2017 Subaru Outback
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 917 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 2nd highest complaint count among 26 Outback model years with reports.
Of the 2017 reports, 32 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 25 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, air bag/restraint control moduleDec 19, 2019
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Outback vehicles. A replacement air bag control module may have been installed that is not compatible with the passenger air bag module, possibly affecting air bag deployment.
In the event of a crash necessitating passenger frontal air bag deployment, the air bag may not deploy properly, increasing the risk of injury.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag module, free of charge. The recall began February 3, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUX-09.
Campaign 19V910000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, columnOct 6, 2016
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured September 21, 2016, to September 23, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the knee guard bracket may not be properly attached to the steering beam assembly.
If the knee guard is not properly attached and the driver is not wearing a seatbelt, the knee guard may not be able to properly restrain the driver's lower body in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the knee guard welding on each vehicle's steering beam, replacing the beam as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 14, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTL-72.
Campaign 16V716000 on NHTSA.gov
SuspensionAug 3, 2016
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2017 Outback vehicles manufactured June 20, 2016, to June 23, 2016. The affected vehicles may have improperly tightened attaching bolts for the front left and right brake calipers, wheel hubs, and the right stabilizer clamp.
If any of the front brake caliper, wheel hub or stabilizer clamp attaching bolts loosen or detach, the related components would also become loose and may detach possibly making the vehicle unstable and reducing the braking capability. These conditions would increase the risk of a crash.
Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the bolts for proper torque, and replace any loose bolts, free of charge. The recall began on August 8, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTE-66.
Campaign 16V576000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, columnDo not drive until repairedMay 11, 2016
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured February 29, 2016, to May 6, 2016. The steering column on the affected vehicles may have been improperly machined, and as a result, turning the steering wheel may have no effect on the direction of the wheels.
The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lot number on the steering column, replacing the steering column, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783 or by visiting http://www.wtd65.service-campaign.com. Subaru's number for this recall is WTD-65. Note: Until the vehicles have been inspected, owners are advised not to drive their vehicles.
Campaign 16V292000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
391 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, May 9, 2020
VEHICLE BOUGHT IN 2017. IN 2018, BATTERY DRAINED THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS: TWICE, I HAD TO CALL ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE; THIRD TIME, ANOTHER PERSON HELPED ME START MY CAR. I HAPPENED ON 9/30/18, AFTER PARKING OUTSIDE AN ANIMAL HOSPITAL. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO GET IT CHECKED AND I WAS EXPLAINED THAT THE BATTERY DOESN'T CHARGE ENOUGH DURING SHORT TRIPS. I OPTED TO BUY A CAR STARTER PORTABLE BATTERY, GIVEN THE FREQUENCY AND INCONVENIENCE OF GETTING STUCK IN PLACES. I ORDERED IT ON OCTOBER, 2018. I DON'T RECALL HOW MANY TIMES I USED THE CAR STARTER KIT IN 2019. HOWEVER, IN 2020, IT HAS BEEN ALREADY 4 TIMES I'VE HAD TO USE IT TO START MY CAR: ONCE ON 04/04/2020 AND SINCE THEN, OTHER THREE TIMES. ONCE AFTER BEING PARKED FOR A FEW DAYS, AND TODAY, 05/09/20, TWICE: AFTER STOPPING, WAITING TO DRIVE INTO A FERRY, AND THEN, TO START THE CAR TO LEAVE THE FERRY. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 28, 2020
TWICE OVER TWO WEEKS, THE CAR'S BATTERY WAS DISCHARGED ENOUGH TO THE POINT THAT IT REQUIRED A JUMP START. THE FIRST TIME (0411/2020) WAS AFTER A 30 MINUTE CAR RIDE, IT FAILED TO START ON ITS OWN. THE SECOND TIME (04/25/2020) IT SAT OVERNIGHT IN THE GARAGE AND FAILED TO START. BOTH OCCURRENCES REQUIRED THE VEHICLE TO BE JUMP-STARTED
Electrical system, Apr 28, 2020
THE IGNITION KEY GETS STUCK IN THE IGNITION. CAN NOT GET OUT HAS HAPPEN ON MANY CARS MINE AND MINE DAUGHTERS. SUBARU HAS ISSUED SUBARU SERVICE BULLETIN 16-112-18R AND REPLACE THE FAULTY PART BUT WANT HUNDREDS TO DO THIS. THIS HAPPENS A LOT, AND WILL GET WORSE TILL I AM FORCED TO PAY.
