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
917 reports, newest first.
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.
Electrical system, Dec 6, 2020
2017 SUBARU OUTBACK, CONSTANTLY DEAD BATTERY. I'VE HAD THE CAR DUE ON ME MULTIPLE TIMES. IT CANNOT HOLD A CHARGE. DEC 5TH IT HAPPENED AGAIN AND HAD TO CALL TOW COMPANY TO JUMP IT SO I COULD TAKE TO THE DEALERSHIP. THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM. THIS CAR HAS JUST 16,000 MILES.
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.
Other or unspecified, Dec 2, 2020
MY CAR'S WINDSHIELD HAS GOT HAIRLINE CRACK OF ABOUT ONE AND HALF FEET. IT HAPPENED WHEN I PARKED THE VEHICLE IN THE PARKING LOT. THERE WAS NO STONE HIT. IT HAPPENED NATURALLY.
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.
Other or unspecified, Nov 27, 2020
WHILE PARKED THE FRONT WINDSHIELD CRACKED ABOUT 4 INCHES ABOVE THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDOW FROM FROM THE CENTER OF THE STEERINGWHEEL, TWO FEET TOWARDS THE PASSENGER SEAT.
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.
Visibility/wiper, Nov 27, 2020
WINDSHIELD CRACKS AND PITS VERY EASY AND LOOKS LIKE IT WILL CRACK WITHOUT MUCH FORCE
Other or unspecified, Nov 27, 2020
WINDSHIELD CRACKED FROM UNKNOWN ORIGIN IN FIRST YEAR OF OWNERSHIP. I HAD A $500 COMPREHENSIVE DEDUCTIBLE AND HAD TO PAY THAT IN FULL TO GET A NEW WINDSHIELD.
Visibility, Nov 27, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, HE HEARD A SMALL POPPING SOUND. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN HORIZONTAL CRACK ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT OVER SEVERAL HOURS, THE CRACK EXPANDED ACROSS THE WINDSHIELD TOWARD THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SAFELIGHT AUTO-GLASS REPAIR AND THE WINDSHIELD WAS REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,500.
Electrical system, Nov 26, 2020
CAR BATTERY WILL NOT HOLD A CHARGE. I HAD TO REPLACE THE ORIGINAL BATTERY TWICE NOW. ORIGINAL BATTERY DIED MARCH, 2019 ' I HAD MY MECHANIC REPLACE THAT WITH A NEW BATTERY (BATTERY REPLACEMENT 1). BATTERY REPLACEMENT 1 DIED FEBRUARY, 2020; BATTERY REPLACEMENT 2 (ANOTHER NEW BATTERY) WAS INSTALLED. BATTERY REPLACEMENT 2 DIED NOVEMBER, 2020; BATTERY REPLACEMENT 3 (ANOTHER NEW BATTERY) WAS INSTALLED BY SUBARU.
Electrical system, Nov 24, 2020
I PURCHASED MY USED SUBARU OUTBACK FROM CARMAX. IT HAS BEEN WORKING FINE FOR A PERIOD OF TIME. HOWEVER, NOW I FIND MY CAR CONSTANTLY DEAD AND HAVE HAD TO PURCHASE A CHARGER AND LEAVE ON MY CAR EVERY OTHER DAY OR I FIND MY VEHICLE IS COMPLETELY DEAD AND THE BATTERY IS DRAINED. IT HAPPENS IF I DO NOT DRIVE ME VEHICLE FOR 48 HOURS. I ALSO HAVE AN INTERLOCK DEVICE ON MY VEHICLE (PUT ON AFTER THE BATTERY ISSUE BEGAN) AND HAD MY BATTERY CHECKED AT AN AUTO PARTS STORE WHO SAID IT WAS FINE. WHEN I PURCHASED MY CAR FROM CARMAX THE VEHICLE WAS DEAD IN THE LOT SO I WAS NOT ABLE TO TEST DRIVE IT. CARMAX REPLACED THE BATTERY TO ENSURE IT WASN'T A BATTERY ISSUE. THIS WAS LIKELY A TEMPORARY FIX WHICH IS WHY THE ISSUE DIDN'T OCCUR IMMEDIATELY. I TOOK THE CAR INTO CARMAX AND THEY CHECKED THE BATTERY AND FOUND IT TO BE WORKING FINE. I REPLACED THE BATTERY CLIP ON THE NEGATIVE TERMINAL, WHICH THEY SAID WAS A LITTLE BIT LOOSE AND I PAID FOR THE REPAIR. THE ISSUE IS STILL PERSISTING. SINCE I HAVE FOUND THERE IS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST SUBARU FOR THIS ISSUE. CARMAX SAYS I NEED TO GET SUBARU TO FIX IT, IF THERE IS AN ISSUE. WHEN IT DIES I USUALLY HAVE TO GO TO THE INTERLOCK MECHANIC AND HE HAS TO RESET IT. THIS IS CAUSING SIGNIFICANT ISSUES WITH ME GETTING TO WORK AND PLANNING AN UPCOMING MOVE I AM MAKING IN THE NEXT MONTH. THE INTERLOCK DEVICE CAN READ WHENEVER I TURN THE CAR ON AND HOW MANY TIMES IT HAS DIED AND I CAN GET THIS DOCUMENTATION IF NEEDED LATER AS WELL.
