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: other or unspecified
177 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Jul 6, 2017
FRONT DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER DOORS DO NOT LOCK AUTOMATICALLY AND REMAIN UNLOCK WHEN SHIFT IN DRIVE WHEN CAR IS STATIONARY AND ALSO WHEN CARE IN MOTION. NO VOICE, LIGHT OR ANY ALERTS THAT ALERT THE DRIVER TO LOCK THE DOORS MANUALLY EVERY TIME YOU DRIVE THE CAR. THIS A SAFETY ISSUE AS IF YOU FORGET TO LOCK THE DOORS MANUALLY AND BY ANY CHANCE SNAPS ON THE DOOR HANDLE, CAR DOOR WILL OPEN AND FATALITIES CAN OCCUR. SPOKE WITH SERVICE ADVISOR AT MY SUBARU DEALER AND HE STATED THAT THIS ISSUE IS REAL AND THERE IS NO WAY TO PROGRAM THE VEHICLE TO LOCK THE FRONT DOORS AUTOMATICALLY WHEN IT IS IN DRIVE OR AT CERTAIN SPEED. I AM NOT AWARE OF ANY OTHER CARS THAT HAVE SAME ISSUE, EVEN OLDER CARS 10 PLUS YEARS OLD CARS HAS THIS SAFETY FEATURE AS STANDARD. THIS ISSUE IS NOT MENTIONED ANYWHERE IN THE VEHICLE MANUAL AND SALES PERSONS DO NOT TALK ABOUT. IN MY OPINION THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND A KEY FACTOR WHEN CHOOSING TO BUY SUBARU OUTBACK.
Other or unspecified, Mar 10, 2017
I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO PURCHASE A NEW SUBARU OUTBACK, BUT THE FORWARD JUTTING HEADRESTS ("HEAD-RESTRAINING SYSTEM") IS WAY TOO UNCOMFORTABLE. WE ARE LEARNING ALL NEWER VEHICLES SEEM TO HAVE THESE REMARKABLY UNCOMFORTABLE AND POSTURE DAMAGING FORWARD TILTS DUE TO YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS/REQUIREMENTS. PLEASE RE-THINK YOUR CURRENT RECOMMENDATIONS AND DESIGN RECOMMENDED HEADRESTS WHICH ARE SAFE AND DO NOT SACRIFICE POSTURE AND COMFORT. YOUR CURRENT RECOMMENDATIONS ARE CERTAINLY LEADING TO WORSENING ARTHITIC SYMPTOMS AND PAIN FOR PEOPLE SUCH AS ME AND MAY BE CONTRIBUTING TO THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC.