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2017 Subaru Crosstrek Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 20261 Critical Recalls
Ethan Miller
2017 Subaru Crosstrek Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2017 Subaru Crosstrek has 132 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve unknown or other and visibility/wiper.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

7.5/ 10

Based on 132 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

33 25%

VISIBILITY/WIPER

22 16.7%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

17 12.9%

POWER TRAIN

12 9.1%

ENGINE

10 7.6%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is UNKNOWN OR OTHER, accounting for 25% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 23 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek

The 2017 Subaru Crosstrek has 132 owner complaints in this dataset. UNKNOWN OR OTHER is the most common complaint category, representing about 25% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek are UNKNOWN OR OTHER (33), VISIBILITY/WIPER (22), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (17).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 46 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2017 Subaru Crosstrek?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2018 Crosstrek complaints2016 Crosstrek complaints2019 Crosstrek complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 23 of 23 systems

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

33 Reports25% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

DRIVING HOME AT NIGHT ON THE FREEWAY AND THEN A SUDDEN BOOM! SOUNDED LIKE A BRICK HIT THE ROOF OF THE CAR. FRIGHTEN A BIT BUT MANAGED TO PULL OVER AND THE NOTICED THE SUNROOF WAS SHATTERED. DROVE SOME SLOWLY AND LOOKED AT IT MORE WHEN I GOT HOME. I NOTICED THAT THE GLASS LOOKS LIKE IT BLEW UP LIKE A VOLCANO. IT BLEW OUTWARD. SO I STARTED SEARCHING IF THIS WAS A KNOWN ISSUE AND FOUND OUT THAT IT WAS WITH MANY MANUFACTURERS.

12/29/2017

MY 13 MONTH OLD CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE FOR "NO APPARENT REASON".

8/23/2018

31 more complaints are available in this category.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

22 Reports17% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WAS DRIVING ON CITY STREET WITH FAIRLY HIGH TRAFFIC. VERY HEAVY RAIN AND HUMIDITY. I TURNED ON DEFOGGER AND THE WINDSHIELD GOT INCREASINGLY MORE FOGGED UP. THE DEFOGGER DID NOT CLEAR THE WINDSHIELD. I HAD TO DRIVE AT 20 MPG TO AVOID A COLLISION. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE DEFOGGER. THE CAR IS TWO WEEKS OLD.

9/5/2018

THE WINDSHIELD ON MY 2017 CROSSTREK CHIPS TOO EASY. I HAVE NEVER HAD CHIPS ON ANY OTHER VEHICLES WINDSHIELD. THE GLASS MUST BE TOO SOFT. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MY CROSSTREK A FEW TIMES WHILE IN MOTION. MY TRANSMISSION FEELS LIKE IT SOMETIMES SLIPS, AND SHUDDERS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION.

10/28/2019

20 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

17 Reports13% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SUBARU CROSSTREK. INTERMITTENTLY, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION WHILE THE IGNITION WAS IN THE OFF POSITION AND THE GEAR SHIFT SELECTOR WAS IN PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PALM SPRINGS SUBARU (LOCATED AT 67925 E PALM CANYON DR, CATHEDRAL CITY, CA 92234, (760) 318-4700) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000.

11/14/2018

MY KEY STARTED TO GET STUCK ABOUT A MONTH AGO, I NEED TO START MY CAR, PUT IT IN DRIVE BACK IN PARK REPEATEDLY UNTIL IT COMES OUT. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAY THEY NEED TO REPLICATE THE SITUATION. 18000 MILES ON A CAR AND I CAN'T JUST HAVE IT FIXED WHEN THERE IS A TSB ON A KNOW ISSUE. I DO T HAVE TIME WHEN GOING TO WORK TO DO THIS CYCLE OF ON AND OFF 1-9 TIMES ON A 2 YR OLD VEHICLE, PLEASE DO A RECALL.

