There are 7 owner-reported engine complaints for the 2017 Subaru WRXin NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
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.
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 http://www.enginebearings.settlementclass.com/ but they are stating my car does not fall under lawsuit.
WHILE OPERATING VEHICLE ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS CAR SHUT DOWN AND I HAD A VERY HARD TIME STEERING AND BREAKING VEHICLE.
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. *TR
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.
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".
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.
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
Data synced from NHTSA on Apr 25, 2026