2017 Subaru Impreza problems

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I am filing a safety complaint regarding an Engine Control Module (ECM) failure in my 2017 Subaru Impreza and the handling of a prior recall repair. Dealership records show that a recall repair (WRE21 – ignition coil recall) was completed in June 2021. At that time, the dealership documented that the ECM calibration was up to date and functioning properly. However, I later experienced a check engine light and drivability concerns. Diagnostic records from February 2026 indicate: •Camshaft slow response codes •Persistent sensor issues •A technician recommendation to replace multiple components, including the ECM, stating that codes were “burned into the ECM” The dealership has since attempted to attribute the ECM failure to “engine sludge” and lack of maintenance. Concern with Dealership Explanation: This explanation is inconsistent and raises serious concerns: •Engine sludge is a mechanical lubrication issue and does not directly cause an ECM (electronic control module) to fail or become “burned.” •The ECM is an electronic unit, and failure typically results from electrical defects, internal faults, or manufacturing issues—not oil sludge. •The dealership has not provided technical evidence showing how sludge could damage or “burn” the ECM. •This appears to be an attempt to shift responsibility away from a potential defect or improperly completed recall repair. Safety Concern: The ECM is critical to safe vehicle operation. A failure can result in: •Engine malfunction or reduced power •Unpredictable vehicle behavior •Increased risk while driving If ECM failures are being misdiagnosed or incorrectly attributed to maintenance issues, this could allow serious safety defects to go unaddressed. Requested Action: I request that NHTSA: 1.Investigate whether ECM failures are being improperly attributed to maintenance issues such as engine sludge. 2.Review whether the recall repair (WRE21) was properly completed and whether it is related to thi

NHTSA complaint #11731598 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

I noticed that visibility at night was poor. I was pulled over by the police and give a warning that my headlight was out and told to get it fixed. I thought it may be as simple as a bulb but was told the entire left headlamp assembly had to be replaced at a cost of more than $2,000. Just days later my Dealership send me a service notice which also stated that the left headlamp should be inspected. This was after I had already had it replaced at a local garage. The dealership confirmed that their was a recall but when I tried to get reimbursed by Subaru thru the safety recall WRG-22/NHTSA 22V624000 they said my vin# was excluded from the recall!(?)

NHTSA complaint #11718214 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I noticed that visibility at night was poor. I was pulled over by the police and give a warning that my headlight was out and told to get it fixed. I thought it may be as simple as a bulb but was told the entire left headlamp assembly had to be replaced at a cost of more than $2,000. Just days later my Dealership send me a service notice which also stated that the left headlamp should be inspected. This was after I had already had it replaced at a local garage. The dealership confirmed that their was a recall but when I tried to get reimbursed by Subaru thru the safety recall WRG-22/NHTSA 22V624000 they said my vin# was excluded from the recall!(?)

NHTSA complaint #11718214 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

I noticed that visibility at night was poor. I was pulled over by the police and give a warning that my headlight was out and told to get it fixed. I thought it may be as simple as a bulb but was told the entire left headlamp assembly had to be replaced at a cost of more than $2,000. Just days later my Dealership send me a service notice which also stated that the left headlamp should be inspected. This was after I had already had it replaced at a local garage. The dealership confirmed that their was a recall but when I tried to get reimbursed by Subaru thru the safety recall WRG-22/NHTSA 22V624000 they said my vin# was excluded from the recall!(?)

NHTSA complaint #11718214 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

[XXX] 2017 Subaru Impreza VIN [XXX] Cruze control error. Will it make brake lights fail if not repaired? go look in your database and see if Impreza has more than normal rear end collisions? What else is on bus that might be damaged by spike? Braking? Antilock? Lights? Why is this NOT a recall? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11684276 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

[XXX] 2017 Subaru Impreza VIN [XXX] Cruze control error. Will it make brake lights fail if not repaired? go look in your database and see if Impreza has more than normal rear end collisions? What else is on bus that might be damaged by spike? Braking? Antilock? Lights? Why is this NOT a recall? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11684276 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

[XXX] 2017 Subaru Impreza VIN [XXX] Cruze control error. Will it make brake lights fail if not repaired? go look in your database and see if Impreza has more than normal rear end collisions? What else is on bus that might be damaged by spike? Braking? Antilock? Lights? Why is this NOT a recall? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11684276 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Premature failure of wheel bearings. Both rear wheel bearings had to be replaced after only 54,192 miles. Technician indicated that replacements were upgraded "sealed" systems. At 73,712 miles the front driver's side wheel bearing was also replaced by the dealer after the same symptoms of excessive noise and poor mileage occurred. Concern is that high resistance in the failing bearings creates a lot of heat and could eventually cause catastrophic failure. In 40+ years of driving and owning cars with mileage accruals up to 229,000, this is the only one that ever required a wheel bearing replacement. This, and the technician's reference to upgraded bearings makes me believe that this is a manufacturing defect that should have been covered by a recall.

