine and cause loss of driving power.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the entire engine at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine control unit's software sets the radiator fan's cooling threshold too high for winter fuel blends. This allows fuel to vaporize prematurely in cold conditions, reducing fuel pressure and potentially causing engine stalling while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the engine control unit with updated software to lower the fan's operating threshold.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Winter fuel may vaporize prematurely in the fuel line, reducing fuel pressure and potentially causing engine stall.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the engine control unit to activate the radiator cooling fan at a lower temperature.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software issue prevents the rearview camera display from functioning properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the infotainment software at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear view camera image may not display properly during startup or when multiple processes run simultaneously. The infotainment screen might go blank or freeze while reversing.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the infotainment unit software to restore proper camera display functionality.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
