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, Jun 8, 2021
I am the original owner of a 2017 Subaru Outback Limited. There is an undiagnosed drain on the electrical system that causes the car not to start. The first time I replaced the battery, but two months later the car wouldn't start after being left in the garage over the weekend. I had to call AAA to jump the car. The Subaru dealership couldn't find any issues with the electrical system or the battery. A month later, I drove it to work and the car wouldn't start when I got in it to go home and had to be jumped to start. About three weeks later we made a six-hour road trip, parked the car at the hotel and not only would it not start in the morning, it was so dead that the back hatch wouldn't open so I could get the jumper cables out of the spare tire compartment. Fortunately a good samaritan in the parking lot had cables and jump started the car. If I park the car Friday night and don't drive it Saturday it won't start Sunday. I had to buy a battery charger for the garage so that I can jump it if it won't start. When I know I am not going to drive for more than a day, I now disconnect the battery cables so it will start when I drive it next. Ridiculous for a four year-old car with 63,000 miles.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 1, 2021
I have had multiple issues over the years with the battery 2017 Subaru Outback keeping a charge and I have required a jump multiple times. My latest issue is over the last 3-4 months I have required a jump and while researching the issue, I came across Chimicles action lawsuit for the same problem I've been having. Please include my information in any database where information is being collected. Feel free to reach out to me if more information is needed.
Electrical system, May 28, 2021
Vehicle’s battery keeps draining unexpectedly. Vehicle takes multiple attempts to start in heat, battery has been replaced by Subaru certified dealer after inspection and is still occurring. Vehicle has only been in my possession for a month and a half. No warning lamps. There are MULTIPLE dates for this occurrence.
Steering, Electrical system, May 25, 2021
After the transmission is in park and the key is turned to turn-off the engine, the key will not advance to the "LOCKED" position and cannot be removed. Also, the steering wheel does not lock. This apparently can be remedied by repeatedly shifting from drive to park forcefully. Also, disconnecting the car battery seems to allow turning the key to "LOCKED."
Electrical system, May 24, 2021
Battery losing power. Bought new battery in 5/2020, recharged in 1/2021 and again in 5/2021. AutoZone has stated it's a good battery, but is being drained by something. No lights have been or other known things left on after turned off car. The lights do not dim when driving either. I have read a lawsuit has been filed regarding it could be an electrical problem with the Subaru. I have been stranded 3 times with this problem.
Electrical system, May 24, 2021
Ignition key fails to be removed after placing car in park. Key is locked in the ignition column. Steering wheel lock is not the culprit. User must turn key to accessories and continually shift car from drive to park in order for computer to recognize the car is in park to release key.
Electrical system, May 21, 2021
- I have been stranded multiple times waiting on a jump because the battery has drained and died for no apparent reason. - OEM Battery on my 2017 vehicle was replaced under warranty at the end of 2019. At the end of 2020 (one year, and less than 10,000 miles later) I was stranded in a parking lot waiting on a jump after sitting in the car with the radio on for 45 minutes. I took the car to an auto parts store for testing and it "failed." - In May of 2021 I went to get in the car after 3 days of not driving it and the replacement OEM battery was completely dead. To the point that it wouldn't even unlock the car doors using the key fob.
Electrical system, May 21, 2021
Battery completely drained. Replaced with new compatible battery that drained completely again in two days. Can jump start but otherwise no power to anything (locks, dash, etc). Nothing left on in car to drain battery.
Electrical system, May 19, 2021
subaru battery drain problem for my 2017 outback
Electrical system, May 17, 2021
The battery keeps needing to be replaced. The battery dies in 1.5 years or less . This is not good. The dealer says they gave me a bad battery and the system looks fine, but this has happened twice now, Something is wrong with the system.
Electrical system, May 17, 2021
Car on battery 3... Should not be Problem somewhere
Electrical system, May 17, 2021
Car on battery number 3...should not be. Something wrong.
Electrical system, May 17, 2021
The electrical system regularly drains the battery. I have replacement the factory battery TWICE with an aftermarket high end battery and the issue still occurs. Car will be completely dead.
Electrical system, May 17, 2021
Car will not hold a charge. Have seen dealer and called Subaru of America. Problem remains unresolved.
Electrical system, May 16, 2021
I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE BATTERY TWICE. BATTERY FROM FACTORY HAD A BAD CELL AND IT WASN'T QUITE 2 YEARS OLD. DEALERSHIP REPLACED IT IN MACON, GA. LESS THAN A YEAR I WAS AT A SERVICE PLACE FOR OIL CHANGE. CAR WOULDN'T START AND HAD TO REPLACE BATTERY. DATES: 10/22/18, 7/15/2019
Electrical system, May 16, 2021
PREMATURE BATTERY FAILURE. FOURTH BATTERY REPLACED BY DEALERSHIP 3/21/21 SINCE PURCHASED NEW 9/15/2016
Electrical system, May 15, 2021
VEHICLE SUFFERS FROM UNKNOWN ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS THAT CAUSE FREQUENT BATTERY DRAIN, WITHOUT SOMETHING OBVIOUS LIKE A DOME LIGHT BEING LEFT ON. DESPITE BATTERY REPLACEMENT, DEAD BATTERIES ARE A COMMON PROBLEM LEADING TO NOT BEING ABLE TO START THE CAR IN POTENTIALLY UNSAFE AREAS (OFF HOURS, FAR AWAY FROM ASSISTANCE, ETC). SEEMS LIKE A NEW CAR SHOULDNT HAVE TO REPLACE ITS BATTERY THIS FREQUENTLY.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, May 15, 2021
BATTERY HAS FULLY DRAINED AT LEAST FIVE TIMES. TOOK IT TO DEALER AND THEY FOUND NOTHING. I HAVE PURCHASED A MOBI POWER CELL FOR JUMPING THIS OUTBACK.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, May 15, 2021
REAR BACKUP CAMERA REMAINS ON AFTER SHIFTING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE. SCREEN HAS SEVERE BURN IN WITH Z PATTERN ACROSS ENTIRE DISPLAY. MAKING IT UN-VIEWABLE.