4/30/2019

15 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

12 Reports9% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE WINDSHIELD ON MY 2017 CROSSTREK CHIPS TOO EASY. I HAVE NEVER HAD CHIPS ON ANY OTHER VEHICLES WINDSHIELD. THE GLASS MUST BE TOO SOFT. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MY CROSSTREK A FEW TIMES WHILE IN MOTION. MY TRANSMISSION FEELS LIKE IT SOMETIMES SLIPS, AND SHUDDERS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION.

10/28/2019

I LEASE A 2017 SUBARU CROSSTREK. THE CAR HAS BEEN FAITHFULLY MAINTAINED AS PER MANUFACTURER SPECIFICATIONS AND HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT/EXPERIENCED ANY BODY DAMAGE. THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS HAVE FAILED THREE TIMES PRIOR TO 48K. THE LEFT WHEEL BEARING WAS REPLACED TWICE BETWEEN 48K AND 55 K AND THE RIGHT WHEEL BEARING WAS REPLACED AROUND 52K. APPARENTLY, THIS IS A COMMON DEFECT AND THE DEALER NOTED THAT ALL WHEEL BEARINGS ON EVERY SUBARU FAIL PRIOR TO 50K. FOR A RATHER PRICEY CAR, THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND A HUGE SAFETY HAZARD. IF THE WHEEL BEARINGS FAIL, IT COULD LOCK UP ONE WHEEL AND CAUSE THE CAR TO FLIP UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE DRIVING ADDITIONALLY, YOU WILL DRIVE THE CAR ONE DAY WITHOUT ANY ISSUE AND LITERALLY, THE NEXT DAY, YOU WILL START TO HEAR A LOW GROANING NOISE. I WOULD LIKE THE NHSTA TO OPEN A DEFECTS INVESTIGATION AS THEY CAN FIND THE SAME PROBLEM ACROSS EVERY SUBARU MODEL FROM 2013-FORWARD WHEN THE WHEEL BEARING DESIGN WAS CHANGED. DEALER RECORDS AND WARRANTY REPAIRS CAN INDICATE THIS. THE DESIGN ALLOWS FOR WATER AND ROAD DEBRIS TO GET INSIDE OF THE BEARING, CAUSING PREMATURE WEAR AND FAILURE. IT IS UNACCEPTABLE TO HAVE TO REPLACE WHEEL BEARINGS ON CARS EVERY 50K. MY LAST VEHICLE (2007 HYUNDAI SONATA) DROVE FLAWLESSLY UNTIL 277K AND I NEVER HAD TO CHANGE A WHEEL BEARING IN THE 10 YEARS I OWNED THAT VEHICLE. SHAME ON SUBARU!

12/1/2019

10 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE

10 Reports8% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SUBARU CROSSTREK. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE AND APPROACHING A STOP, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUTONATION SUBARU SCOTTSDALE (15678 N NORTHSIGHT BLVD, SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85260), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11.

6/26/2018

MY 13 MONTH OLD CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE FOR "NO APPARENT REASON".

8/23/2018

8 more complaints are available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

