2017 Subaru WRX Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 11%of 53 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 47,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the steering of the 2017 Subaru WRX, 11% of the 53 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 47,500 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“I recently experienced a steering rack failure due to leaking seals on the gear assembly on my certified pre-owned 2017 Subaru sti. The power steering failed to operate both in motion on the highway and at slow speeds in a parking lot and local streets. The loss of power steering assist makes it extremely difficult to safely control and change of direction for the vehicle. Based on my experience and that of many others I know in the Subaru community this is a common failure point on the last two generations of these cars. …”
NHTSA complaint #11297868, filed 2020-01, 58,000 miles“The contact owns a 2017 Subaru WRX. While driving 30 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn and was uncontrollable. The brake pedal was applied, but the vehicle failed to respond. As a result, the vehicle accelerated and crashed into a ditch. The driver and passenger side air bags deployed and all the warning indicators flashed and illuminated on the instrument panel. Also, eyesight not available was displayed. The passenger sustained hand injuries, but medical attention was not received. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. …”
NHTSA complaint #11205234, filed 2019-05, 37,000 miles“1, At about 12000 miles the car's windshield wipers stop working. And did not ever work again for the past several years. Wipers which was checked the motor was replaced to admission to the key was replaced and wiper still don't work. 2, About 24000 miles Was turning the vehicle around on a inclined road in the mountains went to pull forward and the steering wheel would not work anymore which resulted in me crashing into a ravine dropping about 10 feet off the side of the cliff. …”
NHTSA complaint #11561589, filed 2023-12Related 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…
Steering: other model years
Other parts of the 2017 Subaru WRX
14 complaintsEngine
12 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2017 Subaru WRX
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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