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.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 20, 2022
I arrived at my destination. I turned the ignition OFF. The engine turned OFF. I opened the driver's door and the engine turned ON. I did not turn the ignition ON. I again turned the ignition OFF. This time the engine remained OFF.
Electrical system, Aug 20, 2022
Battery has paracitic draw caused by ECU problem. Battery dies if not driven every day.
Power train, Aug 18, 2022
It was a few days ago, the vehicle suddenly have shuttering or sputtering type of noise when accelerating from a stop. During the drive, I also started to hear a creaking type of noise. This became worse when accelerating uphill. I took the car to a Subaru dealership, and the service technician reproduced these problems. He then detected an transmission related error code P0841. He replaced the sensor related to this error code, but found he couldn’t get rid of the initial problems. In fact, when he checked the error code, P0841 came back again. Check Engine light come out during his examination. Even he could get rid of the warning, Check Engine light came back when I drove the vehicle back home. The technician found internal transmission failure and recommended to replace transmission assembly. The cost quoted at $10996, so no further repairs was made. Subaru recalled transmission of its outback vehicle in the past for the same type of problems, and I am wondering if my vehicle has a similar faulty transmission. I reported the problem to Subaru US customer service online, but didn’t hear back from them.
Tires, Aug 18, 2022
Tires worn to wear bar 2/32 to 4/32 in in 28,000 miles. At severe risk for hydroplaning and possible accident related to all tires with premature wear. This is second full set of Michelin tires that have worn prematurely. The tires have been inspected by Costco tires which is the purchasing dealer. I have called the manufacture also Aug 18, 2022. They have started a warranty but was told it would be toward purchase of new set of Michelin. I do not wish to purchase their tires in the near future. I have been a customer with Michelin for many years and have always been very satisfied but recently the tires are very poor quality.
Back over prevention, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 11, 2022, crash
While attempting to park in a parking spot with a concrete parking lot stop the car experience an unintended acceleration and did not engage the safety braking system causing the car to jump over the concrete parking lot stops and hit a light lost and concrete supporting barrier behind the concrete parking lot stop. There were no warnings and this caused injury to the driver and passenger. A police report is being issued as well as contact with the car manufacturer. This is the second time this unintended accelerated occurred however this is the first incident where damage to the car and injury occurred,
Visibility, Aug 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the front windshield was previously replaced; however, the windshield was again cracked. There was no impact on the windshield that could have caused the crack. An auto glass company replaced the windshield. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 40,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 9, 2022
Battery continually drains. I have had 2 replaced since May. I have contacted Subaru and they said I just have not driven it around enough after battery install. I have had them check for a drain, and they can’t find anything. There are no lights on or any other reason to drain the battery. This coincides with my key becoming stuck in the ignition. Waiting on a part to replace the ignition under warranty.
Electrical system, Aug 3, 2022
Frequent battery draining requiring battery to either be replaced or charged unless car is driven daily.
Visibility/wiper, Aug 2, 2022
Front windshield cracking appeared while was vehicle parked at home. Crack is several inches long and begins at the bottom edge of the windshield. I understand that Subaru has had many complaints about cracked windshields over the past several years and that the company has been involved in several lawsuits on this matter.
Electrical system, Aug 1, 2022
Battery drainage started to happen very frequently after that date. Causing us travel with Jumper cables all the time.
Electrical system, Structure, Aug 1, 2022
The power rear lift gate mechanism frequently does not work. Even when car is unlocked the rear lift gate refuses to open just giving a 3 beep warning. The back can be manually opened but not by me as it is extremely hard to lift. Sometimes the gate only opens partially, or only closes partially. After my husband manually moves the gate it does not close fully and does not lock so we have no guarantee objects from inside the vehicle will not fall out while moving. Additionally, if my dog is in the car and the gate is inoperable I cannot get him out. Today it only opened part way and I accidentally walked straight into the edge of the gate almost knocking me out! This is a problem that comes and goes - it worked today in Walmart parking lot but not when I arrived home. The dealer said to bring it in when it doesn't work, but then it works when you get to the dealer and he says there is no problem!!
