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, Apr 2, 2022
We have had to replace the battery on our Outback 4 times in 5 years. We have been told that we have so many Bells & Whistles on the Outback that frequently having to replace the battery is a common occurring problem..... The battery just dies with warning. I have been told by the Service Department that they have checked the system and that there is NOTHING wrong with the car. My daughter saw the recalls and problem list online and this is why I am lodging my complaint so others will be aware. This is the 3rd Subaru we have owned and this has never occurred with the two Foresters we owned.This is a SAFETY concern as the battery just dies without warning....anywhere, any time....
Electrical system, Mar 11, 2022
I have a 2017 Subaru Outback that has constant dead battery problems. I have purchased 5 batteries, the last one a month ago and today the car would not start again. Jumped it, drove it 30 min., and now it starts but don’t trust it to start tomorrow morning.
Electrical system, Structure, Mar 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the battery drained without warning. Additionally, the liftgate would inadvertently open. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that a battery replacement was needed. An electronic update was completed. The battery had been replaced three times. The manufacturer was contacted but no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 35,000.
Electrical system, Mar 10, 2022
We purchased a new battery on 12/21/21. During the latter part of February thru March 9, 2022 we have kept the car in our garage and twice during this time frame the battery was completely dead. Requiring us to put battery charger on battery, charging for period of time in order to start car. We have had battery tested at service center where battery was purchased and they say there is nothing wrong with the battery and have refused to replace it. We have seen where other Subaru Outback owners have experienced similar problems. There must be some type of electrical issue with these vehicles that causes a drain on the batteries. This appears to be a problem that should be investigated on these vehicles. We should not be stranded knowing car has a brand new battery!
Electrical system, Mar 9, 2022
Have replaced the battery on three different occasions in our vehicle. Research shows that Subaru knows that this is an issue for 2015 to 2020 Subaru Outbacks and there is a class action lawsuit regarding this battery drain issue. The defect is called a CAN (controller area network) issue that drains the battery. Reading postings on the internet, numerous individuals who own Subarus with this issue have been stranded. There needs to be a recall regarding this issue that Subaru is well aware.
Electrical system, Mar 8, 2022
Vehicle battery drains intermittently for no reason. Subaru claims nothing is wrong but replaced the battery. The problem has not changed.
Electrical system, Mar 6, 2022
Battery drains too quickly. Lots of corrosion on battery terminals. Corrosion builds up over very short period of time. Risk of car not starting when needed. No warning lamps, or messages have come up. Battery problem could be related to other electronic issues like automatic windows, and cabin lights problems.
Electrical system, Mar 2, 2022
drove car to appointment, when tried to start just a few minutes later, vehicle was unresponsive anything electtrical would not work, had to be jumped off
Electrical system, Mar 1, 2022
I have been impacted by the issue with Subaru batteries. They drain when the car is not running and cause the vehicle to not start. I have replaced my battery multiple times now. This is a known issue with Subaru vehicles and is also the subject of a class action lawsuit against Subaru of North America.
Electrical system, Feb 20, 2022
the car battery gets completely drained after up to 24 hours of non use. this has happened repeatedly over the last couple months. replaced the battery and the same issue occurs with the new battery, completely drained after less then 2 days of not being used.
Electrical system, Feb 18, 2022
After replacing my battery today, I am on the third battery in 4 years. There is an apparent problem with parasitic battery drain with this vintage Outback. My car died at a gas station after getting gas. I work in an area with no cell coverage, so had this happened at work, I could have been remotely stranded. I had a local service center (not the dealer) confirm the battery drain. I had no warning message indicating an impending failure, but research shows that this is a known issue. I have contacted Subaru USA regarding potential software updates and/or component replacement and am awaiting their reply.
Electrical system, Feb 16, 2022
I am now on my SIXTH battery in my 2017 Subaru Outback, having had to replace it 5 times in the last 2 years. For a car that has less than 30,000 miles, is maintenanced regularly, taken care of and driven well, this is absurd. The dealership has acknowledged that there was a technical issue that was making the battery drain quickly, but even after reprogramming, the NEW battery still died a few months later. My research indicates there is a widely known issue with battery drainage on this model of car, and yet Subaru of America refuses to admit this or make it right, other than continuing to replace the battery again and again. I have been stuck in parking lots and away from my home, with two very small children, several times now and I worry about our safety as this continues to happen again and again.
Electrical system, Feb 14, 2022
Battery drains very fast. Sometimes the electrical system won't work properly; the trunk gate won't open, the auto up and down on the drivers side window controls may or may not work. There doesn't seem to be any pattern to this. There are no notifications that say there are any problems. Will have to replace battery soon.
