Home · 2017 · Subaru
2017 Subaru Crosstrek
Solid pick. The complaint record is strong for its age. It does carry safety recalls, so confirm every one shows "remedy completed" on the VIN before money changes hands.
97 owner complaints · 1 recalls · data verified July 12, 2026 · source: NHTSA
Why buy?
Visibility & wipers problems dominate (27% of complaints).
Very few owner complaints for its age and sales volume.
Complaint reports have faded. Early issues appear resolved or aged out.
The math, shown
Full methodology →Complaints filed per year
Fading = early teething worked out. Climbing = problems aging in.
The road ahead
What breaks on a 2017 Subaru Crosstrek, plotted where owners report it happening.
Also reported (mileage varies): Visibility & wipers (26) · Electrical system (18) · Transmission & drivetrain (13) · Engine (12)
Mileage medians come from owners who mentioned an odometer reading in their NHTSA complaint, a rough guide, not a schedule.
Visibility & wipers
27%26 complaints
“Windshield cracked out of nowhere resulting in an ~8" damage”
Electrical system
19%18 complaints
“STEREO SYSTEM FREEZES. TOUCH SCREEN INACCESSIBLE. GLITCHES CONSTANTLY. NOT ABLE TO ACCESS ANY APPS, NAVIGATION, STARLINK, ETC.”
Transmission & drivetrain
13%13 complaints · 1 in the last 2 years
“Greetings: As outlined in Service Bulletin 05-70-19, Rear Wheel Backing Plate Design change, I am having an almost overwhelming “whining or humming” sound coming from …”
Engine
12%12 complaints
“There is a battery draining problem. I have had to replace the battery 3 times in a two-year period.”
Recalls (1)
Safety recall repairs are free at the brand’s franchised dealers. Before buying, run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and make the seller show the work was done.
Exterior Lighting · 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 certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.
Risk: Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.
Before you hand over money
Verify the recall work was done
NHTSA’s free lookup shows whether this exact car had its recall remedies completed.
Free NHTSA VIN check ↗Get a pre-purchase inspection
A $150 to $250 independent inspection of this exact 2017 Subaru CROSSTREK beats every score on the internet, including ours.
What to ask forNot set on the 2017? See how every Crosstrek model year scores →
Cross-shopping? Compare the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek against another car →
What owners say
Real owners of this exact model-year, shown separately from the NHTSA score. If they disagree, that’s worth knowing.