The 2017 Impreza launched Subaru's new Global Platform with the FB20 2.0L non-turbo boxer. While more reliable than older EJ engines, this generation still battles CVT issues, PCV valve failures causing excessive oil consumption, and premature piston/ringland failures under certain conditions.
CVT Transmission Shudder and Premature Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Shuddering or juddering during acceleration, especially 20-40 mph, Whining or grinding noises from transmission, Hesitation or lurching when accelerating from stop, Overheating warnings or transmission going into limp mode
Fix: CVT fluid changes every 30k can delay but not prevent eventual failure. Transmission cooler lines and oil cooler often fail first, causing overheating and internal damage. Full CVT replacement requires 8-12 hours labor. Some units fail catastrophically at 70k-90k despite proper maintenance.
Estimated cost: $4,500-7,500
PCV Valve Failure Leading to Excessive Oil Consumption
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Burning through 1+ quart of oil between changes, Blue smoke from exhaust on cold starts, Check engine light with P0011, P0021 (cam timing codes), Oil leaking from valve cover gaskets or oil separator
Fix: FB20 engines have poorly-designed PCV systems that clog and create crankcase pressure, forcing oil past rings. Requires PCV valve replacement, often with full oil separator cleaning and valve cover gasket replacement. 3-5 hours labor. If caught late, piston rings are damaged and engine needs rebuild.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200
Piston Ringland Failure and Cylinder Scoring
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Sudden catastrophic loss of compression in one cylinder, Severe knocking or rattling from engine, Misfire codes (P0301-P0304), Metal shavings in oil, metallic sound during cold starts
Fix: FB20 pistons can crack ringlands, especially if oil consumption ignored or engine run low on oil. Cylinder walls score from debris. Requires complete short block replacement or full engine rebuild with new pistons, rings, bearings, and machining. 18-24 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $5,000-8,500
Head Gasket Weeping and External Oil Leaks
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 90,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Oil seepage visible on engine block below head mating surface, Slight coolant smell but no overheating, Oil drips on driveway from center of engine, Minor oil consumption without blue smoke
Fix: FB20 head gaskets don't blow internally like EJ engines, but external weeping is common. Requires both head gaskets, resurfacing heads, timing components, and all associated seals. 12-16 hours labor. Often done preventively during timing chain service at high mileage.
Estimated cost: $2,200-3,800
Fuel Pump Failure and Fuel System Issues
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: No-start condition or extended cranking before start, Stalling at idle or during deceleration, Sputtering or loss of power under load, Fuel pump whining loudly from rear of vehicle
Fix: In-tank fuel pump assemblies fail prematurely, often with no warning. Requires dropping fuel tank and replacing entire pump module including filter (which is non-serviceable). 2-4 hours labor depending on fuel level and rust.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Transmission Mount Collapse
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Excessive vibration at idle in gear, Visible sagging of transmission when inspecting from below, Shifter feels loose or sloppy
Fix: Rear transmission mount deteriorates quickly on CVT models due to constant drivetrain movement. Easy replacement with aftermarket upgraded bushings recommended. 1-2 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $250-450
Owner tips
Change CVT fluid every 30,000 miles regardless of Subaru's 'lifetime' claim—use only genuine Subaru CVT fluid
Check oil level every 1,000 miles; address consumption issues immediately before ringland damage occurs
Replace PCV valve and clean oil separator at 60k preventively; costs $150 in parts, saves $6k engine
Avoid extended idling in gear with CVT—puts excessive heat into transmission with minimal fluid circulation
Buy if maintained meticulously with proof of frequent CVT services and oil consumption monitoring; skip if no service records or over 100k miles without documented PCV system maintenance.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
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Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Impreza vehicles. The left and right side reflex reflector and left side low beam reflector may inadequately reflect light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: Reflectors that do not provide adequate illumination reduce the driver's ability to see and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front headlamp assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 15, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-22.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · 21V264000
2021-04-15
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Subaru Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, causing a short circuit.
Consequence: A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software, replace the ignition coils and, if necessary, the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 1, 2021. Owners can contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-21. Note: This recall includes all vehicles previously repaired under Recall 19V743.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · 19V743000
2019-10-18
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, which could result in a short circuit and blown fuse.
Consequence: If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software and inspect and replace the ignition coil, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, on vehicles with confirmed ignition coil damage and a certain stored diagnostic trouble code (DTC), Subaru will replace the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. The recall began December 4, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUQ-02.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV) · 19V744000
2019-10-17
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Impreza and 2018 Crosstrek vehicles equipped with an aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve. The PCV valve may come apart, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, possibly resulting in a loss of power while driving.
Consequence: An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began December 2, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUP-01.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV) · 19V745000
2019-10-17
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017 Impreza vehicles equipped with an aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve. The PCV valve may come apart, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, possibly resulting in a loss of power while driving.
Consequence: An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUS-04.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS · 17V216000
2017-03-29
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017 Impreza vehicles. Winter fuels may vaporize prematurely in the fuel line, resulting in a reduction in fuel pressure, possibly causing the engine to stall.
Consequence: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the engine control unit to turn the radiator cooling fan on at a lower temperature, free of charge. The recall began on April 20, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2738. Subaru's number for this recall is WTP-75.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: CAMERA SYSTEM · 17V132000
2017-03-02
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017 Impreza vehicles. Due to a software problem, the rearview camera display may not work properly.
Consequence: A rearview camera display that does not function as designed can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the car, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the infotainment software, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for the recall is WTN-74.
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