Electrical system, Feb 5, 2022
The battery has started draining while sitting in a garage overnight. I had the battery replaced on 01/27/2022 at a reputable repair shop since the 2 year old battery was dead. This is the 3rd battery placed in this vehicle since I purchased it new in August, 2017. The charging and electrical system were checked every time and found to be working OK. The new battery drains overnight while the vehicle is sitting in a garage. I have placed a trickle charger to maintain the battery. However, I removed the charger and monitoring the voltage with the vehicle just sitting in the garage I see the voltage steadily dropping. Measurements as follows: Immediately after driving over 50 miles (11:25 AM)- 13.30 volts (13:20 PM) - 13.20 volts (16:00 PM) - 12.84 volts (18:00 PM) - 12.74 volts (20:00 OM) - 12.64 volts (05:30 AM) - 12.25 volts I have verified that there are no lights left on and everything is turned off while parked in a garage.
Electrical system, Jan 30, 2022
The battery drained suddenly and unexpectedly overnight. The last it was driven was during the day and I'm certain that no lights had been left on. This easily could have stranded me somewhere unsafe if the drain had not happened at home.
Electrical system, Jan 29, 2022
The battery drains prematurely due to defective electrical system.
Electrical system, Jan 24, 2022
The contact's friend owns a 2017 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the battery failed to retain the charge. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the dealer replaced the battery. The dealer informed the contact that she needed to drive the vehicle more frequently to keep the battery charged. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.
Electrical system, Jan 24, 2022
Vehicle battery has failed for second time. Failure of battery to function and operate properly is a safety risk to the driver and other passengers in the vehicle for a number of reasons other Subaru owners have detailed in their vehicle complaints forms previously submitted. Original battery was replaced on 2 November 2020 under Subaru warranty. New battery has now failed on 22 January 2022, resulting in additional cost to owner to pay for towing service to transport vehicle to dealership for diagnosis and repair/replacement.
Electrical system, Jan 21, 2022
The battery in the vehicle completely drains if the vehicle is not started every day and run/driven for a period of time. I called the dealer where it was bought new by me and they told me it was a common thing that happens and just to make sure the interior lights went dark when the vehicle is parked. To me, that was a lame way to blow me off. I have talked to others that own these same vehicles and they have the battery drain issues as well. Being retired and owning 2 other vehicles, I do not drive the Subaru every day. On an average I have to jump start the vehicle at least twice a week. This is very discouraging to me since I paid so much for this car.
Electrical system, Jan 19, 2022
The battery is continually draining and requires the car to be jump started. This has been happening for the couple of years.
Electrical system, Structure, Jan 17, 2022
Car back door won't open, despite 3 new batteries. Remained locked so that couldn't remove equipment from back--Dangerous. Have been through 3 batteries in 26,000 miles....all that the car has been driven since it's purchase, new, in 2017.
Electrical system, Jan 16, 2022
Underlying and undiagnosed electrical issue is placing excessive load on battery to a point where battery can't recover. Have had issues on shorter drives and long drives. We are currently on 4 battery replacements in less than 18 month period. After a quick Google search is a common issue among other Outbacknowners. Best guess is something with a faulty design on alternator and/or electrical system which pulls power accelerating battery decay. Have taken to Subaru several times and they just say it is normal. This is not normal and very dangerous. We have been stranded several times. One time after a 7 hour drive on the other side of state (vacation).
Electrical system, Jan 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start. The contact stated that the battery in the vehicle had been replaced three times. The contact stated that two batteries were replaced in one week and the last battery was replaced a week ago. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer however, the contact had spoken to a local dealer who suggested that the battery be replaced. The battery was replaced however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Electrical system, Jan 8, 2022
The battery drains after not using the vehicle for 48hrs+. We've replaced the battery 3 times and have had to jump start the vehicle more than 10 times in the last 18mos. This causes a safety concern as there have been times where the vehicle wouldn't start in unsafe areas and late at night not to mention a major hassle to get transportation while stranded in the middle of an airport parking lot at night. This is happening temperature independent, cold and warm (60F+) with the only factor being if the car site for more than 2 days.
Electrical system, Jan 2, 2022
The battery in this vehicle consistently drains to the point it cannot start the car. It happened with the OME battery and all subsequent replacements. I reported it originally to Subaru on the date below but it has continued to happen and I have had to buy a portable charger along with new batteries to work around the issue. Leaving a door open for 15 mins or radio on for 4 mins without the engine running can be enough to cause the car needing a jump start to operate. Leaving an interior light on will also drain the battery but am less sure how long that needs to happen. I had been searching forms for a solution and saw I should report it here. This doesn't happen in my 2007 sedan so can't imagine this should be happening on this 2017 outback. I am also surprised the company has not addressed a fix for the issue, so much for buying another one. Thank you.