The Lemon Index2017 Subaru Crosstrek.
The 2017 Subaru Crosstrek is better than average by owner complaints: 66 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 57, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about wipers & visibility, it has 1 recall, and it gets 26 to 29 mpg combined. The best Subaru Crosstrek year is 2022.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 97 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Subaru Crosstrek year. 2017 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 15K to 48K miles on the car (61 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- wipers & visibility complaints mostly came at 19K–42K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 18K–50K miles
Recalls 1
- lights 2019
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 …
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Subaru told dealers about
Subaru sent dealers 336 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- ONLY 2016-2017MY: Those Models equipped with STARLINK Telematics
- This bulletin outlines design changes made to the upper oil pan assembly on FA and FB engines…
- This Service Information bulletin announces a material change to the engine accessory drive /…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru Crosstrek SW AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2200–2450 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Check engine light is on and cruise control light blinks. Cannot use cruise control. Its a 2017 Crosstrek. Took it to dealer twice. They thought it was catalytic convertor or o2 sensors which were fixed but lights remain on
2017 Subaru Crosstrek owner · NHTSA complaint 11282339
More owner reports
Windshield developed an 8" crack after a small rock strike within an hour. Vehicle was traveling about 50 mph on the highway.
NHTSA complaint 11329811
Stereo system freezes. Touch screen inaccessible. Glitches constantly. Not able to access any apps, navigation, starlink, etc.
NHTSA complaint 11365735
Quick answers
Is the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.8× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 57; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Subaru Crosstrek year by this measure is 2022.
What are the most common 2017 Subaru Crosstrek problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are wipers & visibility (24%), electrical (24%) and engine (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek have?
1 safety recall (latest: lights). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek get?
26 to 29 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2017 Subaru Crosstrek problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 15,500 and 48,600 miles. The middle report was at 27,800 miles, from 61 complaints.
Does the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 9% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek cost in fuel a year?
About $2200 to $2450 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
What Subaru Crosstrek year is better than the 2017?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2022, 2013 and 2014.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works