The Subaru Impreza gets a substantial generation change for the 2017 model year. Even though we are really into brands bringing in spanking new models, automakers do usually find themselves in a tough position when getting things fully sorted with their new releases. As to that, the 2017 Subaru Impreza, though remains on the safe side as far as customer complaints go, has seen a drastic rise in the number of recalls to almost 6, from 1 last year, which is not all that good. Even though it is not a big deal in automotive terms, it does hurt from a reliability standpoint that prospective customers might look out for. So, should you be picking one up for $18,395 over options like the Honda Civic, the Kia Forte, and the Toyota Corolla? Well, this article will explain in detail all the problems you could expect when owning an Impreza, which should help you make a better decision.
Mechanical Complaints
- Engine- Sudden drop of engine RPMs, occasional hesitation, and tendency to stall at low speed or slow engine RMPs are engine problems raised by 2017 Subaru Impreza owners as reported by the NHTSA. Though these issues were left without a proper diagnosis early on, the issue was later traced to be an error in ECU software that causes a short circuit in the ignition coil. It was later resolved through two separate recalls (19V743000, and 21V624000). PCV valve issues and engine oil-over consumption are also something to look out for on these engines, with the former even receiving a recall (IDs-19V744000, 19V745000) for replacement of the PCV valve.
- Transmission/CVT- The CVTs in Subarus are normally robust units, but are there officially recognized complaints on occasional low-speed jerks, freezing shifter, and loud noises at high revs from this transmission. Though TCM replacement/ reflashes and transmission fluid changes were provided as remedies depending on the complaints diagnosed, owners do complain about the issues persisting in some cases.
- Service brakes- Though not a widespread issue, some batches of the2017 Subaru Impreza had brake fluid seeping issues. The automaker was aware of this issue and even provided owners with free brake hose replacements on cars with issues like unapparent reduction in brake fluid levels and a spongy brake pedal.
Electric System complaints
- Ignition coil- Premature battery failures have been a pretty common issue on the 2017 Subaru Impreza. Even though the issue was dealt with a battery replacement initially, it was later found to be the fault with the ECU as stated above in the engine complaint section, which leaves the ignition coil powered even when the vehicle is switched off. Recalls were initiated to resolve this issue in the following years by the automaker. At least one case of engine fire has been reported by the NHTSA on this issue.
- Infotainment/ Radio- Finicky Bluetooth connectivity, stuck volume controls loss of review view display, and occasional freezing of UI are major complaints on the 2017 Subaru Impreza’s infotainment/radio unit. Although most issues only required a software update, units with broken volume control did need an entire head unit replacement. A recall (ID-17V132000) was even rolled out to fix apparent software issues the system has from the factory.
Structural Complaints
- Rust - Rust formation on body panels, underbody elements, and suspension components on the 2017 Subaru Impreza has been reported by a few owners. The issue is said to be noticed on vehicles with mileages as low as 12,000-miles. Even though the dealers offered to repaint the body panels, the rest of the corroded points were left unattended.
Safety Complaints
- Airbag-.The airbag warning lights on the 2017 Subaru Impreza did illuminate intermittently. The issue was found to be with a faulty passenger airbag sensor, which prevents the airbag from deploying on that side. Two crashes with two recorded injuries have been reported against this issue by the NHTSA.
2017 Subaru Impreza Sedan Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
15th April 2021 |
21V624000 |
ECM software may cause engine stall. |
The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, causing a short circuit which may stall the engine and increase the risk of a crash. |
The 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 on June 1, 2021. |
|
2 |
18th October 2019 |
19V743000 |
ECM software may cause engine stall. |
The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, causing a short circuit which may stall the engine and increase the risk of a crash. |
The dealers will update the ECM software, replace the ignition coils, and, if necessary, the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. The recall began on December 4, 2019. |
|
3 |
17th October 2019 |
19V744000 |
PCV valve can separate |
The aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve can separate, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, resulting in a loss of power while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. |
The dealers will inspect and replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the short block engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2019. |
|
4 |
17th October 2019 |
19V745000 |
PCV valve can separate |
The aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve can separate, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, resulting in a loss of power while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. |
The dealers will inspect and replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the short block engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on December 3, 2019. |
|
5 |
29th March 2017 |
17V216000 |
Loss of fuel pressure from fuel vaporization. |
During winter, fuel may vaporize prematurely in the fuel line, resulting in a reduction in fuel pressure, possibly causing the engine to stall increasing the risk of a crash. |
The 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. |
|
6 |
2nd March 2019 |
17V132000 |
The rear camera display may not function properly. |
Due to a software problem, the rearview camera display may not work properly, compromising the driver’s rearview and increasing the risk of a crash. |
The dealers will update the infotainment software, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2017. |
Should you buy a used Subaru Impreza Sedan?
Subaru has always produced robust cars and the new Impreza is no different. Yes, the recall number has seen a significant bump for the 2017 model year, but that is something we have come to expect from any brand new car as the equipment they’ve got on board increase in complexity every year. What one should be concerned about is the actual consumer complaints and that is one place where the Subaru Impreza performing rather well, never breaching the triple-digit marker in the recent past. Sedans like the Kia Forte, the Hyundai Elantra, or even the segment favorites like the Civic or the Corolla might come as a better overall package when it comes to tech and comfort, but as far as tough, rugged, and affordable AWD sedans go, there is nothing the surpasses the Subaru Impreza.
