Wiring problems of the 2017 Subaru Impreza

Two problems related to wiring have been reported for the 2017 Subaru Impreza. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2017 Subaru Impreza based on all problems reported for the 2017 Impreza.

1 Wiring problem

Failure Date: 10/01/2018

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.

2 Wiring problem

Failure Date: 11/10/2017

After having car serviced, airbag warning light would not go off. I was told it would need to be "reset", then I was told there was a 90% chance there was a part over the rearview mirror where the front dome lights are that needed to be replaced. They ordered the part and when they were about to install it they said it wasn't that part but a wiring problem that is located over the passenger door inside the ceiling panels that were "chewed" by a rodent. However there were no signs of the rodent and they have no idea how the "rodent" might have entered the ceiling panel because of the tight space. I asked for a photograph. The wires are bare and it actually looks like a low grade fire caused from wires being exposed. I was told it was not under warranty and that it would cost over $600 dollars to repair. I was also asked at the time if I had any small rodent related pets, I do not. I called Subaru immediately because I wasn't buying the rodent story. The dealership has since called me back to tell me now they think a robotic arm might have accidentally damaged the wires in production but they are not sure. The car is not repaired as of yet, and I was told that the car is "safe" to drive. They also broke a part above the passenger visor when checking all this out because the space was so tight , yet a rodent got in and out and only destroyed those wires? they reassured me that they ordered the part they broke and will fix that when it comes in. However, because of the "wire problem" and me not approving the $600 "rodent" repair, my dome lights over my rearview mirrors will not work anymore, however they were working before they checked everything out. I am waiting for Subaru to call me back.


Other Electrical System related problems of the 2017 Subaru Impreza



Safety Ratings of Impreza Cars
Fuel Economy of Impreza Vehicles
Impreza Service Bulletins
Impreza Safety Recalls
Impreza Defect Investigations