Electrical system, May 15, 2021
BATTERY DRAIN IS UNUSUAL. BATTERY LIFE SHORTENED SEVERELY AS A RESULT
Electrical system, May 15, 2021
I AM ON MY 4TH BATTERY IN 4 YEARS. THE BATTERY GOES DEAD VERY QUICKLY AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT CANT TELL ME WHY. THERE ALSO SEEM TO BE OTHER RANDOM ELECTRICAL ISSUES THAT GO CRAZY AT RANDOM TIMES. THE CRUISE CONTROL WHEN TRYING TO SET THE SPEED HIGHER WILL GO LOWER. THE WINDOWS WILL OCCASIONALLY NOT ROLL ALL THE WAY UP.
Electrical system, May 13, 2021
I BOUGHT MY CAR IN 2016. I HAD A JOB THAT MADE IT NECESSARY TO DRIVE 44 MILES DAILY FIVE DAYS WEEK. NOW I HAVE RETIRED AND DO NOT DRIVE EVERY DAY. MY CAR BATTEY WOULD NOT HOLD A CHARGE. I BOUGHT A NEW ONE, IT CAN'T STAY CHARGED EITHER. SOMETHING IN THE CAR IS DRAINING THE BATTERY. I TURN EVERYTHING OFF AND STILL CANNOT HOLD A CHARGE OVER 1 DAY. THIS IS HAPPENING TO A LOT OF SUBARU OUTBACK OWNERS. YEARS 2017 TO 2020. MY CAR IS A 2017. I HAVE HAD TO BUY A CHARGER AND MUST LEAVE IT ATTACHED TO THE WHENEVER I'M NOT GOING TO DRIVE FOR A DAY OR TWO. I HAVE A $40,000 CAR AND I CANNOT TRUST IT.
Electrical system, May 11, 2021
SOMETIMES THE BATTERY GOES DEAD FOR NO REASON. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES IN THE LAST 2 YEARS, WITH THE MOST RECENT EVENT OCCURRING TODAY (MAY 10, 2021). IT COULD OCCUR AFTER I HAVEN'T DRIVEN IT FOR A DAY OR IN THE MIDST OF A ROAD TRIP AFTER I'VE STOPPED FOR LUNCH AND IT WON'T RESTART. I HAVE REPLACED THE BATTERY 2 TIMES SINCE PURCHASING MY CAR (USED) IN 2019.
Electrical system, May 11, 2021
WE HAVE EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE, ONGOING BATTERY DRAIN INCIDENTS, REPLACING THE BATTERY TWICE IN ONE YEAR (MOST RECENTLY). WE ARE LEFT STRANDED REPEATEDLY AND MUST JUMP THE CAR FOR IT TO START. I UNDERSTAND THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH THIS MODEL AND OTHERS. THE INCIDENTS HAPPEN SEEMINGLY RANDOMLY. IT IS WORKING FINE, THEN YOU GO BACK TO GET IN IT AND IT WON'T START. SOMETIMES, WHEN YOU ARE ATTEMPTING TO START IT, THE BACK HATCH WILL MAKE A SOUND/MOTION. WE HAVE BEEN STRANDED MORE TIMES THAN I CAN COUNT! AFTER 4 YEARS OF THIS, WE ARE BEYOND FRUSTRATED. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE ON THE ROAD BY MYSELF. MOST OWNERS HAVE TAKEN TO KEEPING A BATTERY JUMPER WITH THEM AT ALL TIMES. RIDICULOUS.
Electrical system, May 10, 2021
MY BATTERY HAS SEEMED WEAK FOR OVER A YEAR. ON A ROUTINE SERVICE, I HAD ASKED SUBARU OF SANTA FE TO INSPECT MY BATTERY. IT CHECKED OUT AS GOOD. YET, EVERY TIME I STARTED THE CAR, IT WOULD SEEM LIKE THE STARTER WAS LABORING WITH A DRAINED BATTERY. OF LATE I HAVE HAD TO JUMPSTART THE CAR A FEW TIMES, EVEN. I TOOK IT FOR INSPECTION TODAY TO AUTO ZONE, TO SEE IF I NEEDED A NEW BATTERY. THEY CHECKED IT AND SAID THE BATTERY WAS FINE AND DID NOT NEED REPLACEMENT. I LOOKED UP THE INTERNET TO SEE IF OTHERS HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS. SURE ENOUGH, I DISCOVERED THAT THERE IS A LEGAL SUITE REGARDING AN IDENTICAL ISSUE FOR THE SAME YEAR MSKE AND MODEL CAR AS MINE. THE BATTERY HAS NEVER DIED WHILE THE CAR IS IN OPERATION OR MOVING, BUT ONLY WHEN THE CAR IS STARTED. THIS COULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE IF THE VEHICLE IS STRANDED IN A REMOTE OR UNSAFE LOCATION. TO MY KNOWLEDGE,