Visibility/wiper, Forward collision avoidance, Nov 22, 2020
WINDSHIELD CRACKED
Vehicle speed control, Nov 16, 2020
I WAS IN MOTION AND APPROACHING A RED LIGHT, AND AS I BEGAN TO LIGHTLY APPLY MY BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN, MY VEHICLE TRIED TO ACCELERATE (THERE WAS ALSO A CORRESPONDING REV IN THE ENGINE). FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO PRESS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTRA HARD TO BRING IT TO A COMPLETE STOP.
Structure, Nov 14, 2020
WE WERE TRAVELING SOUTH ON INTERSTATE 15 AND ABOUT 45 MINUTES INTO MY TRIP TO TAKE MY COUSINS BACK TO THE AIRPORT IN SALT LAKE CITY FROM IDAHO FALLS THE HOOD OF THE CAR JUST FLEW UP AND SMASHED INTO THE WINDSHIELD. THE CARE WAS UN-DRIVABLE AND HAD TO BE TOWED. ULTIMATELY THE INSURANCE COMPANY TOTALED THE VEHICLE. THE WEEKEND AFTER I WAS BACK IN COLORADO MY BROTHER AND I SAW ANOTHER SUBARU BUT DIFFERENT MODEL THAT IT LOOKED LIKE THE SAME THING HAPPENED. HAVE PICTURES OF THAT AS WELL.
Electrical system, Nov 12, 2020
OUR 2017 OUTBACK HAS PROBLEMS WITH THE BATTERY DISCHARGING. THE CAR WOULDN'T START IN FEBRUARY 2020. SINCE WE HAD A LONG TRIP PLANNED, WE REPLACED THE BATTERY. THAT SEEMED TO WORK FOR A WHILE, BUT THE CAR SEEMED TO STRUGGLE WITH STARTING SOME MORNINGS. I NOTED THAT THE BATTERY WAS ONLY AT 11.5 VOLTS AFTER SITTING OVERNIGHT. WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY PERFORMED $130 "PARASITIC BATTERY DRAIN TEST", BUT IT DIDN'T SHOW ANY PROBLEMS. I INVESTIGATED THE PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET AND DISCOVERED THAT THERE IS A RECALL TO REPROGRAM THE CAR TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. THE DEALER WASN'T AWARE OF IT AND THANKED US FOR BRINGING IT TO HIS ATTENTION (AND TO BE "GENEROUS" HE WASN'T GOING TO CHARGE US FOR THE RECALL!). WE THOUGHT THAT THE PROBLEM MIGHT BE SOLVED. IF WE DON'T DRIVE THE VEHICLE FOR 3 OR 4 DAYS, THE BATTERY IS DEAD, UNDER 11 VOLTS. SO, IT IS A RITUAL FOR US TO HAVE TO CHARGE THE BATTERY IF IT HASN'T BEEN DRIVEN IN A COUPLE OF DAYS. WE ALSO CARRY A SPARE 12V BATTERY IN THE VEHICLE ALONG WITH JUMPER CABLES. EVEN AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN PARKED FOR SEVERAL HOURS, THERE IS RANDOMLY A "FAN NOISE" NEAR THE REAR AXLE. I BELIEVE THAT THIS IS THE "PARASITIC DRAIN" IN ACTION. THERE ARE LAWSUITS FILED OVER SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. I DO HAVE A CELL PHONE VIDEO THAT HAS THE SOUND DOCUMENTED, BUT IT LOOKS LIKE I CAN'T UPLOAD IT. IT CONTINUES TO BE A PROBLEM.