The Lemon Index2017 Subaru Impreza.
The 2017 Subaru Impreza is about average by owner complaints: 84 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 92, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about wipers & visibility, it has 8 recalls, and it gets 25 to 32 mpg combined. The best Subaru Impreza year is 2010.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 178 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Subaru Impreza 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 9K to 49K miles on the car (98 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- electrical complaints mostly came at 2K–37K miles
- wipers & visibility complaints mostly came at 15K–40K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 6K–41K miles
Recalls 8
- lights 2022
The left and right side reflex reflector and left side low beam reflector may inadequately reflect light.
- lights 2022
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.
- electrical 2021
The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, causing a short circuit.
Show all 8 recalls
- electrical 2019
The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, which could result in a short circuit and blown fuse.
- engine 2019
The PCV valve may come apart, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, possibly resulting in a loss of power while driving.
- engine 2019
The PCV valve may come apart, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, possibly resulting in a loss of power while driving.
- fuel system, gasoline 2017
Winter fuels may vaporize prematurely in the fuel line, resulting in a reduction in fuel pressure, possibly causing the engine to stall.
- back over prevention 2017
Due to a software problem, the rearview camera display may not work properly.
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 718 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 bulletin announces part information for new Active Valve Control System (AVCS) oil…
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 Impreza SW AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Subaru Impreza 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2000–2550 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Windshield has mysteriously cracked numerous times
2017 Subaru Impreza owner · NHTSA complaint 11311316
More owner reports
The windshield cracked for no apparent reason. It was replaced at safelite auto glass. The receipt is attached.
NHTSA complaint 11376744
My car stalled 3x yesterday, 1/21/2017 while driving. I was at a traffic light about to make a left turn when the car suddenly stalled
NHTSA complaint 11064197
Quick answers
Is the 2017 Subaru Impreza reliable?
About average by government complaints. It drew about the average number of complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 92; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Subaru Impreza year by this measure is 2010.
What are the most common 2017 Subaru Impreza problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are wipers & visibility (23%), engine (21%) and electrical (20%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2017 Subaru Impreza have?
8 safety recalls (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 Impreza get?
25 to 32 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2017 Subaru Impreza 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 Impreza problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 9,000 and 49,100 miles. The middle report was at 26,000 miles, from 98 complaints.
Does the 2017 Subaru Impreza have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 10% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2017 Subaru Impreza cost in fuel a year?
About $2000 to $2550 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2017 Subaru Impreza have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
What Subaru Impreza year is better than the 2017?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2010, 2014 and 2011.
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