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, Jun 17, 2020
MY WIFE AND I WERE TRAVELING ON I-26 EAST BOUND, JUST NORTH OF ITS INTERSECTION WITH I-95 IN SC, WHEN WE HEARD A POP AND NOTICED THAT THE WINDSHIELD HAD CRACKED. IT WAS NOT A RESULT OF ANY ROAD DEBRIS BECAUSE THERE WERE NO VEHICLES IN OUR IMMEDIATE VICINITY. *TR
Visibility, Visibility/wiper, Jun 5, 2020
I HAVE HAD TWO BRAND NEW SUBARU OUTBACKS. MY FIRST WAS A 2015 AND MY SECOND IS A 2017 OUTBACK. MY 2015 HAD 4 BROKEN WINDSHIELDS IN LESS THAN 2 YEARS. MY 2017 HAS HAD 3 BROKEN WINDSHIELDS IN 3 YEARS. ALL TOGETHER I HAVE HAD 7 BROKEN WINDSHIELDS IN 5 YEARS. SOME HAPPEN WHEN THE CAR IS NOT IN MOTION AND SOME HAVE HAPPENED WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION. ALL THE BREAKS BEGIN SOMEWHERE AROUND THE PERIMETER OF THE WINDSHIELD (UP TO ABOUT 3-4" FROM THE EDGE. I CAN'T TELL WHAT IS CAUSING THE CRACKS TO HAPPEN BECAUSE THERE IS EITHER NO INDICATION OF ANYTHING STRIKING THE WINDSHIELD OR THERE IS A TINY "FLICK" CRACK SOUND AS IF A SPECK OF SAND HIT THE WINDSHIELD. I HAVE REPORTED THIS PROBLEM TO YOU BEFORE WHEN I OWNED THE 2015 OUTBACK. I SEE THAT THERE ARE NOW 2 CLASS ACTION SUITS PERTAINING TO THIS. HOPE THIS CAN BE REMEDIED. *TR
Visibility, Visibility/wiper, Jun 4, 2020
WINDSHIELD CRACKED ALL THE WAY ACROSS AFTER BEING EXPOSED TO EXTREME HEAT AND COLD. *TR
Visibility, Other or unspecified, Jun 3, 2020
THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE WINDSHIELD THE SPIDER WEB CRACKED ACROSS WINDSHIELD. *TR
Visibility/wiper, May 27, 2020
CRACK IN THE FRONT WINDSHIELD AT THE TOP, PASSENGER SIDE CORNER. CRACK FOR NO REASON. *TR
Visibility, Structure, May 20, 2020
PARKED MY LEASED 2017 OUTBACK IN MY DRIVEWAY LAST NIGHT WITH NOTHING OVERHEAD, NO TREES, ETC. THIS MORNING THERE WAS A LARGE CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD WHICH BEGAN AT THE BOTTOM OF THE GLASS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND CONTINUED ON FOR OVER 15 INCHES. TOTAL MYSTERY. *TR
Visibility/wiper, May 18, 2020
MY FACTORY-INSTALLED WINDSHIELD CRACKED SPONTANEOUSLY WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS 4 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE. THE CRACK IMMEDIATELY SPREAD TO OVER A FOOT LONG. I REPLACED THE WINDSHIELD WITH OEM GLASS. LESS THAN A WEEK AFTER REPLACEMENT, IT CRACKED AGAIN, WHILE DECELERATING ON AN OFF- RAMP. AGAIN, THE CRACK WAS IMMEDIATELY OVER A FOOT LONG. BOTH TIMES, THERE WAS NO APPARENT ROCK OR REASON FOR CRACKING, NOTHING AROUND THAT WOULD HAVE KICKED SOMETHING UP. BOTH CRACKS STARTED NEAR THE TOP OF THE WINDSHIELD, BUT NEITHER STARTED ON AN EDGE. *TR
Electrical system, Visibility/wiper, May 17, 2020
MY WINDSHIELD HAS CRACKED WITHOUT BEING HIT BY ANYTHING ACROSS THE BOTTOM NEAR THE WIPERS. MY BATTERY CONTINUES TO DIE FOR NO REASON THAT I CAN FIND, EVEN AFTER I HAVE REPLACED IT. I DON'T LEAVE THE LIGHTS ON OR ANYTHING AND I CAN COME BACK TO MY CAR AND I HAVE TO JUMP IT. I HAVE ALSO BEEN IN IT AFTER DRIVING IT, STOPPED AND TURNED THE CAR OFF AND LISTENED TO THE RADIO AND 10 MINUTES LATER I GO TO TURN THE CAR BACK ON AND IT'S COMPLETELY DEAD. AFTER I GET IT GOING THE GATE WILL BEEP CONTINUOUSLY WHILE IT IS STILL CLOSED AND I HAVE TO RESET THE WHOLE VEHICLE TO GET THE BEEPING TO STOP. I TOOK IT TO GET CHECKED AND THEY TOLD ME TO REPLACE THE BATTERY. WHEN I GOT THE BATTERY CHECKED FOR POWER NOTHING SEEMED TO BE WRONG WITH THE BATTERY. AND YET THIS CONTINUES TO HAPPEN.