5 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

VEHICLE IS ONLY 2YRS OLD AND HAS ROUGHLY 6200 MILES ON IT. THE BRAKES WERE MAKING AN AWFUL RUBBING/ GRINDING NOISE AND SMELLING LIKE THEY WERE BURNING. SUBARU DEALER IS OVER AN HOUR AWAY FROM HOME AND DIDN'T FEEL THAT IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE VEHICLE THERE. TOOK IT TO A LOCAL GARAGE AND HAD TO HAVE ALL FOUR ROTARS AND SETS OF BRAKE PADS REPLACED. BURLINGTON SUBARU SAID TOO BAD CAN'T HELP YOU SHOULD HAVE HAD CAR TOWED TO US AND WE COULD HAVE MAYBE COVERED SOME OF IT UNDER WARRANTY. CAN'T HELP YOU NOW. WE FEEL THAT THIS IS WRONG AND BAD CUSTOMER SERVICE. WE LIKE THE CAR, BUT IF THAT IS THE TYPE OF CUSTOMER SERVICE WE GET WHEN SUBARU BOASTS "PEACE OF MIND AND QUALITY PARTS" THEN WE DON'T HAVE TO STAY WITH SUBARU. HAVING OUR CAR TOWED WOULD HAVE BEEN $300 PLUS THE PARTS AND SERVICE AND A MAYBE WARRANTY COVERAGE WASN'T AN OPTION FOR MANY SAFETY AND MONETARY REASONS. WE FEEL IT WOULD BE RIGHT TO AT LEAST COVER THE COST OF PARTS THAT WE PAID. ATTACHED THE INVOICE. LABOR IS $75/HOUR AT OUR LOCAL GARAGE X 3 HOURS. I UNDERSTAND THAT BRAKE PADS ARE A WEAR OUT ITEM BUT ROTARS SHOULD LAST A LOT LONGER THAN 6200 MILES!!! MECHANIC TOLD ME THE BRAKE PADS WERE ALMOST CORRODED ONTO ROTARS. LUCKILY CALIPERS ARE OKAY. NOT ONLY THAT, I RECENTLY FOUND ON LINE THAT OUR CROSSTREK HAS A RECALL THAT WE WERE NOT NOTIFIED ON. IT CAME OUT IN FEB 2019!

6/5/2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SUBARU CROSSTRAK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH IN THE RAIN, THE DRIVER PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO THE REAR OF A SECOND VEHICLE. DURING THE INCIDENT THE COLLISION AVOIDANCE FEATURE( 'EYESIGHT') MALFUNCTIONED AND DID NOT STOP THE VEHICLE. THE FRONT END WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED BUT THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN AT THE SCENE AND THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AWAY. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WERE NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT YET NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.

6/18/2019

3 more complaints are available in this category.

STEERING

5 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION AND THE CAR NEEDS TO BE RESTARTED, PUT IN REVERSE/DRIVE, AND THEN EITHER MOVED OR STEP FIRMLY ON THE BREAK AND BACK IN PARK. SOMETIMES IT TAKES MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS. HAVING THIS ISSUE FOR A COUPLE MONTHS. IT DOESN'T HAPPEN EVERY TIME, BUT OFTEN.

12/5/2019

KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION AND THE CAR NEEDS TO BE RESTARTED IN ORDER TO REMOVE KEY. THIS OCCURS WHEN STATIONARY AND TRYING TO REMOVE KEY FROM IGNITION. HAD THIS ISSUE FOR A ABOUT A MONTH BEFORE I TOOK IT IN AS SUBARU HAD A RECALL FOR WUE90 STOP LIGHT SWITCH REPLACEMENT AND I THOUGHT IT MAY BE RELATED AS DID MY SERVICE PROVIDER AT NORTH PARK SUBARU OR MAYBE HAD TO DO WITH STEERING. THE PROBLEM WAS NOT SOLVED, THE REPAIR WAS OUT OF MY POCKET. THE SERVICE PROVIDER REPORTED 'ERRATIC OPERATION OF PARK SWITCH ON SHIFTER' AND THE SHIFTER WAS REPLACED AND PROBLEM IS RESOLVED. THIS APPEARS A MANUFACTURING FLAW THAT SHOULD BE RECALLED AS MANY OTHERS REPORT THE SAME ISSUE. THE SERVICE PROVIDER ALSO REPORTED THE SAME ISSUE AND STATED MANY PEOPLE HAD COME IN RECENTLY TO HAVE THE SAME ISSUE SERVICED. IT MAYBE UNETHICAL THAT THE SERVICE PROVIDER HAS NOT OR DID NOT APPEAR TO BE REPORTING THE MATTER. CAR IS LESS THAN THREE YEARS OLD (WHEN OCCURED) AND HAS 50K MILES ON IT.

