Buyer Research

2017 Subaru Impreza (Hatchback) — 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

The all-new 2017 Impreza on Subaru's global platform is a big step up — standard AWD, a roomy hatch, good safety scores, and a comfortable ride. The 2.0L is modest on power and the CVT is uninspiring, but it's a practical, safe, all-weather compact. Check for oil consumption and CVT service and it's a smart used pick for snow country.

What we checked

Reconciled against public records, 2026-09-11

NHTSA holds 125 owner complaints for the 2017 Subaru Impreza (Hatchback), across 7 recall campaigns.

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 the lights at 26%. That is notable without being overwhelming — worth checking, not worth panicking about.

7 recall campaigns cover 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.

Looked at and set aside: the lights (32) — 32 lighting complaints on file; real, but usually a bulb or a housing rather than a reason to walk; 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 Impreza (Hatchback)

Ranked by wallet impact. These are documented, recurring problems — not freak accidents.

Modest power / CVT droneLow

The 2.0L is leisurely and the CVT drones under throttle. Character.

Repair cost: Not yet priced

Source: NHTSA complaints filed under the transmission and drivetrain (5).

Oil consumption on some unitsMedium

A minority of Subaru fours use oil; check the level and ask about consumption.

Repair cost (estimate): $0-$2,000 if severe

Source: NHTSA complaints filed under the engine (14).

Infotainment (Starlink) lagLow

Touchscreen can be slow. Minor.

Repair cost (estimate): $0

Source: NHTSA complaints filed under electrics and electronics (21).

Walk-Away Red Flags

✗Low oil / consumption
✗No CVT fluid records
✗Crash repair under paint

Good Signs

✓Steady oil level
✓Documented CVT service
✓Standard AWD working, clean underbody

Found a specific Subaru Impreza (Hatchback)?

This page covers what goes wrong on the 2017 Subaru Impreza (Hatchback) 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.

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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.