2017 Subaru Impreza electrical problems

Filed Apr 16, 2026 · Electrical · PA

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 the federal safety agency: 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

Filed Feb 16, 2026 · Electrical, Lights · MI

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/the federal safety agency 22V624000 they said my vin# was excluded from the recall!(?)

Filed Sep 1, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · KY

[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)

Filed Aug 2, 2024 · Electrical, Lights · TN · fire

Parked at a store. Car caught on fire while in store. Car had been parked approximately 10 minutes. Left side headlight spontaneously ignited.

Filed Sep 16, 2021 · Brakes, Electrical · CA

I bought a "Subaru Impreza" 2017, and in the span of 4 years, had numerous issues, including: -dead battery -car suddenly stopping on highway: no electroninc warning whatsoever -over 6 possibly lethal recalls (mainly pertaining to car electronics andbrakes), which might cause car to stop moving/responsing to steering/braking at any moment, which I send in for repair ASAP. Afterwards, I was assured all the electronics and brake components had been checked, and I would be safe to drive everyday for work. -This week, after all these "repaired" recalls, my car suddenly while I was driving on one of the busiest/most dangerous highways in our area: it took me several minutes to even manage to pull onto the shoulder. During that time, I was almost hit 5 times, and had to call CHP to come take me. I could have easily been killed. and the CHP operator clearly told me not to drive this car again. -The next day, I got to Subaru dealership which sold me this car, asking for a loaner, and free repair. Although Subaru provided the loaner, they also gave me a 1133.98$ to fix the electronic issue, which they assured me "is not my fault, but not on the recall list, so even though it malfunctioned, I have to pay, even though their negligence almost cost me my life. I'm curious to know how many other Subaru 2017 drivers had similar experience.

Filed Aug 16, 2021 · Electrical · 54,000 miles · NY · fire

The contact owned a 2017 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway and turned off, a fire ignited. The neighbor had discovered three vehicles in the driveway were on fire and called the fire department to the scene who extinguished the flames. During the incident, the three-vehicle were destroyed. A fire report was taken at the scene. Fire investigators determined that the fire started on the front passenger side of the Subaru vehicle. No further information was available. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the incident. The failure mileage was 54,000.

Filed May 15, 2021 · Electrical · 28,000 miles · MI

Battery drains too fast and keeps need a jump.

Filed Nov 20, 2019 · Acceleration, Electrical · 25,000 miles · IN

There are two separate issues with this vehicle which has not been resolved through dealers help and no recalls have been issued yet for these problems. First: the engine stalls around 16 to 11 MPH. The acceleration slows down rapidly after 16-15mph then it ramps up at 13mph and then slows down around 11 MPH speeds. This issue has been persistent since the ownership of the vehicle. The federal safety agency needs to look into this problem since it can be a potential safety risk and can cause accidents. Second: the battery on this vehicle was dead suddenly over night without any visible clues. No map or dome lights were kept on. The vehicle was switched off properly and next morning the battery was dead. Somewhere in the vehicle (the suspect is infotainment system) the battery is draining. This has happened twice and had to change the batteries. These issues are huge safety hazards that needs to be address immediately.

Filed Mar 31, 2019 · Electrical · 26,000 miles · NV

Ignition locked. Would not release. Took 20 minutes. Finally the lock released. Have complained to subaru service, told it is all in my mind.

Filed Jan 10, 2019 · Electrical · CA

Subaru impreza 2017, 14.7k miles: I purchased my vehicle in jun 2017. In jan 2018 and aug 2018, seven and sixteen months after purchase, rodents chewed through the soy-based electrical wiring and wire harness, respectively. My subaru service dept. Advised me the impreza will always be predisposed to wire damage from rodents because they can gain access to garages and other types of car storage facilities, and, they love the taste of the soy wanting more after they experience the taste. Subaru was well aware of the soy wiring problem as early as 2015 and was sued because of it in 2017. Even so, subaru did not correct the problem, and in fact, obviously continues to manufacture vehicles containing soy-based products that are a proven attractant to rodents. In an attempt to completely prevent rodents from being able to access my car, and after many, many rodent abatement attempts, I was forced to buy a car bubble where I could literally seal the car inside and protect it. Subaru's negligence causes a built-in financial liability for many impreza owners. As of oct 2018, the repairs, rodent abatement and car bubble has cost $2,000+ dollars. Subaru used proven rodent attractants in impreza vehicle production causing 1) unnecessary repairs even for new car owners who rightfully do not have any expectation that the vehicle will require repairs because of soy induced rodents, 2) financial hardship from repairs that can be extensive and expensive, as well as the cost of primary and supplemental rodent abatement programs, 3) inconvenience having to deal with ongoing, similar types of repairs and related insurance claims, and, 4) the routine of the time and effort required to remove and replace a vehicle that has to be housed in a car bubble. Despite my requests, the dealership refused to make any and all repairs under the manufacturer warranty.