1/13/2020

3 more complaints are available in this category.

WHEELS

4 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I LEASE A 2017 SUBARU CROSSTREK. THE CAR HAS BEEN FAITHFULLY MAINTAINED AS PER MANUFACTURER SPECIFICATIONS AND HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT/EXPERIENCED ANY BODY DAMAGE. THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS HAVE FAILED THREE TIMES PRIOR TO 48K. THE LEFT WHEEL BEARING WAS REPLACED TWICE BETWEEN 48K AND 55 K AND THE RIGHT WHEEL BEARING WAS REPLACED AROUND 52K. APPARENTLY, THIS IS A COMMON DEFECT AND THE DEALER NOTED THAT ALL WHEEL BEARINGS ON EVERY SUBARU FAIL PRIOR TO 50K. FOR A RATHER PRICEY CAR, THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND A HUGE SAFETY HAZARD. IF THE WHEEL BEARINGS FAIL, IT COULD LOCK UP ONE WHEEL AND CAUSE THE CAR TO FLIP UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE DRIVING ADDITIONALLY, YOU WILL DRIVE THE CAR ONE DAY WITHOUT ANY ISSUE AND LITERALLY, THE NEXT DAY, YOU WILL START TO HEAR A LOW GROANING NOISE. I WOULD LIKE THE NHSTA TO OPEN A DEFECTS INVESTIGATION AS THEY CAN FIND THE SAME PROBLEM ACROSS EVERY SUBARU MODEL FROM 2013-FORWARD WHEN THE WHEEL BEARING DESIGN WAS CHANGED. DEALER RECORDS AND WARRANTY REPAIRS CAN INDICATE THIS. THE DESIGN ALLOWS FOR WATER AND ROAD DEBRIS TO GET INSIDE OF THE BEARING, CAUSING PREMATURE WEAR AND FAILURE. IT IS UNACCEPTABLE TO HAVE TO REPLACE WHEEL BEARINGS ON CARS EVERY 50K. MY LAST VEHICLE (2007 HYUNDAI SONATA) DROVE FLAWLESSLY UNTIL 277K AND I NEVER HAD TO CHANGE A WHEEL BEARING IN THE 10 YEARS I OWNED THAT VEHICLE. SHAME ON SUBARU!

12/1/2019

CV axles click when turning. CV axles could break at any given point. If not fixed you could lose control of your car causing death to yourself or others while driving or render your car driveless. I've looked online and many other 2017 cross track owners have the same problem. So why is this not a recall.

6/11/2021

2 more complaints are available in this category.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

3 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SUBARU CROSSTREK. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V149000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (#1 COCHRAN BUICK GMC OF MONROEVILLE, 4520 WILLIAM PENN HWY, MONROEVILLE, PA 15146, (412) 245-4220) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY UNTIL JUNE 26, 2019. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