Visibility/wiper, May 15, 2020
WINDSHIELD CRACKED IN A "T" WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN GARAGE WITH NO APPARENT ROCK CHIP IN WINDOW. *TR
Visibility/wiper, Apr 28, 2020
MY WIFE CAME OUT OF WORK AND NOTICED A LARGE CRACK RUNNING FROM THE TOP/CENTER OF THE WINDSHIELD DOWN AND TOWARDS THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FROM 6:30 AM TO 3:30 PM AND WAS NOT NEAR ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE WINDSHIELD WAS CRACK FREE ON HER DRIVE INTO WORK AND SHE DID NOT HAVE ANYTHING HIT THE WINDOW WHILE DRIVING. THERE ARE NO SIGNS OF ANY SORT OF IMPACT ON THE WINDSHIELD AND THERE WAS NO DEBRIS (I.E STICKS, PINECONES, ROCKS) ON THE VEHICLE WHEN SHE CAME OUT OF WORK. VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A SMALL PARKING LOT ON THE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE WHERE SHE WORKS.
Visibility/wiper, Apr 23, 2020
WINDSHIELD SPONTANEOUSLY CRACKED WHILE IT WAS PARKED OVERNIGHT IN OUR UNDER-HOUSE PARKING SPACE. CRACK BEGINS AT THE VERY TOP OF WINDSHIELD, ABOUT 3.5 INCHES FROM DRIVER SIDE EDGE OF WINDSHIELD, AND PROCEEDS DIAGONALLY FOR ABOUT 19 INCHES, DEFINITELY INTO DRIVER'S VIEWING AREA. NO SIGN OF ROCK OR OTHER DAMAGE ANYWHERE NEAR THIS CRACK.
Visibility/wiper, Apr 18, 2020
VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED 30 DEC 2016. FULL WINDSHIELD REPLACEMENT BY SUBARY DEALER ON 11APR2018, 1 YEAR 3 MOS FROM INITIAL PURCHASE DUE TO A SMALL ROCK HITTING WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, PASSENGER SIDE, LOWER CORNER EDGE. 31OCT2019, 1 YEAR 6MONTHS SINCE FULL REPLACEMENT, ANOTHER CRACK APPEARS IN THE WINDSHIELD, LOWER SECTION, MIDDLE OF WINDSHIELD. THIS TIME WE WE HAD THE SPOT FILLED BECAUSE IT WAS VERY MINOR AND HAD NOT "SPIDERED". 18APRI2020, 6 MONTHS SINCE LAST CRACK, ANOTHER CRACK FROM ROCK WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, DRIVER SIDE LOWER CORNER EDGE. IT SPIDERED ON IMPACT TO THE POINT THAT WE WILL HAVE TO HAVE THE ENTIRE WINDSHIELD REPLACED BY THE DEALER. THIS IS VERY FRUSTRATING SINCE WE HAVE HAD SEVERAL DIFFERENCE VEHICLE BRANDS AND THIS IS THE ONLY CAR THAT HAS HAD REPEAT CRACKING OF THE WINDSHIELD. THERE MUST BE A DESIGN FLAW.
Visibility/wiper, Apr 6, 2020
MY 2017 SUBARU OUTBACK TOURING CRACKED MY WINDSHIELD.
