The Verdict
Worst problem area
Visibility & Lighting
Visibility & Lighting leads by volume: 56 of 125 complaints (45%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (5) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed rose from 75 in 2016 to 125 in 2017.
At a glance
- NHTSA complaints
- 125
- Recall campaigns
- 7
- EPA fuel cost per year
- $1,950–$2,500
- Combined MPG
- 25–32
Complaints by model year
Where owners report problems
Advertisement
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | vs. 2017 Midsize Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,000–2,300 | 2,000–2,300 | 1,950–2,500 | |
| Combined MPG | 27–31 | 27–31 | 25–32 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 24–28 / 33–36 | 24–28 / 33–36 | 22–28 / 30–38 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 289–326 | 288–326 | 282–351 | |
| Complaints filed | 77 | 75 | 125 | |
| Recalls issued | 2 | 1 | 7 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 5 | 7 | 10 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 0 | 0 | 3 | |
| Injuries reported | 3 | 2 | 7 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2017 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport have?
7 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Nov 7, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2017 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport?
Visibility & Lighting: 56 of 125 NHTSA complaints (45%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2017 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport get?
EPA rates it 25–32 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2017 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport?
EPA estimates $1,950–$2,500 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (8)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic (AV-S7) | 4 | 2.0L | All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 28 mpg (high) | 38 mpg (high) | 32 mpg (high) | $1,950 (low) | 282 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic (AV-S7) | 4 | 2.0L | All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 27 mpg | 36 mpg | 30 mpg | $2,100 | 291 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic (AV-S7) | 4 | 2.0L | All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Station Wagons | 28 mpg (high) | 37 mpg | 31 mpg | $2,000 | 282 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic (AV-S7) | 4 | 2.0L | All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Station Wagons | 27 mpg | 35 mpg | 30 mpg | $2,100 | 292 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.0L | All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 24 mpg | 32 mpg | 27 mpg | $2,300 | 331 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.0L | All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 23 mpg | 31 mpg | 26 mpg | $2,400 | 337 g/mi |
| Configuration 7 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.0L | All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Station Wagons | 24 mpg | 31 mpg | 26 mpg | $2,400 | 335 g/mi |
| Configuration 8 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.0L | All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Station Wagons | 22 mpg (low) | 30 mpg (low) | 25 mpg (low) | $2,500 (high) | 351 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 14 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 21 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Brakes | 8 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 11 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 7 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 56 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 22 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (7)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Defect
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Impreza vehicles. The left and right side reflex reflector and left side low beam reflector may inadequately reflect light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Consequence
- Reflectors that do not provide adequate illumination reduce the driver's ability to see and increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the front headlamp assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 15, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-22.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM):SOFTWARE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
- Defect
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Subaru Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, causing a short circuit.
- Consequence
- A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software, replace the ignition coils and, if necessary, the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 1, 2021. Owners can contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-21. Note: This recall includes all vehicles previously repaired under Recall 19V743.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
- Defect
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. 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.
- Consequence
- If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software and inspect and replace the ignition coil, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, on vehicles with confirmed ignition coil damage and a certain stored diagnostic trouble code (DTC), Subaru will replace the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. The recall began December 4, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUQ-02.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
- Defect
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017 Impreza vehicles equipped with an aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve. The PCV valve may come apart, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, possibly resulting in a loss of power while driving.
- Consequence
- An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUS-04.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
- Defect
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Impreza and 2018 Crosstrek vehicles equipped with an aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve. The PCV valve may come apart, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, possibly resulting in a loss of power while driving.
- Consequence
- An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began December 2, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUP-01.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Defect
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017 Impreza vehicles. Winter fuels may vaporize prematurely in the fuel line, resulting in a reduction in fuel pressure, possibly causing the engine to stall.
- Consequence
- An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the engine control unit to turn the radiator cooling fan on at a lower temperature, free of charge. The recall began on April 20, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2738. Subaru's number for this recall is WTP-75.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: CAMERA SYSTEM
- Defect
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017 Impreza vehicles. Due to a software problem, the rearview camera display may not work properly.
- Consequence
- A rearview camera display that does not function as designed can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the car, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the infotainment software, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for the recall is WTN-74.