Visibility/wiper, Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 31, 2022
Front windshield without warning had a stress crack appear on the passenger side from the top of the windshield to the middle. NO foreign item caused the damage. Again, the crack appeared without warning. My insurance company set up appointment with Safe Lite Auto Glass to replace the cracked windshield on August 2, 2022. The crack has now extended diagonally across the windshield as of Sunday July 31,2022. Because of the safety risk involved, I felt it was imperative to have it replaced ASAP. Plans are to reach out to the dealership on Monday August 1,2022 for their inspection and assessment.
Electrical system, Jul 18, 2022
My charging system fails to keep my battery charged . This happens irregularly - even when the car has just sat in the garage for two or three days. We have not left the doors open or the lights on. It's very frustrating.
Visibility, Jul 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the contact heard a ding on the windshield as a horizontal crack formed on the middle, passenger side windshield. The crack expanded to the driver’s side of the windshield and the contact took the vehicle to the dealer where the windshield replaced. After the repair, two small chips were formed on the windshield which the contact had repaired by an independent mechanic. One day upon entering the vehicle, the contact noticed another horizontal crack had formed on the middle, passenger’s side windshield. The contact stated that each failure obstructed his vision while driving at various speeds. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 13, 2022
The battery of the car keep dying, leaving us stranded in what could possibly be unsafe situations. We have gotten the battery checked out numerous times at the dealership, plus got a battery replacement in October 2020 but it still keeps occurring. This is a 2017 Outback with less than 30,000 miles, so should not be happening.
Electrical system, Jul 11, 2022
Car has repeated failed to start due to drained battery. Battery is drained by system. This has occurred dozens of times since the car was purchased new. Date of most recent occurrence is listed below.
Electrical system, Jul 9, 2022
Battery found dead 2x First time July 2021, replaced battery Second time July 2022, car will not start
Visibility/wiper, Jul 5, 2022
The windshield spontaneously cracked while driving at 60 mph. The crack is from the lower passenger side and extends approximately 8 inches. Did not notice a rock or object hitting the glass.
Electrical system, Jun 28, 2022
Battery continually found dead requiring frequent jump starts
Electrical system, Jun 25, 2022
Repeated battery drained issues. Multiple batteries replaced.
Electrical system, Jun 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was jump started. The contact had the battery replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the mechanic found not fault with the vehicle. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 40,000.
Visibility/wiper, Jun 15, 2022
In February of 2020, while in lock down for the pandemic, my windshield started to crack on the passenger side below the seal in the black area. It continued to spread. I took my car into the dealership once lockdown had lifted and I could get an appointment. I was aware of the issues with the windshield and they did a pin test confirming it was not due to a rock but rather the windshield itself. I was informed they would not replace the windshield and I would need to pay for it myself. My car warranty expired during COVID and the dealership was closed for much of that Spring due to local enforcement.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Jun 13, 2022, crash
The contact owned a 2017 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while reversing, the vehicle accelerated backward. The contact pumped the brake pedal and was depressed aggressively several times however the brakes failed to respond. The vehicle collided with a pillar of bricks causing the vehicle to stop. No airbag deployed and no one was injured. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a collision center where the insurance deemed the vehicle a total loss. The manufacturer was contacted and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 41,806.
Power train, Jun 11, 2022
Rear bearing/hub assembly failure. Appears to be a known problem per information readily available online. Failure occurred at 40,746 miles. Replaced at dealership at my personal cost, out of warranty period. Hubs and bearings should not be failing at such low mileage. Could have caused other driveline or suspension problems and poses a safety issue as wheels would be unable to spin freely.
Electrical system, Jun 10, 2022
2 June 2022 Incident started with tail gate issues (would not respond when the button was pressed, beeped straight about 3-5 minutes). Took car to the dealership, they did the parasitic drain test, and found that the battery no longer held a charge. Replaced the battery and then tested for a draw. Found that there was draw from the DCM (data communication module). That is scheduled to be replaced as is the back up battery. Of note, the car was purchased new in July of 2017, and returned to dealer with a dead battery 27 February 2019 (7556 miles on the odometer) at which point the battery replaced. The car was taken to the dealership again for battery issues 4 January 2020 (they charged the battery) and 27 March 2020 (battery tested fine, and they jump started the car). All work on the car has been done by either Briggs Subaru in Topeka Kansa, or Gallatin Subaru in Bozeman Montana.