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.
Electrical system, Apr 28, 2020
TWICE OVER TWO WEEKS, THE CAR'S BATTERY WAS DISCHARGED ENOUGH TO THE POINT THAT IT REQUIRED A JUMP START. THE FIRST TIME (0411/2020) WAS AFTER A 30 MINUTE CAR RIDE, IT FAILED TO START ON ITS OWN. THE SECOND TIME (04/25/2020) IT SAT OVERNIGHT IN THE GARAGE AND FAILED TO START. BOTH OCCURRENCES REQUIRED THE VEHICLE TO BE JUMP-STARTED
Electrical system, Apr 28, 2020
THE IGNITION KEY GETS STUCK IN THE IGNITION. CAN NOT GET OUT HAS HAPPEN ON MANY CARS MINE AND MINE DAUGHTERS. SUBARU HAS ISSUED SUBARU SERVICE BULLETIN 16-112-18R AND REPLACE THE FAULTY PART BUT WANT HUNDREDS TO DO THIS. THIS HAPPENS A LOT, AND WILL GET WORSE TILL I AM FORCED TO PAY.
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.
Electrical system, Apr 27, 2020
MULTIPLE EPISODES OF BATTERY DRAINING FOR NO APPARENT REASON.
Electrical system, Apr 27, 2020
BATTERY FLAT TWICE OVERNIGHT TWO DAYS IN A ROW DESPITE DEALER CHECKING OUT ISSUE AND TELLING ME BATTERY WAS FINE. FINALLY REPLACED BATTERY. NOW LEARN THAT THERE IS ONGOING ISSUE.
Electrical system, Apr 26, 2020
BATTERY DRAINS PREMATURELY. PURCHASED NEW IN DECEMBER 2017. PRIMARY USE IS SHORT-TRIP-DRIVING TO/FROM WORK. CAR FAILED TO START IN NOVEMBER 2019. CHARGED BATTERY AND TOOK IN FOR SERVICE. BATTERY REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. PROBLEM REPEATED IN APRIL 2020.
Electrical system, Apr 26, 2020
MY CAR IS A 2017 SUBARU OUTBACK. SINCE I'VE HAD IT X 3 YEARS,, THE BATTERY HAS DRAINED ABNORMALLY THREE TIMES AND I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE BATTERY 3 TIMES. I'M NOT LEAVING IT ON AND DEFINITELY NOT LEAVING ANY LIGHTS ON ACCIDENTALLY. I ONLY HAVE 23,000 MILES ON IT. BATTERY MANUFACTURER STATES MY BATTERY SHOULD BE GOOD FOR AT LEAST 5 YEARS, ESPECIALLY AT THE AMOUNT I'M DRIVING PER YEAR. SO EACH INCIDENT OCCURS WHEN I TRY TO START MY CAR AND IT DOESN'T TURN ON. THE CAR IS STATIONARY AND NOT INVOLVED IN ANY ACCIDENTS. IT WAS PARKED EACH TIME THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED BUT THIS SITUATION MUST BE SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS IN THE CAR. IT MAKES THE CAR UNRELIABLE. I'M USUALLY STUCK IN A PARKING GARAGE AT WORK OR HOME AND LAST TIME WAS ON THE STREET AND HAD TO GET A TOW TO THE MECHANIC.
Electrical system, Apr 25, 2020
BATTERY APPEAR TO BE PREMATURELY DEAD, I HAD TO CALL THE SUBARU FOR A JUMPSTART
Electrical system, Apr 25, 2020
BATTERY FAILURE- TOTAL DISCHARGE- 2 TIMES
Electrical system, Apr 24, 2020
WITH CAR IN PARK, CAN'T REMOVE MY KEY FROM IGNITION. INTERMITTENT ISSUE
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.
Other or unspecified, Apr 21, 2020
WINDSHIELD SPONTANEOUSLY CRACKED WHILE PARKED OVERNIGHT ON THE DRIVEWAY.
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.
Power train, Apr 16, 2020
WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PLACED IN PARK IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO REMOVE THE KEY. THIS LEAVES ME STRANDED AS I CAN NOT LEAVE THE VEHICLE. I WAS LEFT STRANDED IN MEXICO. *TR
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.
Other or unspecified, Mar 25, 2020
WINDSHIELDS, PARTICULARLY THE EYESIGHT EQUIPPED MODELS, ARE EXTREMELY PRONE TO CRACKING, ARGUABLY DEFECTIVE. 5 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING NEW, I GOT A ROCK CHIP WHILE DRIVING. WHEN GETTING IT REPAIRED IT SPIDERWEBBED, REQUIRING TOTAL REPLACEMENT OF THE WINDSHIELD. 2 WEEKS AFTER REPLACEMENT(AT THE PRICE OF $900), IT GOT ANOTHER ROCK CHIP WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. A YEAR LATER IT GOT ANOTHER ROCK CHIP WHILE HIGHWAY DRIVING, AND A CRACK HAS STARTED TO SPREAD DESPITE BEING REPAIRED. DEPENDING ON HOW FAR IT SPREADS, I'LL BE ON THE THIRD WINDSHIELD IN LESS THAN 50K MILES/3 YEARS OF OWNERSHIP. MY OTHER HIGH MILEAGE CARS(130K AND 225K) ARE BOTH STILL ON ORIGINAL FACTORY GLASS.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Mar 23, 2020
MY 2017 SUBARU OUTBACK HAS PARASITIC BATTERY DRAIN THAT KILLS THE BATTERY. THE CAR WON'T START MAKING THE VEHICLE UNRELIABLE. THIS IS A ROUTINE ISSUE WITH SUBARU AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED.
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.
Tires, Mar 21, 2020
TIRE FAILURE AT LOW MILEAGE. TIRES NOT PASSING SAFETY INSPECTION AFTER APPX 20,000 USE. TREAD DOWN TO 4//32. TIRES PURCHASED AT COSTCO . LINE IS MICHELIN PREMIER A/S . MULTI VISITS TO COSTCO TO INSPECT AFTER TWO INDEPENDENT TIRE INSPECTORS STATED THEY WOULD NOT PASS SAFETY INSPECTION WITH WEAR BARES CLOSE TO TREAD SUFACE. COSTCO REFUSED TO CALL FAILURE STATING THAT IS NORMAL FOR THIS TYPE OF TIRES. THE RATING WAS AT LEAST 60.000 MILES. THERE WAS A RECENT ROAD HAZARD THAT PUNCTURED FRONT TIRE AND COSTCO WANTED TO CHARGE FOR NEW FRONT TIRE. VERY UNSTATISFIED WITH TIRES, FREQUENT SLIPPING AND LOSS OF TRACTION ON SNOW AND RAIN. UNSAFE.
Visibility/wiper, Mar 19, 2020
LARGE CRACK IN WINDSHIELD APPEARED OUT OF NOWHERE. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY.
Power train, Mar 16, 2020
CVT TRANSMISSION AT 35326 MILES STARTED DISTRIBUTING POWER INDISCRIMINATELY TO ANY OF THE 4 WHEEL CAUSING INSTABILITY AND SHAKING WHEN DRIVING. VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL WHEN DRIVING. TRANSMISSION REQUIRES REPLACEMENT.
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.