10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
30,838 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2017 Subaru WRX engine problems

engine problem

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2017 Subaru WRX Owner Comments

problem #9

Aug 112021

WRX

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Engine failure on the highway driving 60mph, Rod bearing failed causing engine to be destroyed (new block, new pistons, new head needed). Car was under warranty. Dealership filed claim but subaru of America denied claim giving erroneous reasons for denial. Subaru of America has been sued for this before www.enginebearings.settlementclass.com/ but they are stating my car does not fall under lawsuit.

- Boca Raton, FL, USA

problem #8

Dec 012022

WRX

  • miles
The Direct Injection Engine causes valves to become coated in carbon build-up, unlike indirect injections which constantly clean the valves. This issue then results in the sudden loss of power and engine stalls (often when attempting to accelerate from low speeds) which are extremely dangerous when attempting to merge or turn in traffic. Subaru has not addressed the issue but based on online searches it appears to be a major issue for all 2.0l direct injection engines.

- Bentonville, AR, USA

problem #7

Dec 212020

WRX

  • 25,000 miles
While operating vehicle on two different occasions car shut down and I had a very hard time steering and breaking vehicle.

- Limerick, PA, USA

problem #6

Dec 132020

WRX

  • 80,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2017 Subaru WRX. The contact stated that while driving 70 mph, the steering wheel seized, the contact stated that he then steer the wheel to the right, the steering wheel was ok, then the steering wheel became difficult to steer. The contact stated that he jerk the wheel a little bit to the right, the vehicle hit a pothole, the vehicle brushed a little of the godrail and run into cones and hit a concrete barrier, the vehicle came to a stop. The power steering warning light illuminated. The contact did not sustained injuries. The vehicle was able to drive normal. The vehicle was taken to Subaru of wichita, 11610 E kellogg dr N, wichita, ks 67207, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle needed an alignment. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that while at a drive thru, the vehicle lost power, all the warning lights illuminated. The windshield wipers stop functioning. The contact called the same dealer and informed them of the failure and was advised to schedule an appointment for a diagnostic testing. Vehicle was not taken to the dealer due to the diagnostic and repaired fees. The contact also mention that the check engine warning light illuminated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

- Durby, KS, USA

problem #5

Dec 112019

WRX 4-cyl

  • 57,000 miles
At 57000 miles I was driving the car and heard a knocking noise almost making the car sound like a diesel engine. I towed the car to the dealership. It was diagnosed that the ringland went bad making the engine knock.

- Surprise, AZ, USA

problem #4

Nov 192019

WRX

  • 61,545 miles
Pampered 2017 Subaru WRX, auto transmission, 61,545 highway miles and proof of oil changes between 5,000 and 7,000 miles, synthetic 5-30. Car idling at stop light when tapping noise started and then oil light lite up but quickly went out. Pulled over to check oil and found oil level mid level in safe zone. Engine didn't burn or leak oil between oil changes. Giles Subaru in lafayette la said the engine "must have been run low on oil." They believe it started with the #2 rod bearing going out. I've been a mechanic for the last 38 years, I check oil levels often. Short block replacement was $9,957.50. Repair took 31 days. Giles Subaru also extends the powertrain warranty to lifetime if you prove proper oil changes and go in for an inspection every two years. Denied my claim for not coming for two year inspection. Subaru rated my 2.0 turbocharged engine at 268 horsepower with the 15.9 psi of boost. Research verified its the only car Subaru uses this engine in. Subaru's crosstrek uses this 2.0 but as a non turbocharged engine rated at 152 hp. No other car in Subaru's line up has that much horsepower rated per liter. Research shows Subaru added a turbocharger to their 152 horsepower engine but did not upgrade the lubrication system to handle the higher stresses. Subaru has lubrication problems with other engines and has three class action suits now. I seen my automatic transmissions warranty was increased by Subaru recently and demanded by a court to cover repairs past and future until 100,000 mile warranty. Not that they'll actually pay for it if it breaks or anything. They'll say you did something wrong. Shouldn't this be on the NHTSA website" Subaru was demanded to notify the current owners of 2017 automatic transmissions but I haven't received anything. Is Subaru practicing good business? is the government making sure they do business fairly"

- Jeanerette, LA, USA

problem #3

Aug 162018

WRX

  • 15,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have had the car multiple times idle hard then die both when stopped at stoplights and when coming to a stop. This is the cvt not the manual and I have contacted the dealer the first time it happened and they said "this is normal operation" which I don't think the car dying when I come to a stop is "normal operation".

- Andover, MN, USA

problem #2

Aug 272018

WRX

  • 26,000 miles
Stalling. I have a 2017 Subaru WRX cvt. I was at a red light and the car idled hard and stalled, again this is a cvt not a manual.

- La Puente, CA, USA

problem #1

Aug 102018

WRX

  • 13,000 miles
Clutch on manual transmission has burned out twice in 13000 miles. Dealer blames driver and is not looking hard for other causes. We are 100% positive this is not caused by driver error. Have been stranded on highway twice in less than a year.

- Gurley, AL, USA

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