Seats, Visibility/wiper, Mar 29, 2020
TWO ISSUES: - WINDSHIELD - I CAME OUT OF THE GYM TO SEE A HUGE CRACK IN MY WINDSHIELD. ON THE VERY NEXT DAY AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE A WHAT I ASSUME A SMALL ROCK HIT MY WINDSHIELD AND ANOTHER CRACK SPREAD ACROSS THE WINDSHIELD. -LEATHER DRIVER CAR SEAT - WITHIN ONLY TWO YEARS OF USE, THE CAR SEAT IS RIPPED IN SEVERAL PLACES. NOTHING HAS EVER HAPPENED TO WARRANT SUCH RIPS.
Visibility/wiper, Mar 23, 2020
I HAD TO REPLACE MY WINDSHIELD ON MY 2017 OUTBACK 02/14/2020 AND AGAIN ON 03/21/2020. I DIDN'T NOTICE ANY DIRECT IMPACT ON MY WINDSHIELD. ADVANCED AUTO GLASS IN WEATHERFORD, TX WAS THE GLASS COMPANY THAT DID THE REPLACEMENT. THEN THE SECOND TIME DIDN'T NOTICE CRACK EITHER. NEVER HEARD IMPACT. BUT ADVANCED SHOWED ME A SMALL PIN SIZED IMPACT AREA IN THE LOWER PART OF WINDSHIELD, THE PART THAT'S BLACK. THE CRACK WAS TOO LONG TO JUST FIX. SO WAITED TILL THE CRACK EXTENDED TO IN FROM OF DRIVER SIDE.
Visibility/wiper, Mar 19, 2020
LARGE CRACK IN WINDSHIELD APPEARED OUT OF NOWHERE. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY.
Visibility/wiper, Mar 15, 2020
CRACKED WINDSHIELD
Visibility/wiper, Mar 15, 2020
NOTICED A CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD. NO IMPACT OR EVENT CAUSED THE EVENT. FILED CLAIM WITH MY INSURANCE COMPANY. WE NOTICED CRACK AFTER A COUPLE OF MINUTES DRIVING AFTER STOPPING FOR LUNCH.
Visibility/wiper, Mar 14, 2020
THERE ARE TWO CRACKS ON THE WINDSHIELD, INCLUDING AREAS THAT DON'T SEEM TO HAVE BEEN ABLE TO BE HIT BY ROAD DEBRIS (ON THE VERY EDGE, PROTECTED BY BODY TRIM. THESE WERE DISCOVERED AND HAVEN'T BEEN CONNECTED TO ANY OBVIOUS PIECE OF ROAD DEBRIS OR DINGS. THEY WERE JUST DISCOVERED IN A NORMAL VISUAL INSPECTION PRIOR TO DRIVING.
Visibility/wiper, Mar 14, 2020
WITHIN ONE YEAR OF OWNING MY NEW SUBARU I WENT THROUGH 3 WINDSHIELDS. ALL 3 TIMES I WAS TRAVELING ON A HIGHWAY WHILE ON VACATION. EACH TIME I HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET TOTALING $1500. EARLY LAST YEAR 2018 I ONCE AGAIN HAD TO HAVE MY WINDSHIELD FIXED.
Visibility/wiper, Mar 14, 2020
REPLACED CRACKED WINDSHIELD WITH OEM TWICE, 6/17/2017 AND 6/7/2018
Visibility/wiper, Mar 14, 2020
REPLACED CRACKED WINDSHIELD WITH OEM REPLACEMENTS TWICE, 6/19/2017 AND 6/7/2018
Visibility/wiper, Mar 14, 2020
WINDSHIELD CRACK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DAY WHILE DRIVING TO WORK ON A LOCAL STREETS STREET. IT'S THE BAY AREA IN CALI, SO THE WEATHER WAS AROUND 60 F. THERE WERE NO SIGN OR CHIPPED OR ANYTHING.
Visibility/wiper, Mar 14, 2020
IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY, WINDSHIELD CRACKED. CRACK COULD NOT BE REPAIRED AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT OF WINDSHIELD. REPLACEMENT COST WAS IN THE AMOUNT OF AUTO INSURANCE DEDUCTIBLE OF $500.
Visibility/wiper, Mar 13, 2020
WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND A CRACK APPEARED IN THE WINDSHIELD. THE CRACK QUICKLY GREW TO COVER A LARGE PORTION OF THE DRIVER'S FIELD OF VIEW.