Recall 17V625 affects 9,178 2015 Subaru Wrx vehicles for a trunk subwoofer wiring short. Repair is free at any franchised Subaru dealer.
Subaru is recalling 9,178 2015 Wrx vehicles equipped with the optional factory-installed trunk subwoofer because cargo can push the subwoofer wiring against the metal frame and create an electrical short. The short can damage the amplifier and overheat the subwoofer, which increases the risk of a fire; the Subaru dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The trunk subwoofer in the 2015 Subaru Wrx is a factory-installed speaker assembly that adds low-frequency sound from the audio system. Its wiring carries the audio signal and electrical load to the speaker and amplifier. That wiring is supposed to stay separated from the subwoofer's metal frame.
On affected vehicles, the subwoofer wire sits where cargo in the trunk can hit or move it toward the frame. When the wire touches the metal frame, it can create an intermittent electrical short. The amplifier does not have enough protection from that short, so the audio amplifier can be damaged and the subwoofer can overheat.
The warning sign is a crackling noise from the audio system when the short occurs. Turning off the audio system prevents this defect from occurring until the recall repair is completed.
Who's affected?
| 2015 Subaru Wrx | wiring |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 9,178 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 2 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific sedan.
What's the safety risk?
An electrical short can damage the subwoofer amplifier and overheat the subwoofer, increasing the risk of a fire. Crackling from the subwoofer is the warning sign; turn off the audio system and contact a Subaru dealer for recall guidance. Repair will be free at any franchised Subaru dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015 Subaru Wrx is included in this recall.
- Wait for Subaru's repair instructions before scheduling dealer work.
- Keep trunk items away from the factory subwoofer wiring until the inspection and retainer-clip repair is complete.
- Contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783 with questions and reference recall number 17V625 (Subaru recall WTQ-76).
What happens at the repair
Subaru lists this remedy as still under development, so the final dealer repair is free once available. At the dealer, a Subaru technician will inspect the subwoofer wire in the trunk, install a wire retainer clip, and replace the subwoofer if the inspection shows it is needed. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Subaru has a general reimbursement plan on file. If you already paid for a related subwoofer wiring or subwoofer repair, contact Subaru customer service and ask how to submit repair documentation under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 6, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 9, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| October 9, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 31, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V625?
Recall 17V625 covers 9,178 2015 Subaru Wrx vehicles with the optional factory-installed trunk subwoofer. Items in the trunk can push subwoofer wiring against the metal frame, causing an electrical short that can damage the amplifier and increase fire risk.
What should I do if my 2015 Subaru Wrx is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 17V625. If it is, contact a franchised Subaru dealer and ask for the subwoofer wire inspection, wire retainer clip installation, and subwoofer replacement if needed. Reference Subaru recall WTQ-76 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. Subaru dealers will inspect the subwoofer wire, install a wire retainer clip, and replace the subwoofer if needed free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire from an electrical short in the optional trunk subwoofer wiring. The short can damage the subwoofer amplifier and overheat the subwoofer. Keep loose trunk items away from the subwoofer area until a Subaru dealer completes the recall repair.
What if I bought my Subaru Wrx used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2015 Subaru Wrx is included, then call a franchised Subaru dealer or Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783 with recall WTQ-76.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V625000 |
|---|---|
| Subaru customer service | 1-800-782-2783 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V625 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V625000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →