2017 Subaru Crosstrek — Should You Buy One?
Typical asking price: $12,000–$17,000. This is one of the more reliable vehicles in its class — here's what to watch for anyway.
Kestrel Take
A lifted Impreza hatch with standard AWD and real ground clearance — the Crosstrek is a favorite for snow, dirt roads, and outdoorsy buyers, and it holds value like few small cars. Slow with the 2.0L and CVT, but tough and practical. Check for oil consumption and CVT service; a maintained one is a superb all-weather companion.
What we checked
Partly reconciled against public records, 2026-09-11
NHTSA holds 97 owner complaints for the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek, across 1 recall campaign.
A big number here usually means a lot of these were sold, not that it is a bad vehicle — popular models collect more complaints for the same rate of trouble. So the total on its own says little. What is worth reading is the shape of it. The largest single group is glass, wipers and mirrors at 27%. That is notable without being overwhelming — worth checking, not worth panicking about.
One recall campaign covers this model year. Recalls are repaired free, for any owner, with no time limit on most safety campaigns — but only if someone books it in. Ask the seller to show it was done, or have any dealer check the VIN; it takes them a couple of minutes and costs nothing.
Not written up yet: electrics and electronics (18 complaints). That group is in the public record and is not covered by the issues below. Treat it as something to ask about, not as absent.
Looked at and set aside: glass, wipers and mirrors (26) — 26 complaints about glass, wipers or mirrors; usually annoying rather than expensive.
Counts come from the NHTSA complaint and recall database — free, public, and worth checking yourself.
Known Issues for the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek
Ranked by wallet impact. These are documented, recurring problems — not freak accidents.
Some 2.0L engines use oil between changes; check the level and ask about consumption.
Repair cost (estimate): $0-$2,000 if severe
Source: NHTSA complaints filed under the engine (12).
The 2.0L is leisurely, especially loaded or uphill. Character.
Repair cost: Not yet priced
Source: NHTSA complaints filed under throttle and cruise control (4).
Bearings can hum over time; suspension wears normally.
Repair cost (estimate): $300-$600
Source: NHTSA complaints filed under wheels and bearings (4).
Walk-Away Red Flags
- ✗Low oil / consumption
- ✗No CVT fluid records
- ✗Off-road abuse (bent underbody, damaged skid areas)
Good Signs
- ✓Steady oil level
- ✓Documented CVT service
- ✓Clean underbody, working AWD
Found a specific Subaru Crosstrek?
This page covers what goes wrong on the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek in general. The Kestrel report covers this specific car— the asking price vs. market, the photos, the seller's description, and a BUY / NEGOTIATE / WALK AWAY verdict with a negotiation script.
Get My Verdict — $7.99No account required. Delivered to your inbox, usually within minutes.
Not ready to pay for one? The free read is instant and needs no card — it checks the asking price against the market and names the top issues for this year. It stops short of the verdict, because that needs the photos.
Known issues on this page are based on documented owner reports, NHTSA complaints, class-action records, and manufacturer technical service bulletins. Individual vehicles vary. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is always worth doing.
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