Electrical system, Apr 27, 2020
MULTIPLE EPISODES OF BATTERY DRAINING FOR NO APPARENT REASON.
Electrical system, Apr 27, 2020
BATTERY FLAT TWICE OVERNIGHT TWO DAYS IN A ROW DESPITE DEALER CHECKING OUT ISSUE AND TELLING ME BATTERY WAS FINE. FINALLY REPLACED BATTERY. NOW LEARN THAT THERE IS ONGOING ISSUE.
Electrical system, Apr 26, 2020
BATTERY DRAINS PREMATURELY. PURCHASED NEW IN DECEMBER 2017. PRIMARY USE IS SHORT-TRIP-DRIVING TO/FROM WORK. CAR FAILED TO START IN NOVEMBER 2019. CHARGED BATTERY AND TOOK IN FOR SERVICE. BATTERY REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. PROBLEM REPEATED IN APRIL 2020.
Electrical system, Apr 26, 2020
MY CAR IS A 2017 SUBARU OUTBACK. SINCE I'VE HAD IT X 3 YEARS,, THE BATTERY HAS DRAINED ABNORMALLY THREE TIMES AND I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE BATTERY 3 TIMES. I'M NOT LEAVING IT ON AND DEFINITELY NOT LEAVING ANY LIGHTS ON ACCIDENTALLY. I ONLY HAVE 23,000 MILES ON IT. BATTERY MANUFACTURER STATES MY BATTERY SHOULD BE GOOD FOR AT LEAST 5 YEARS, ESPECIALLY AT THE AMOUNT I'M DRIVING PER YEAR. SO EACH INCIDENT OCCURS WHEN I TRY TO START MY CAR AND IT DOESN'T TURN ON. THE CAR IS STATIONARY AND NOT INVOLVED IN ANY ACCIDENTS. IT WAS PARKED EACH TIME THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED BUT THIS SITUATION MUST BE SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS IN THE CAR. IT MAKES THE CAR UNRELIABLE. I'M USUALLY STUCK IN A PARKING GARAGE AT WORK OR HOME AND LAST TIME WAS ON THE STREET AND HAD TO GET A TOW TO THE MECHANIC.
Electrical system, Apr 25, 2020
BATTERY APPEAR TO BE PREMATURELY DEAD, I HAD TO CALL THE SUBARU FOR A JUMPSTART
Electrical system, Apr 25, 2020
BATTERY FAILURE- TOTAL DISCHARGE- 2 TIMES
Electrical system, Apr 24, 2020
WITH CAR IN PARK, CAN'T REMOVE MY KEY FROM IGNITION. INTERMITTENT ISSUE
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Mar 23, 2020
MY 2017 SUBARU OUTBACK HAS PARASITIC BATTERY DRAIN THAT KILLS THE BATTERY. THE CAR WON'T START MAKING THE VEHICLE UNRELIABLE. THIS IS A ROUTINE ISSUE WITH SUBARU AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED.
Electrical system, Feb 11, 2020
2017 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE DASH DISPLAY NIGHT HAZARD. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRIGHT DAYTIME LIGHT WAS INADVERTENTLY ACTIVATED THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHT AT NIGHT AND BLINDED THE DRIVER NEARLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. THE DEALER SUGGESTED DIMMING THE LIGHT. *JS
Electrical system, Jan 4, 2020
WHEN YOU HIT THE BUTTON TO RELEASE THE REAR HATCH IT DOES NOT OPEN ALL THE TIME. YOU GET THREE BEEPS AND THE HATCH DOES NOT OPEN. IF YOU USE THE KEY FOB AND ATTEMPTS TO OPEN THE REAR HATCH IS THE SAME THING THREE BEEPS AND DOES NOT OPEN. THE ONLY WAY TO GET IT OPEN IS TO DISCONNECT BATTERY CABLE WAIT A MINUTE RECONNECT CABLE THEN HIT THE BUTTON THEN REAR POWER HATCH OPENS. THIS IS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMESI TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER WANTS TO GET IT LOOKED AT THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE ISSUE. SAME ISSUE HAPPENED AGAIN TODAY. SIDENOTE WHEN I ENTER MY PIN IT COMES UP ON YOUR SITE IS A 2017 MY SUBARU FORRESTER SPORT IS A 2019
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Visibility/wiper, Dec 6, 2019
WINDSHIELD CRACKS AND INSTANTLY SPREAD WITH MINIMAL IMPACT DISABLING CAR SPEED CONTROL AND SAFETY SYSTEMS SUCH AS PRE-COLLISION BRAKING AND LANE KEEP ASSIST.