5/16/2019

I RECEIVED A SUBARU CRITICAL SAFETY RECALL NOTICE REGARDING THE BRAKE LIGHTS. THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT SCHEDULE WORK FOR OVER 6 WEEKS. BLOOMINGTON, MN SUBARU. SEE COPY OF EMAIL I SENT FOLLOWING: [XXX] 9:46 AM (1 HOUR AGO) TO BLOOMINGTON "I LEFT A MESSAGE THIS MORNING WITH YOUR SERVICE MANAGER, REGISTERING MY EXTREME DISPLEASURE AND OUTRAGE THAT WHEN I CALLED YOUR SERVICE DESK OVER TWO WEEKS AGO TO SCHEDULE SERVICE ON THIS "URGENT CRITICAL SAFETY RECALL", THAT THE EARLIEST DATE I COULD GET WAS JULY 9. WHEN I EXPLAINED MY CONCERN WITH THE DILATORY SCHEDULING TO YOUR SERVICE PERSON, I WAS TOLD I WOULD RECEIVE A FOLLOW-IP CALL FROM YOU SERVICE MANAGER. I NEVER DID. I'D CALLED WHEN I RECEIVED THE SAFETY RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL. TODAY I RECEIVED THIS EVEN MORE ALARMING SAFETY RECALL BY EMAIL, IDENTIFYING SEVERAL ALARMING DANGERS LINKED TO THE BRAKE FAILURE ISSUE, INCLUDING RISKS OF A CRASH AND FAILURE OF RELATED SAFETY SYSTEMS. . MY DETAILED VOICE MAIL MESSAGE THAT I LEFT THIS MORNING UNDERSCORED MY CONCERN THAT THIS PROBLEM THAT COULD LEAD A CRASH AND OTHER SERIOUS SAFETY OUTCOMES IS BEING HANDLED IN THIS WAY, INTERESTINGLY, WHEN I SPOKE TO YOUR SERVICE PERSON TWO WEEKS AGO AND WAS GIVEN JULY 9 AS THE EARLIEST DATE, HE EXPLAINED THAT THERE WERE OTHER SAFETY RECALL ISSUES WITH AIRBAGS THAT HAD TAKEN PRECEDENCE. IT IS UNBELIEVABLE TO ME THAT SUBARU WOULD PRESENT THIS LACKADAISICAL ATTITUDE AT YOUR LOCAL DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT THIS CAR. I AM FORWARDING THIS SUBARU EMAIL TO YOU WITH MY ACCOMPANYING CONCERN, AND REGISTERING MY CONCERN IN WRITING TO DOCUMENT THE MESSAGE THAT I ALSO LEFT WITH YOUR SERVICE MANAGER'S VOICE MAIL. YOURS TRULY, [XXX]" INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TT *TR

5/22/2019

1 more complaint is available in this category.

AIR BAGS

3 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SUBARU CROSSTRAK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH IN THE RAIN, THE DRIVER PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO THE REAR OF A SECOND VEHICLE. DURING THE INCIDENT THE COLLISION AVOIDANCE FEATURE( 'EYESIGHT') MALFUNCTIONED AND DID NOT STOP THE VEHICLE. THE FRONT END WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED BUT THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN AT THE SCENE AND THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AWAY. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WERE NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT YET NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.

6/18/2019

MY AIRBAG SENSOR WENT OUT ON MY PASSENGER SEAT AND IT WAS ON BACKORDER FOR OVER A MONTH AND A HALF. THIS ISSUE HAD BEEN REPORTED BY OTHER SUBARU CARS (FORESTER) AND IT ALSO OCCURRED ON MY VEHICLE.

8/27/2019

1 more complaint is available in this category.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

3 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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

11/25/2019

I WAS DRIVING VERY SLOW INTO MY GARAGE FROM TOWNHOUSE STREET. I HEARD THIS STRANGE NOISE AND MY CAR ACCELERATED FAST. I TRIED TO BRAKE BUT COULD NOT STOP THE CAR. I HIT THE BACK OF MY GARAGE CAUSING DAMAGE TO GARAGE WALL AND INSIDE OF MY TOWNHOME. I HAVE LIVED HERE SINCE 1987 AND THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE. THE CAR IS NOW AT GALE AUTO REPAIR, BLAINE, MN.. THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING THAT WOULD HAVE CAUSED THIS SUDDEN ACCELERATION.

12/30/2019

1 more complaint is available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

3 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY GOING 45MPH IN A STRAIGHT LINE WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER AND TURNED OFF. AS A RESULT MY WIFE WAS REAR ENDED BUT SUFFERED NO MAJOR PHYSICAL INJURY. WE BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY INSPECTED IT. HOWEVER, THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO FIND ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. A FEW MONTHS AFTER THE ACCIDENT, THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS VEHICLE MAKE AND MODEL FOR SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER BUT MY VIN IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *TR

6/17/2020

Upon accelerating, the engine seems to bog down and I lose speed. It has happened under many conditions—after turning a corner, going down a straightaway, and when accelerating to merge on a highway. This puts people in the car at risk and others traveling behind me. I took it to the dealer and they said that since they could not replicate it, there was nothing they could do. No warning lights seem to be involved. On the internet, posters refer to this as a "known problem" but no one has come up with a solution, nor have their dealers. It's troublesome. I know the 2018s have had a related problem. It's happened on many dates.

9/13/2021

1 more complaint is available in this category.

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

2 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

MY WINDSHIELD CRACKED FOR NO REASON. MY CAR WAS SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY FOR 3 WEEKS NOT BEING USED BECAUSE OF THE PANDEMIC AND OUT OF THE BLUE A SMALL CRACK APPEARED IN TWO PLACES ON MY WINDSHIELD. *TR

5/19/2020

WINDSHIELD CRACK. CRACK OCCURRED WHEN NOT IN MOTION. CAR WAS NOT NEAR ANYWHERE WITH ROCKS. ONLY DROVE CAR 30 MILES FROM THE TIME I BOUGHT IT FROM THE DEALER. *TR

5/29/2020

STRUCTURE

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2017 SUBARU CROSSTREK. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS RESTING HIS RIGHT ARM ON THE LEATHER SHIFTER, HE SUSTAINED BURNS. THE PASSENGER AND HIS WIFE ALSO RECEIVED BURNS ON THE BOTTOM LEFT AND RIGHT FOREARMS OF THE LEATHER SEATING SURFACES. THE CONTACT DID NOT RECEIVE MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR HIS INJURIES; HOWEVER, THE PASSENGER WENT TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM AND WAS DIAGNOSED WITH CHEMICAL REACTIVE SECOND DEGREE BURNS. THE CAR RENTAL VENDOR WAS MADE AWARE OF THE INCIDENT. THE LOCAL DEALER (MARK MILLER SUBARU MIDTOWN LOCATED ON 3535 STATE ST, SALT LAKE CITY, UT, 84115) WAS CONTACTED AT 888-859-6198 AND STATED THAT THEY NEVER HEARD OF THE FAILURE AND WOULD "LOOK INTO IT". THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 396.

7/6/2017

SEATS

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2017 SUBARU CROSSTREK. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS RESTING HIS RIGHT ARM ON THE LEATHER SHIFTER, HE SUSTAINED BURNS. THE PASSENGER AND HIS WIFE ALSO RECEIVED BURNS ON THE BOTTOM LEFT AND RIGHT FOREARMS OF THE LEATHER SEATING SURFACES. THE CONTACT DID NOT RECEIVE MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR HIS INJURIES; HOWEVER, THE PASSENGER WENT TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM AND WAS DIAGNOSED WITH CHEMICAL REACTIVE SECOND DEGREE BURNS. THE CAR RENTAL VENDOR WAS MADE AWARE OF THE INCIDENT. THE LOCAL DEALER (MARK MILLER SUBARU MIDTOWN LOCATED ON 3535 STATE ST, SALT LAKE CITY, UT, 84115) WAS CONTACTED AT 888-859-6198 AND STATED THAT THEY NEVER HEARD OF THE FAILURE AND WOULD "LOOK INTO IT". THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 396.

7/6/2017

SUSPENSION

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SUBARU CROSSTREK. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE VEERED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL VIBRATION FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH CAUSED THE WHEELS TO WOBBLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WHEEL BEARINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT IF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED, THEN THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 13,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

10/17/2017

SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SUBARU CROSSTREK. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE VEERED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL VIBRATION FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH CAUSED THE WHEELS TO WOBBLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WHEEL BEARINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT IF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED, THEN THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 13,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

10/17/2017

EQUIPMENT

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

WHEN PUTTING MY 2017 SUBARU CROSSTREK INTO PARK THE KEY REMAINS STUCK IN THE IGNITION. THE ONLY WAY TO REMOVE THE KEY IS TO SHIFT INTO AND OUT OF PARK. SOMETIMES THIS TAKES MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS. THIS APPEARS TO BE A KNOWN ISSUE. *TR

5/24/2020

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

I WAS DRIVING TO WORK GOING DOWN I-35 AND MY SUNROOF EXPLODED WITHOUT BEING TOUCHED. IT SHATTERED INTO PIECES AND THERE WAS GLASS ALL OVER MY CAR. *TR

6/10/2020

LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SUBARU CROSSTREK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE BLIND SPOT DETECTOR WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE SIDE VIEW MIRRORS BLIND SPOT FUNCTION WAS INOPERABLE. ADDITIONALLY, THE BLIND SPOT BUTTON WAS DEPRESSED HOWEVER, FAILED TO RESPOND. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,322.

8/31/2020

POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:FLOOR SHIFT ASSEMBLY

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

My husband has trouble getting the key out when in park and turn off. Have to use the E-break every time we park because even in park the vehicle seems to get a mind of its own and start to roll. IT ROLLED ON ME WHILE I WAS GETTING MY CHILD OUT OF THE CAR!! NOW my driver side window seems to roll all the way up but right back down with out me touching it. I have to fight the thing for 5mins to get it up! Windshield is cracked. We got it parked it no crack, went out in it and Crack, now I have to pay to get a new Windshield put in because every day just sitting there the Crack gets bigger. Why is there only 1 recall on this thing!? 🤔

6/4/2022

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Both of the front inner brake pads separated from the backing plate presenting a safety concern since the brake performance was compromised. The front outer brake pads did not separate from the backing plates. All four brake pads were installed by myself along with new rotors in November 2021 and have experienced about 30,000 miles of use. There is plenty of brake pad material remaining. I have experience installing brakes on multiple vehicles and the pads were functional until the pad/backing plate separation. I discovered the issue after hearing a grinding noise from the wheel well while driving. No warning lights were present and other symptoms were not immediately noticeable. The part is available for inspection upon request; however, I was planning on sending both of the defective brake pads to the manufacturer for a warranty claim. I can save one of the two pads for NHTSA inspection, if desired. Please let me know as soon as possible.

5/16/2023

CHEST CLIP, BUCKLE, HARNESS

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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 could have been killed or seriously injured had we gotten into a collision on that drive. The car seat has not been inspected by anyone. Nuna offered me a “remedy kit” with a screwdriver, a brush, and a mismatched fabric cover, but I am not a safety technician and do not have the time or expertise to take the seat apart myself and still trust it to secure my child. The problem with the harness straps we have is intermittent, and does not replicate when the car is parked and I simply “tug” on the straps. I do not feel that this is an adequate safety test anyway, as it doesn’t replicate the forces or conditions in an accident. I requested a replacement seat, but Nuna denied my request on 7/21 and again on 7/28. Nuna has not supplied crash test results on layperson “repaired” car seats. This defect is the subject of NHTSA actions DP24003 and PE24026. Other RAVA owners have complained that their repaired RAVA still malfunctioned even after using Nuna's "remedy kit." I would like a replacement car seat to ensure my child's safety.

8/2/2025

About This Data

Data and Methodology

Sources
Show 16 sources
  • torquenews.com
  • youtube.com
  • subarucomplaints.com
  • youtube.com
  • bills.com.au
  • youtube.com
  • youtube.com
  • carkiller.com
  • asburyauto.com
  • evergreensubaru.com
  • premiersubaru.com
  • subaru.ca
  • cars.com
  • johnkennedysubaru.com
  • edmunds.com
  • subarucomplaints.com
MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek?

The most reported complaint category for the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek is UNKNOWN OR OTHER, with 33 owner reports. That is about 25% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include UNKNOWN OR OTHER, VISIBILITY/WIPER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Are complaints about the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 46 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek severe?

46 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Subaru Crosstrek: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
132
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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