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 severityTypical 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 severityTypical 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 severityTypical 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 severityTypical 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 severityTypical 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 severityTypical 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
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.