Is the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?

Yes, the 2017 Crosstrek is generally reliable when maintained consistently, with many examples reaching high mileage, but it’s smart to watch for oil consumption, CVT behavior, and wheel bearing noise as it ages.

What are the most common 2017 Subaru Crosstrek problems?

Commonly reported issues include oil consumption between services, CVT shudder/hesitation in some vehicles, wheel bearing humming noises, and occasional battery drain or premature battery failure.

Are maintenance costs high on a 2017 Crosstrek?

Maintenance costs are typically moderate for the segment, with routine items like oil changes, tires, brakes, and fluid services being the main expenses; larger costs can arise if a wheel bearing or CVT-related repair is needed.

What are the best years to buy for this generation of Crosstrek?

Many shoppers prefer later first-generation years like 2016–2017 for incremental improvements and a more “sorted” production run, though condition and service history matter more than the badge year.

What should I check before buying a used 2017 Subaru Crosstrek?

Verify maintenance records, check oil level and signs of oil consumption, test drive for CVT smoothness, listen for wheel bearing hum at steady speeds, inspect tire wear consistency, and scan for any warning lights or stored codes. For a deeper dive, get a complete owner’s guide with full specs, trim details, and the recommended maintenance schedule to keep a 2017 Subaru Crosstrek running at its best.

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Reliability AnalysisBased on known issue patterns, repair cost data, and ownership trends · How we score

2017 Subaru Crosstrek Reliability ReportKeepScore 83/100 · top failure points · buy or avoid

83/ 100

KeepScore

LOW RISK

Grade: B+

A highly reliable, versatile compact SUV, perfect for those needing all-weather capability with only a few minor, predictable maintenance concerns.

Full system breakdown + what I would do

Quick Facts · 2017 Subaru Crosstrek

Scores 5 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek earns a 88.
The system most likely to surface first: engine oil consumption (moderate severity).
Has 1 NHTSA recall on record — the most notable involves the exterior lighting:brake lights:switch.

2017 Subaru Crosstrek: Buy or Avoid?

The 2017 Subaru Crosstrek is one of the safest and most dependable used compact SUVs you can buy, offering exceptional all-weather capability and strong long-term value. While it has a few specific weak spots like the infotainment system and occasional oil consumption, these are generally minor and manageable, making it a highly recommended choice for a wide range of buyers.

Biggest Strengths

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system
Excellent safety ratings
Robust core engine and chassis design

2017 Subaru Crosstrek — Known Trouble Spots

The systems that break first on the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.

Engine Oil Consumptionmoderate

Wheel Bearingsmoderate

Infotainment Systemminor

Typical mileage, cost ranges, and the exact what-to-check list are in the full report.

Safety Recalls on the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek

1 recall on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.

What breaks on the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek?

Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.

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Subaru Crosstrek — Year-by-Year Comparison

Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Subaru Crosstrek. Click any year for its full report.

All Subaru Crosstrek years ranked →Subaru Crosstrek years to avoid →Subaru Crosstrek common problems →

Competing 2017s Worth a Look

Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.

Relevant Products for Your 2017 Subaru Crosstrek

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Frequently Asked Questions

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