NHTSA complaint #11682621 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

After reading forums online and my own experience I’m convinced the Subaru sun visors are improperly installed or fitted and pose a danger to drivers and those on the road. The sun visors on the driver and passenger side are incredibly loose and prone to falling off while I’m driving. I cannot use it to deflect sun because it will fall off while I’m driving - creating incredibly dangerous driving conditions. It has fallen in my lap but I’m afraid it might fall down to where the pedals are and cause further issues. This has been an issue since I purchased the vehicle in 2019 and happens almost weekly It doesn’t appear that Subaru sells the parts separately so replacing it would be costly.

NHTSA complaint #11678597 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that the "Check Headlight Assembly" message was displayed, and the front passenger’s side headlight occasionally turned off or on, while attempting to start the vehicle and while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the front passenger’s side headlight assembly was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V624000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING); as a possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 69,534.

NHTSA complaint #11651397 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the vehicle began to hesitate without warning. The contact then stated that while at a stop light, the vehicle stalled upon the depression of the accelerator pedal with the traction control symbol flashing on the instrument panel. The vehicle failed to restart after several attempts. An attempt to jumpstart the vehicle also failed to start the vehicle. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was initially diagnosed with defective spark plugs and contaminated fuel. The contact was later informed that the failure was caused by a defective fuel pump that needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 68,500.

NHTSA complaint #11589288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Impreza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V624000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had experienced the failure causing the low beam reflector to inadequately reflect light. The failure mileage was 60,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11581375 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Brunswick Subaru refuses to do headlight recall. I was told there is no fix yet over 6 months ago. I called again 2 weeks ago and told the same thing. I called Subaru directly and was told there is a fix and that they would contact me in two days. They still have not gotten me information on how to resolve recall 22v624000

NHTSA complaint #11580649 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The clutch release bearing seized while driving preventing the clutch from being depressed. The only way to stop the car was by overpowering the clutch with the brakes and pulling the emergency brake. There is a service information bulletin (NUMBER: 03-82-18) currently for the known defective part. There were no dash lights on at the time.

NHTSA complaint #11580215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Hard to see at night

NHTSA complaint #11573890 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Since new, maybe once a month, Cruise control idiot light comes on and flashes until car is turned off. usually no bother but one day it started braking without me and I bought the DUMB base model!!! before extended warranty expires, this august, hopefully dealer will replace wheel speed sensors on rear wheels. not sure if this will fix problem. I have asked them to check this six or seven times now. they tell me warranty may not cover it unless code is stored? hopefully they will stand behind product and fix it anyway. 2017 Impreza with 33000 miles and have done ALL recalls and maintenance!

NHTSA complaint #11573219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Since new, maybe once a month, Cruise control idiot light comes on and flashes until car is turned off. usually no bother but one day it started braking without me and I bought the DUMB base model!!! before extended warranty expires, this august, hopefully dealer will replace wheel speed sensors on rear wheels. not sure if this will fix problem. I have asked them to check this six or seven times now. they tell me warranty may not cover it unless code is stored? hopefully they will stand behind product and fix it anyway. 2017 Impreza with 33000 miles and have done ALL recalls and maintenance!

NHTSA complaint #11573219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

WHEELS

Since new, maybe once a month, Cruise control idiot light comes on and flashes until car is turned off. usually no bother but one day it started braking without me and I bought the DUMB base model!!! before extended warranty expires, this august, hopefully dealer will replace wheel speed sensors on rear wheels. not sure if this will fix problem. I have asked them to check this six or seven times now. they tell me warranty may not cover it unless code is stored? hopefully they will stand behind product and fix it anyway. 2017 Impreza with 33000 miles and have done ALL recalls and maintenance!

NHTSA complaint #11573219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.