2017 Subaru Crosstrek recalls and problems

1 recall and 94 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek.

1
recalls
94
owner complaints
5
complaints mentioning a crash
2
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2017 Subaru Crosstrek recalls

Exterior lighting: brake lights, switch

NHTSA campaign 19V149000 · reported February 28, 2019 · Subaru of America, Inc. · 1,303,530 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The 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.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 22, 2025 · Power train

Premature shift fork failure in 2017 Subaru Crosstrek manual transmission at 62,521 miles requiring complete transmission replacement ($10,000 repair, vehicle worth $11,000). EVIDENCE OF DESIGN DEFECT: - Subaru issued TSB 03-83-20R acknowledging shift fork design flaws in 2018-2020 Crosstreks with identical…

Sep 30, 2025 · Vehicle speed control

In August of 2024, I got into my car in a parking lot and turned the key in the ignition. The car started revving really high. I waited for it to slow down, and then I put it into reverse. The car shot back and would have hit the building if I hadn't slammed on the brakes. Fortunately, there wasn't anyone behind the…

Aug 2, 2025 · Chest clip, buckle, harness

The harness on my child's Nuna RAVA loosened during a 30 minute drive home (highway and downtown driving) in May of 2025. I learned later that month that there is a recall on Nuna Ravas for that exact reason. It is available for inspection. My child was not properly secured, and I did not know it until we got home; he…

Mar 6, 2024 · Power train · crash reported

On January 19, 2024 I was slowly pulling in to a parking spot at my doctors office. I did not pull up far enough, as there was a concrete retaining wall at the head of the spot and no tire block for safety. I was maybe 5 feet from the wall when I lightly tapped the gas pedal to inch up (as the back end of the car was…

Feb 8, 2024 · Engine

There is a battery draining problem. I have had to replace the battery 3 times in a two-year period.

Crosstrek model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2014 11621
2015 11700
2016 113243
2017 19452
2018 5195101
2019 728573
2020 06960

Across all years, the 2019 Crosstrek has the most complaints (285). All Subaru Crosstrek years →

Questions

Does the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek, the most recent reported on February 28, 2019 (Exterior lighting: brake lights, switch). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek?
Owners have filed 94 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is unknown or other (33 complaints), followed by visibility/wiper (22).
How many 2017 Subaru Crosstrek complaints mention a crash or fire?
5 of 94 complaints report a crash and 2 a fire; 5 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 22, 2025.