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: visibility
233 reports, newest first. Show all
Visibility/wiper, Jan 8, 2021
I GOT IN MY PARKED CAR AND NOTICED A "T" SHAPED CRACK RIGHT IN THE CENTER.
Visibility/wiper, Jan 7, 2021
WINDSHIELD CRACKED FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE LOWER LEFT UP TO THE RIGHT. NO KNOWN IMPACT. DOESN'T LOOK LIKE THERE WAS AN IMPACT FROM THE OUTSIDE.
Structure, Visibility/wiper, Jan 5, 2021
WINDSHIELD IS CRACKING WITHOUT ANY CAUSE. IT CRACKED NEAR THE PASSENGER SIDE WIPER WHILE IT WAS SITTING IN A PARKING GARAGE UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS. I HAD THE WINDSHIELD REPLACED TODAY, WEATHER WAS PERFECT (SUNNY, 65 DEGREES F), AND IT CRACKED AGAIN, WHILE PARKED, ONLY HOURS AFTER THE REPLACEMENT IN ALMOST THE SAME SPOT..
Visibility/wiper, Jan 4, 2021
WAS DRIVING AND HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND THEN NOTICED A CHIP IN MY WINDSHIELD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE
Visibility/wiper, Jan 4, 2021
THERE WAS A HOT DAY AND MY CAR WAS EXPOSED TO THE SUN ON THE PARKING SPOT. WHEN I LEFT MY CAR THERE WAS NO ANY CRACK. WHEN I CAME BACK I FOUND THE CRACK ON THE WINDSHIELD
Visibility/wiper, Jan 2, 2021
WINDSHIELD HAS A CRACK IN IT ON LOWER PART PF DRIVERS SIDE OUT OF NOWHERE
Visibility/wiper, Dec 22, 2020
WINDSHIELD CRACKED FOR NO UNDERLYING REASON. NO OBJECTS HIT IT; NOR EXTREME TEMPS.
Visibility/wiper, Dec 21, 2020
WINDSHIELD CRACKED WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE WITH NO VEHICLE NEAR ME AT THE TIME, TALKED TO DEALER I BOUGHT IT FROM NEW, THEY SAID NO RECALLS FOR BAD WINDSHIELD SO I WAS ON MY OWN TO REPLACE.
Visibility/wiper, Dec 15, 2020
HAD TO REPLACE WINDSHIELD IN MY WIFE'S 2017 OUTBACK 2 TIMES. BOTH TIMES THE SAME SITUATION: SMALL PEBBLE CHIPS WINDOW AND A LONG AND EVENTUALLY GROWING CRACK EXTENDS ACROSS WINDOW.
Visibility/wiper, Forward collision avoidance, Dec 10, 2020
VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY WHEN THE DRIVER HEARD THE WINDSHIELD CRACK. DRIVER NEVER SAW ANY ITEM STRIKE THE WINDSHIELD. BECAUSE EYESIGHT SENSORS HAVE TO BE RECALIBRATED AFTER A WINDSHIELD REPLACEMENT, THIS INCIDENT COST ALMOST $1000 TO REPAIR.
Visibility/wiper, Dec 10, 2020
THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED UNEXPECTEDLY YESTERDAY AFTERNOON. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION.
Visibility, Dec 7, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT, THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE WINDSHIELD WAS INSPECTED AND REPLACED. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER NOR AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WERE CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000.
Visibility/wiper, Dec 7, 2020
WINDSHIELD HAS CRACKED THREE TIMES IN FOUR YEARS, REQUIRING REPLACEMENT EACH TIME. THE FIRST TWO TIMES STARTED WITH A SMALL ROCK CHIP ON THE DRIVERS SIDE THAT SPREAD ACROSS THE WINDSHIELD WITHIN A FEW DAYS. THE LATEST ONE CRACKED FROM DRIVERS SIDE ROOF DOWNWARD WITH NOT APPARENT DAMAGE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING IDLE IN THE GARAGE. IN 35 YEARS OF DRIVING, I HAVE ONLY REPLACED A FEW WINDSHIELDS DUE TO CRACKS CAUSED BY LARGE STONES HITTING THE WINDSHIELD ON THE HIGHWAY. I VIEW THE CRACKING WINDSHIELD ON THE SUBARU AS VERY UNUSUAL.
Visibility/wiper, Dec 7, 2020
FRONT WINDSHIELD CRACKED WITHOUT IMPACT FROM ROAD DEBRIS. CAR WAS TRAVELING AT 55 MPH ON A RURAL ROAD. WINDSHIELD WAS REPLACED ON 9/16/20 BY SAFELITE AUTO. AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE PROVIDED PARTIAL COVERAGE.