Electrical system, Nov 2, 2019
KEY HAS BEGUN TO GET STUCK IN IGNITION EACH TIME I SHIFT INTO PARK AND SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. ONE HAS TO REPEATEDLY SLAM THE GEAR SHIFT INTO PARK FOR THE IGNITION SWITCH TO RECOGNIZE THE CAR IS INDEED IN "PARK" AND RELEASE THE KEY. COULD CREATE AN ISSUE FOR ANYONE WITHOUT THE PHYSICAL STRENGTH TO "SLAM" THE GEAR SHIFT INTO "PARK" OR SOMEONE WHO NEEDS TO QUICKLY EXIT THEIR VEHICLE AND GET INTO THEIR LOCKED HOUSE OR BUILDING. HOUSE KEYS ARE ALWAYS ATTACHED TO CAR KEYS, WHICH ARE INEVITABLY STUCK IN THE IGNITION. A SEARCH OF ONLINE FORUMS SHOWS THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE THAT SUBARU HAS NOT MADE GOOD ON AND DEALERS ARE CHARGING OWNERS UPWARDS OF $600 TO REPAIR.
Electrical system, Oct 9, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE, BUT THE KEY COULD NOT BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED FOR APPROXIMATELY TWO WEEKS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,700.
Electrical system, Oct 7, 2019
AFTER STOPPING VEHICLE AND PUTTING IT IN PARK, KEY WILL NOT RETURN TO START AND IS STUCK IN IGNITION.
Power train, Electrical system, Oct 6, 2019
THE KEYS COULD NOT BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION AFTER SHIFTING THE CAR INTO PARK AND TURNING THE CAR OFF. THE PROBLEM FIRST APPEARED AROUND SEPTEMBER 2019 (APPROXIMATELY 42,000 MILES). OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS THE PROBLEM PROGRESSIVELY GOT WORSE, AND REQUIRED SHIFTING FROM NEUTRAL TO PARK MULTIPLE TIMES UNTIL THE KEYS COULD BE REMOVED. THE SELECT LEVER ASSEMBLY (PART 35111AL00B) WAS REPLACED WITH THE NEWER VERSION (PART 35111AL00C) WHICH FIXED THE ISSUE. THE ORIGINAL SELECT LEVER ASSEMBLY (35111AL00B) WAS TESTED AND IT HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE "P" RANGE SWITCH. RESISTANCE ACROSS SELECT LEVER ASSEMBLY PINS 1 AND 2 SHOWED A RESISTANCE OF 2-3 OHMS WHEN THE SELECT LEVER WAS IN THE PARK POSITION. THE SERVICE MANUAL STATES THAT THE "P" RANGE SWITCH RESISTANCE SHOULD BE LESS THAN 1 OHM WHEN IN THE PARK POSITION. THIS HIGH RESISTANCE LIKELY CAUSED THE IGNITION TO FAIL TO RECOGNIZE THAT THE CAR WAS IN PARK AND PREVENTED THE KEYS FROM BEING REMOVED.
Electrical system, Sep 18, 2019
CAN NOT REMOVE KEY AFTER TURNING CAR OFF. VEHICLE IS STATIONARY, IN PARK AND ENGINE OFF WHEN THIS OCCURS. KEY STAYS IN COLUMN. SLAMMING SHIFT LEVER A FEW TIMES SOMETIMES FREES IT UP. SUBARU CLAIMS IT'S NOT A RECALL ISSUE. BEEN HAPPENING EACH DAY THE LAST WEEK.
Electrical system, Sep 11, 2019
BATTERY DEAD SEVERAL TIMES. HAVE HAD TO HAVE IT JUMPED SIX TIMES. BATTERY REPLACED BY DEALER ONCE. I NOTE THAT MANY SUBARU OWNERS HAVE SIMILAR PROBLEM.
Electrical system, Aug 28, 2019
MY VEHICLE, WHILE STATIONARY WITHOUT ANYTHING PLUGGED IN OR RUNNING (I.E. AC), HAS THE BATTERY DIE. THE VEHICLE IS A 2018, AND THIS HAPPENED 08/24/2019. I BELIEVE A BATTERY TO BE A MAINTENANCE ITEM, BUT BEING LESS THEN 2 YEARS OLD UNDER 'NORMAL' USE IS CONTRARY TO INDUSTRY OR MANUFACTURER STANDARDS, WHICH I BELIEVE THE UNEXPECTED TIMING AND NATURE CREATES A SAFETY ISSUE. I REPLACED THE BATTERY, AND FOUND THIS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH SUBARU'S; HOWEVER, NEVER RECEIVED ANY ADVISEMENT OR NOTIFICATION FROM THE COMPANY.
Electrical system, Aug 13, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION, THE KEY FAILED TO EJECT FROM THE IGNITION WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT CALLED GANLEY SUBARU OF BEDFORD (123 BROADWAY AVE, BEDFORD, OH 44146, (440) 439-3444) FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 146834249388. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 45,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jul 31, 2019
CANNOT REMOVE KEY FROM IGNITION WHEN IN PARK. MANY OTHERS HAVE REPORTED THIS ONLINE, AND THE DEALERSHIP IS CHARGING ME TO CHECK WHAT THE ISSUE IS. WHEN IN PARK, STEERING WHEEL IS STRAIGHT, NOT ON A SLOPE, THE KEY IS STUCK IN THE IGNITION. CAN TURN IT OFF, BUT CAN'T REMOVE THE KEY. SOMETIMES JIGGLING, SOMETIMES STARTING AND TURNING BACK OFF, AND SOMETIMES STARTING, PUTTING IN DRIVE, AND SLAMMING THE SHIFTER INTO PARK AGAIN SOLVES THE ISSUE, BUT SOMETIMES NOT. SPENT OVER 20 MINUTES TODAY TRYING TO GET IT OUT, DROVE TO THE DEALER, AND IT CAME OUT WITHOUT AN ISSUE. NO CONSISTENCY TO THE ISSUE.
Electrical system, Jun 17, 2019
THE ATTACHED INVOICES ARE A RESULT OF NUMEROUS ELECTRICAL ISSUES THAT I HAVE EXPERIENCED SINCE OWNING THE OUTBACK. EACH TIME I WOULD GO FOR SERVICE WITH KEY FOBS NOT WORKING THE EMPLOYEES WERE SO RUDE AND SPENT ALL THEIR TIME MAKING ME FEEL LIKE AN IDIOT INSTEAD OF TRYING TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. I HAVE LEFT IN TEARS MANY TIMES. THE RADIO AND BLUETOOTH WERE NOT WORKING RIGHT FROM DAY ONE. WHEN I COMPLAINED TO GRAYSON IN KNOXVILLE HE DIALED A LOCAL NUMBER IN KNOXVILLE AND SAID "NOTHING WRONG" WITH THE TELEPHONE SYSTEM I STILL STRUGGLE WITH CALLS THRU THE BLUETOOTH. EARL DUFF IN HARRIMAN HAS BEEN THE MOST CONSIDERATE OF ALL THE OTHERS. HOWEVER, I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT AT 58,000 MILES, THE PASSENGER AIRBAG IS OUT OF COMMISSION. RIGHT NOW I AM DRIVING WITH EVERY ONE OF THE DIGITAL INDICATORS ON. CANNOT USE CRUISE CONTROL. THE REAR HATCH ONLY RAISES ABT 1/4 OF THE HIGHTH THAT IT SHOULD. I HAVE HEARD SO MANY GOOD THINGS ABOUT A SUBARU AND HAD TO HAVE ONE. I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUR DISAPPOINTMENT FROM THE MENTIONED DEALERS. RIGHT NOW THE CAR IS PARKED IN THE GARAGE. IT STILL RUNS BUT WHO KNOWS WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHILE I AM DRIVING.
Electrical system, Jun 15, 2019
CAR DOES NOT START BAD BATTERY