# 2017 Subaru Impreza Burning Oil Fix

> ClearTheCode — Discover the 2017 Subaru Impreza burning oil fix. Learn common causes, symptoms, and step-by-step diagnostics to resolve excessive oil consumption.

Source: https://clearthecode.com/articles/excessive-engine-oil-consumption-subaru-impreza-2017
Author: ClearTheCode

# 2017 Subaru Impreza Burning Oil Fix

Experiencing a noticeable drop in your oil level between scheduled oil changes in your 2017 Subaru Impreza? You're not alone. Many owners of this generation Impreza have reported excessive engine oil consumption, leading to frequent top-offs and concerns about engine longevity. This article will guide you through understanding, diagnosing, and finding a reliable 2017 Subaru Impreza burning oil fix, helping you address this common issue head-on.

## What drivers notice on this 2017 Subaru Impreza

Drivers of the 2017 Subaru Impreza often first notice the low oil warning light illuminating on their dashboard much sooner than expected after an oil change. Beyond the dashboard warning, common observations include:

-   **Frequent oil top-offs:** Needing to add a quart or more of oil every 1,000 to 3,000 miles.
-   **Blue smoke from the exhaust:** Especially noticeable during cold starts, acceleration, or deceleration.
-   **Unusual engine noises:** A ticking or knocking sound that might indicate insufficient lubrication.
-   **Reduced fuel economy:** The engine working harder due to improper lubrication or carbon buildup.
-   **Oil residue on spark plugs:** When inspecting or replacing spark plugs, they may appear fouled with oil.

## At a glance: difficulty, repair cost, and diagnostic workflow

- **Difficulty Rating:** 6/10 — Easy to moderate
- **Common Symptoms:** Visible blue or grey smoke exiting the tailpipe, especially under load or during engine braking.; A distinct burning oil smell inside or outside the vehicle.; Carbon buildup on the exhaust tips.; Engine misfires or rough idle, potentially triggering a 'Check Engine' light (though less common for oil consumption alo
- **Estimated Repair Cost:** $100–$800 (parts + typical shop labor)
- **OEM Tooling Required:** Standard OBD-II scanner and hand tools

**Diagnostic workflow:**
1. Confirm the symptom on your vehicle.
2. Scan for stored or pending codes with an OBD-II tool.
3. Inspect the most common causes in this guide (visual checks first).
4. Run verification tests before replacing parts.
5. Repair, clear codes, and verify on a test drive.

## What is different on this year and model

The 2017 Subaru Impreza, equipped with the FB20D direct-injection engine, falls within a range of Subaru vehicles that have faced scrutiny for excessive oil consumption. This issue is primarily linked to the design of the piston rings, which, in some cases, do not adequately scrape oil from the cylinder walls, leading to it being burned during combustion. While Subaru has made revisions to these components in later models, the 2017 Impreza can still exhibit this characteristic, making it a specific concern for owners of this particular model year and engine combination. Addressing this often requires a more in-depth diagnosis than just checking for external leaks.

## Symptoms and warning signs

Beyond the primary symptom of needing to add oil regularly, keep an eye out for these additional indicators that your 2017 Subaru Impreza is consuming excessive oil:

-   **Visible blue or grey smoke** exiting the tailpipe, especially under load or during engine braking.
-   **A distinct burning oil smell** inside or outside the vehicle.
-   **Carbon buildup** on the exhaust tips.
-   **Engine misfires** or rough idle, potentially triggering a 'Check Engine' light (though less common for oil consumption alone).
-   **Oil stains** on your driveway (if combined with external leaks).

## How to verify and confirm the issue

Confirming excessive oil consumption in your 2017 Subaru Impreza involves a systematic approach:

-   **Perform a controlled oil consumption test:**
    -   Change the oil and filter, ensuring the oil level is exactly at the full mark.
    -   Note the mileage.
    -   Drive normally for 1,000-1,200 miles.
    -   Recheck the oil level on a flat surface after the engine has cooled for at least 15 minutes. Document the amount of oil needed to bring it back to the full mark.
    -   Repeat this process over several intervals to establish a consistent consumption rate.
-   **Visual inspection for external leaks:** Check the oil pan, valve covers, front and rear main seals, and oil filter housing for any signs of oil seepage. Even small leaks can contribute to perceived consumption.
-   **Inspect spark plugs:** Remove spark plugs and check for oil fouling, which appears as a black, oily residue on the electrodes. This is a strong indicator of oil burning within the combustion chambers.
-   **Compression and leak-down test:** A qualified technician can perform these tests to assess the integrity of the piston rings and valve seals. Low compression or high leak-down percentages can pinpoint internal engine wear.
-   **PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) system check:** Ensure the PCV valve is not clogged or stuck open, as a malfunctioning PCV system can contribute to oil consumption.

## Common causes (most likely first)

For the 2017 Subaru Impreza, the primary causes of excessive oil consumption generally fall into these categories:

-   **Worn or improperly designed piston rings:** This is the most frequently cited cause for the FB-series engines of this era. The oil control rings may not be effectively scraping oil from the cylinder walls, leading to oil burning.
-   **Worn valve stem seals:** Over time, these seals can harden or wear out, allowing oil to seep past the valve stems into the combustion chamber.
-   **PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) system issues:** A clogged or faulty PCV valve can lead to excessive crankcase pressure, which can force oil past seals and rings.
-   **External oil leaks:** While not

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## Related pages
- All repair guides
- [Browse vehicles](/vehicles)
- [Browse OBD-II codes](/codes)
- [Subaru vehicle hub](/vehicles/subaru)
- [Impreza model hub](/vehicles/subaru/impreza)

## Frequently asked questions

### How urgent is this problem?
If symptoms are worsening or safety systems are affected, diagnose soon; minor issues can often wait for a scheduled service visit.

### Can I drive with this issue?
Short trips may be acceptable for some faults, but stop driving if you notice overheating, loss of braking, steering problems, or strong fuel smells.

### Do I need a dealer scan tool?
A basic OBD-II scanner helps confirm codes; some steps still need visual checks and meter tests described above.

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- [Browse OBD-II codes](/codes)
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