Visibility/wiper, Forward collision avoidance, Dec 6, 2020
MY VEHICLE DEVELOPED A CRACK THAT HAS TRANSVERSED THE ENTIRETY OF THE WINDSHIELD, NECESSITATING ITS REPLACEMENT. THE CRACK BEGAN ON THE LOWER LEFT (DRIVER'S) SIDE AND MOVED ACROSS TO THE RIGHT (PASSENGER'S) SIDE BEFORE CURVING BACK AND UPWARD TOWARD THE LOCATION OF THE REARVIEW MIRROR. THIS HAS OBSCURED THE EYE SIGHT CAMERAS AND IMPAIRED THE SAFETY MECHANISMS IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN THE CRACK BEGAN WITH NO PRECIPITATING DAMAGE OBSERVED TO THE WINDSHIELD. THE CRACK CONTINUED TO GROW OVER THE COURSE OF SEVERAL DAYS. ~`````````````
Visibility/wiper, Dec 3, 2020
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY THAT WASN'T VERY BUSY (AROUND 12:30 PM) AND ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEAR A SLIGHT CRACK NOISE. I LOOK AROUND AND I SEE A CRACK APPEARED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF MY WINDSHIELD. WHILE DRIVING, IT WAS GROWING LONGER. I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW OR WHERE IT CAME FROM BUT I AM SCARED THAT IT IS GOING TO GET LARGER AS THE DAY AND WEEK CONTINUES. NO DEBRIS NOR LARGE DUMP TRUCK WAS NEAR ME. THIS CRACK HAPPENED TOO EASILY AND HAS ME QUESTIONABLE ABOUT MY WINDSHEILD. I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW SOMETHING SO LITTLE IS TURNING INTO SOMETHING SO LARGE AND CAN POTENTIALLY BECOME DANGEROUS.
Visibility, Dec 3, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55-60 MPH, THE DRIVER HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND NOTICED THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE WINDSHIELD HAD CRACKED WITHOUT IMPACT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BYERS DUBLIN SUBARU (2455 BILLINGSLEY RD, COLUMBUS, OH 43235, (614) 792-2455) AND INSPECTED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT A ROCK HAD STRUCK THE WINDSHIELD CAUSING THE CRACK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE WINDSHIELD WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.
Visibility/wiper, Nov 28, 2020
THE REAR VIEW MIRROR FELL OFF BECAUSE THE GLASS SEPARATED WHERE THE MIRROR ATTACHES TO THE WINDSHIELD.
Visibility/wiper, Nov 28, 2020
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY A PEBBLE HIT THE WINDSHIELD MONTHS BEFORE SEPTEMBER. THERE WAS A CHIP BUT NO CRACKS, COME SEPTEMBER THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED FROM THE SPOT WHERE THE PEBBLE HIT. PICTURES ARE SHOWN BELOW. THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME WAS ONLY 4-5 MONTHS OLD AND IN SEPTEMBER 8 MONTHS OLD WHEN THE CRACKING STARTED. I HAD THE WINDSHIELD CHANGED THROUGH MY INSURANCE AND SATELLITE. THE WINDSHIELD HAS HAD PEBBLES HIT IT WHILE I HAVE BEEN DRIVING AND THERE HAVE BEEN NO CRACKS OR CHIPS.
Visibility/wiper, Forward collision avoidance, Nov 28, 2020
I HAD A CRACK REPAIRED, IT ISN'T GOOD THOUGH.
Visibility/wiper, Forward collision avoidance, Lane departure, Nov 28, 2020
PASSENGER SIDE ON WINDSHIELD GOT CRACKS ABOUT 2 FEETS WHEN WE ARE DRIVING ON I5 NEAR SACRAMENTO CITY 6/26/2020 DRIVING TOWARD LA
Visibility/wiper, Nov 28, 2020
THE WINDSHIELD SPONTANEOUSLY CRACKED WITH NO CHIPS VISIBLE.
Visibility/wiper, Nov 28, 2020
AS I WAS DRIVING ON A 2 LANE ROAD A TINY PEDDLE OFF A VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME HIT THE WINDSHIELD CREATING A VERY SUBTLE CRACK. THE NEXT MORNING THERE WAS A HUGE CRACK ALONG THE ENTIRE WINDSHIELD AFFECTING DRIVER VISIBILITY. I CURRENTLY DON'T HAVE PICTURES BECAUSE IT HAS ALREADY BEEN REPLACED BY THE SUBARU DEALER. THE TOTAL COST WAS OVER $1,000 TO REPLACE. I WAS NOT AWARE OF THIS VEHICLE COMPLAINT WEBSITE AT THE TIME.
Visibility/wiper, Nov 27, 2020
IN LATE 2019 I STARTED HAVING ISSUES WITH MY WINDSHIELD. I WASH MY CAR 2X A WEEK AND PARK INSIDE A GARAGE EVERY NIGHT. I STARTED SEEING LIGHT CRACKS FORMING ON THE WINDSHIELD OUT OF THE BLUE. FAST FORWORD TO 2020 I NOW HAVE MULTIPLE FEINT CRACKS AND I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE WITH THE FEAR IT WILL CRACK MORE.
Visibility/wiper, Nov 27, 2020
WINDSHIELD CRACKED. IT'S UNKNOWN WHETHER IT WAS DUE TO ROAD TRAFFIC AS WE DIDN'T NOTICE IT RIGTHT AWAY. THE ORIGINAL CRACK STARTED BELOW THE DASHBOARD EYESITE.