2017 Subaru Crosstrek: common problems and reliability

The 2017 Subaru Crosstrek has 97 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are visibility/wiper and electrical system. Owners most often flag underpowered base 2.0l engine: described as weak, sluggish, and struggling with highway merging and passing. owners recommend the 2.5l. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2017 model year

97
Owner complaints
1
Recalls
6
Crash reports
2
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2017 Subaru Crosstrek vehicles (US, public record).

Is 2017 a good year for the Crosstrek?

Across the 8 Crosstrek model years we track, complaint volume runs from 25 (2013) to 208 (2024). With 97 complaints, the 2017 Crosstrek sits abovethe model's median of 68.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

visibility/wiper
23
electrical system
18
power train
13
engine
12
service brakes
7

Recalls affecting the 2017 Crosstrek

exterior lighting:brake lights:switch

Campaign 19V149000

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to ce

What owners say across generations

Mixed to positive sentiment overall, with a strong reputation for practicality, safety, and all-weather capability. The vehicle is widely praised for its standard all-wheel-drive system, excellent ground clearance, and suitability for…

  • Underpowered base 2.0L engine: described as weak, sluggish, and struggling with highway merging and passing. Owners recommend the 2.5L. Frequency: very frequent.
  • CVT transmission concerns: reliability worries beyond 100,000 miles, recommendations for strict fluid change intervals (every 60k miles), laggy throttle response. Frequency: very frequent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Crosstrek. See the full Crosstrek owner picture and every model year.

Typical used price

Used Crosstrek listings typically run $17,995–$26,567 across 2013 to 2026 model years.

Other Crosstrek model years

Compare every Crosstrek year side by side to see how 2017 ranks against the rest.

Compare the Crosstrek against its rivals