2017 Subaru Crosstrek Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 5%of 94 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 39,529miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the steering of the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek, 5% of the 94 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 39,529 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The car lost power steering shortly after car was started to go on s short trip. We were still n our driveway when it happened. I could still drive it, but turning the steering wheel was difficult on curves on back roads and highway to the doctor's office 32 miles away. I have heard other subarus have had shorts in the electric power assist system.”
NHTSA complaint #11300655, filed 2020-01, 30,758 miles“Key gets stuck in ignition and the car needs to be restarted in order to remove key. This occurs when stationary and trying to remove key from ignition. Had this issue for a about a month before I took it in as Subaru had a recall for wue90 stop light switch replacement and I thought it may be related as did my service provider at north park Subaru or maybe had to do with steering. The problem was not solved, the repair was out of my pocket. The service provider reported 'erratic operation of park switch on shifter' and the shifter was replaced and problem is resolved. …”
NHTSA complaint #11299117, filed 2020-01, 50,000 miles“Key gets stuck in ignition and the car needs to be restarted, put in reverse/drive, and then either moved or step firmly on the break and back in park. Sometimes it takes multiple attempts. Having this issue for a couple months. It doesn't happen every time, but often.”
NHTSA complaint #11287251, filed 2019-12, 20,000 miles“The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated while pulling out of her driveway, the steering wheel became stiff, and the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over on the side the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the power steering module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle needed to diagnose by a dealer. The failure mileage was 48,300.”
NHTSA complaint #11508323, filed 2023-02, 48,300 miles“CV axles click when turning. CV axles could break at any given point. If not fixed you could lose control of your car causing death to yourself or others while driving or render your car driveless. I've looked online and many other 2017 cross track owners have the same problem. So why is this not a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11420577, filed 2021-06Related service bulletins
- 11032035Apr 20, 2026This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedures to be followed when addressing customer concerns of steering wheel/vehicle body vibration when driving at highway speeds when…
- 10199960Jul 27, 2021As part of Subaruâs dedication to customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is announcingan extension to the Basic New Car Limited Warranty for the Electronic Power…
- 10199957Jul 26, 2021As part of Subaru of Americaâs dedication to customer satisfaction, this letter is to inform you of an extension to the Basic New Car Limited Warranty for your vehicleâs…
- 10199956Jul 26, 2021As part of Subaruâs dedication to customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is announcing an extension to the Basic New Car Limited Warranty for the Electronic Power…
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 9% |
| 2025 | 3 | 7% |
| 2024 | 10 | 8% |
| 2022 | 1 | 3% |
| 2021 | 3 | 3% |
| 2019 | 15 | 5% |
| 2018 | 6 | 3% |
| 2017 | 5 | 5% |
| 2016 | 13 | 10% |
| 2015 | 2 | 12% |
Other parts of the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek
34 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
25 complaintsElectrical system
17 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaintsEngine
10 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsWheels
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsEquipment
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology