Worse than most Outback years
Owners filed about 1.5 times as many complaints as a typical Outback year. The main thing to watch is the electrical system, which half of owners reported by about 30,000 miles. Years with fewer complaints: 2012, 2013 and 2014.
Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Outback years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
Owners have filed 921 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Subaru Outback. The most reported problem area is the electrical system (392, 43% of complaints), followed by the lights, wipers and visibility and the transmission and drivetrain. That ranks 2nd of 13 Outback years from 2012 to 2024 for complaints. It has 4 recalls.
9 of these complaints came from Utah owners.
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Start my car searchMost reported problems
Problem areas ranked by how many complaints mention them. One complaint can name more than one area. Open an area to see what to check on a 2017 Subaru Outback before you buy.
Electrical system
392 complaintsDead batteries, warning lights, failed screens and cameras, and electrical shorts.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 30,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Test every switch: windows, locks, mirrors, seat heaters, the screen, the backup camera, Bluetooth and every USB port.
- Watch the dash at startup. Every warning light should come on briefly and then go out.
- Have the battery and charging system tested. A weak alternator or battery drain shows up here.
Tools that help
What owners said
If the car engine does not run for more than 4-5 days, the battery is drained completely dead and the car needs to be jump started to get the engine to run and have the alternator recharge the battery. Ongoing issue.Owner complaint, filed 2026
Since purchasing this Subaru in 2017 there has been multiple incidents where the car battery drains overnight. Causing the car not to start due to a dead battery.Owner complaint, filed 2025
Lights, wipers and visibility
240 complaintsHeadlights that dim or fail, wiper and washer failures, and windshield cracks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 36,000 miles. Parts named most: Windshield (26).
What to check before you buy
- Check every light: headlights on low and high, fog lights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights.
- Run the wipers on every speed with washer fluid, and run the defroster front and back.
Tools that help
What owners said
My Outback has been through 5 genuine Subaru windshields this year, and 7 since 2019. Only one was impact damage, the rest developed cracks after installation. One only lasted 3 days after being replaced. Others have lasted 3 months. There is something defective with the current Subaru replacement windshields and the dealers can't help.…Owner complaint, filed 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied in the garage, the contact’s son opened the garage door and became aware of a crack on the front passenger’s side windshield. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined that the windshield…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 110,000 miles
Transmission and drivetrain
47 complaintsHarsh or delayed shifts, slipping, shuddering, CVT whine, and drivetrain clunks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 27,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Drive it from cold if you can. Shifts should be smooth in every gear, including reverse.
- Feel for slipping (revs rise without the car speeding up), shudder at low speed and a delay when you put it in gear.
- Listen for whining, which is a common CVT complaint, and clunks when you go from drive to reverse.
- If it has 4WD or AWD, engage it on the test drive and ask when the transmission and differential fluids were last changed.
Tools that help
What owners said
At about 112,000 miles, my 2017 subaru outback's transmission showed signs of failure. The "manual shift" gear lever position would no longer increase or decrease the transmission rpm and a whirring and clicking noise became apparent and increased or decreased with speed. The subaru dealer in salisbury, md diagnosed a failing…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Unable to remove key from ignition when vehicle placed in ‘Park’ and vehicle easily changes to ‘Reverse’ when unable to remove key, potential safety hazard to driver and anyone standing behind vehicle. Started around 40,000 miles, repair facility thought replacing the key cylinder would fix the problem but it recurred in less than 1,000…Owner complaint, filed 2023
Engine and cooling
44 complaintsStalling, misfires, oil consumption, leaks, overheating and engine failure.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 32,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Ask the seller not to warm the car up, and start it cold. Listen for ticking, knocking or a rough idle in the first minute.
- Pull the oil dipstick and the oil cap. Low oil, a gasoline smell or a milky film on the cap are reasons to walk away or get an inspection.
- Plug in an OBD2 scanner. Stored or pending codes matter, and so do readiness monitors that show "not ready", which usually means the codes were cleared right before the sale.
- Ask for oil change records. A gap in the records on a model known for engine complaints is a negotiating point at minimum.
Tools that help
What owners said
Hi I had my car into the local Subaru Dealership (Wheeling Subaru) a few weeks ago to investigate a couple of issues that the car has been having for years (and they have never been able to find). Over the course of that investigation, they finally were able to recreate two issues that should have been covered under the warranty since…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Per subarus bulletin 02-192-25 posed on 10-26-2024 they provided details on how to fix a leak from zone 4 for cam shaft carrier and valve cover. I have a leak from these two items noted. I have been breathing the oil fumes for who knows how long. I have had these issues confirmed by both subaru dealership service center and an…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Driver assist systems
31 complaintsPhantom braking, false collision warnings, and lane keeping or backup sensors that act up.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 21,000 miles. Parts named most: Automatic emergency braking (12), Warnings (10), Adaptive cruise control (9).
What to check before you buy
- Where it is safe, try the adaptive cruise and lane keeping on the test drive and watch for sudden braking or warnings with nothing there.
- Check the windshield in front of the camera and the bumper sensors for cracks, chips or poor repairs.
- Ask whether the windshield has been replaced. The camera has to be recalibrated afterward, and many shops skip it.
Tools that help
What owners said
The lane keeping assistance feature is turned off in my vehicle because I live where there are many two land roads and other drives constantly cross the middle line, including large logging trucks. Lately it has been coming on intermittently and nudging my car back toward the middle of the lane even when I would like to drive very close…Owner complaint, filed 2024
While driving at full speed on Interstate 80 through Sacramento CA while the outside temperature was 116 degrees, most of the more advanced systems of the car failed. I should have taken a picture of the control panel. I stopped the car and pulled out the user manual. Indicators illuminated included Eye Sight, Check Engine, tire…Owner complaint, filed 2022
Cruise control and acceleration
29 complaintsHesitation, loss of power, sudden acceleration and cruise control problems.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 20,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- On the test drive, press the gas gently and firmly. The response should be smooth with no lag or surge.
- Set the cruise control, then use resume and cancel to make sure each one works.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Outback. While the contact's wife was driving into a parking space, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated. The vehicle drove over two concrete curbs and crashed into a shipping container, pushing the shipping container back several feet. The driver parked the vehicle in the parking lot. The driver…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 112,000 miles
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at a slow speed, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration. The contact lifted her foot off the brake pedal and then firmly depressed the brake pedal another time. The vehicle was able to come to a stop. The contact…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 129,000 miles
Brakes and stability control
28 complaintsBrakes that feel soft or grab, grinding, ABS and stability control faults.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 20,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- The pedal should feel firm and the car should stop straight without pulling, grinding or a pulsing pedal.
- The ABS and stability control lights should go out after startup and stay out.
- Look through the wheels at the rotors. A deep lip on the edge means brakes are due soon, which is a fair thing to negotiate on.
Tools that help
What owners said
Twice, during a time period of 10 minutes, the vehicle [VIN] suddenly when the brake was applied. I could hear and feel the accelerator kick in when my foot was on the brake -- the vehicle was propelled forward. First at a stop sign before pulling out onto a busy city street, then 10 minutes later when stopping to allow cross traffic to…Owner complaint, filed 2020, at 39,960 miles
I had two significant braking problems within two days. Both days were clear and sunny, with no snow, ice or rain. The first occurred when my wife and I were on a local street. I stepped on the brake to stop at an intersection. Instead of stopping, the car [VIN] into oncoming traffic. Fortunately, the driver coming to my right was able…Owner complaint, filed 2019, at 15,000 miles
Body, doors and structure
28 complaintsRust, doors and liftgates that will not latch, leaks, and frame or structure concerns.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 25,000 miles. Parts named most: Body (25).
What to check before you buy
- Look underneath with a flashlight. Utah road salt is hard on frames, brake lines and the bottoms of doors.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the liftgate, and lock and unlock each one.
- Use a paint thickness gauge and compare panels. A panel that reads very differently from the rest has likely been repaired.
Tools that help
What owners said
The vehicle is 10 years old with 150,000 miles. The vehicle did not pass inspection, as the front end chassis/structural frame is completely rusted and corroded. The cost to replace this structure is $3,200. This seems unusual for a 10 year old car with no visible rust that is in very good condition. I read that the air conditioning…Owner complaint, filed 2026
The contact's sister owns a 2017 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the hood unlatched, flew open, and struck the windshield, causing the windshield to shatter. The driver was able to pull over to the side of the road. It was unknown whether the driver was able to close the hood. The vehicle was taken to the…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Steering
24 complaintsLoss of power steering assist, wandering, play in the wheel and noises when turning.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 20,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Turn the wheel lock to lock while parked and listen for groaning, clicking or binding.
- On a straight road the car should track straight with the wheel centered and no loose feeling.
- A power steering warning on the dash, even briefly, deserves a mechanic’s look before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
On January 24th, 2022, during a regularly scheduled maintenance services appointment at a Subaru dealership, the service technician discovered that the steering rack on my 2017 Subaru Outback needed replacement. At that time, I was advised it would be unsafe/dangerous to continue to drive my vehicle, unless I immediately replaced the…Owner complaint, filed 2023
Paddle shift levers--which are positioned on the steering wheel as opposed to the steering column--are too square-edged (shape), which is a design defect that can cause loss of steering control. Specifically, the sharp corner can catch on coat zippers. I was driving East, took a right turn, and intended to procced with driving South.…Owner complaint, filed 2023
Fuel system
16 complaintsHesitation, stalling, fuel smell, fuel pump and injector failures.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 31,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Smell around the engine bay and under the rear of the car for raw fuel.
- On the test drive, accelerate firmly from a stop and up a grade. Stumbling, surging or a flashing check engine light are red flags.
- Fuel pump recalls are common. Check this exact VIN for open recalls before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
While car was in motion car just stalled. Upon reading recalls the maker of the fuel pump which produce these pumps has recalled other models. Denso and Subaru should check these other models and replace the known issue. Vehicle had to be towed for safety of myself and my son.Owner complaint, filed 2023
On December 1, 2022, as I jockeyed my car out of my garage it accelerated as I tried to break and I slowly drove into a stack of boxes at the back of the garage. No damage and I was able to back out and continue my journey. My wife was in the car with me. I continued on my trip to North Carolina without incident. On Dec 5, 2022, on our…Owner complaint, filed 2022
Air bags
16 complaintsAir bag warning lights, air bags that did not deploy, and inflator recalls.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 3,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- The air bag (SRS) light should come on at startup and go out within a few seconds. If it stays on, the system may not work in a crash.
- Air bag recalls are some of the most serious. Check this exact VIN for open recalls and get proof any recall work was done.
Tools that help
What owners said
I was recently involved in a multi-car accident, where the vehicle rammed into my outback from behind, leading to a spin-up and hit again by the driver side, forcing me to collide into a vehicle that had side-lined on a highway. In this situation, I would expect the airbags to get deployed, but to my surprise and shock, none of the…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Was in a car accident was hit from left front side and left rear passenger door. Other vehicle was going 62 mph when impacted. None of the air bags deployed in the vehicle. I hit my head twice on the window and was knocked unconscious. Insurance will be inspecting vehicle. No lights or failure before accident about airbags.Owner complaint, filed 2024
Seats and seat belts
7 complaintsBelts that will not latch or retract, seat adjusters and passenger occupancy sensors.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 17,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Pull out and latch every seat belt, and let each one retract on its own.
- Try every seat adjuster, and watch for a passenger air bag "off" light when an adult is in the seat.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2017 subaru outback. The contact stated the front driver side seat belt does not fully retract all way back after use, which caused the seat belt to get stuck into the door causing door jams and dents into the door frame of the vehicle. The contact taken the vehicle to a local dealer capitol subaru (920 capitol…Owner complaint, filed 2021, at 43,300 miles
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.…Owner complaint, filed 2020, at 70,000 miles
Wheels and tires
7 complaintsTire failures, wheels and lug nuts, and tire pressure sensor faults.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Read the four-digit DOT date on each tire. Tires older than about six years should be replaced, whatever the tread looks like.
- Check tread depth on all four. On AWD vehicles all four tires should match.
- The tire pressure light should go out after startup.
Tools that help
What owners said
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…Owner complaint, filed 2022
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…Owner complaint, filed 2020, at 45,000 miles
Suspension
6 complaintsClunks over bumps, broken springs, worn struts and uneven tire wear.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 45,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Drive over a few bumps and potholes slowly with the radio off and listen for clunks or rattles.
- Check the tires for uneven wear on the inside or outside edges, a sign of alignment or suspension trouble.
- Look behind the wheels for oily, wet shocks or struts.
Tools that help
What owners said
About a month ago, I began hearing a periodic loud metallic clack-clack-clack when making a left u-turn, which sounded as if it were tire rotation dependent. It sounded as if it came from the front end. After a couple of weeks I could hear it randomly when going from a stand still, and very seldom when braking. Last thursday, I noticed…Owner complaint, filed 2020, at 74,890 miles
Passenger side rear strut completely collapsed/failed at 45000 miles. I replaced (not an easy job) with same kyb oe part.Owner complaint, filed 2019, at 45,000 miles
Subaru Outback complaints by year
Compare the 2017 with other years before you choose one. Tap a year to see its problems.
Compare with similar 2017 midsize SUVs
Each car is rated against its own other years, since popular models always get more complaints than rare ones.
| Car | Vs. its other years | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 Subaru Outback | Worse than most years | 4 |
| 2017 Toyota Highlander | About average | 4 |
| 2017 Honda Pilot | Among the worst years | 4 |
| 2017 Ford Explorer | About average | 14 |
2017 Subaru Outback recalls
Air bags Air bag / restraint control module
- Risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating passenger frontal air bag deployment, the air bag may not deploy properly, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag module, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Steering Column
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Full recall summary
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.
Suspension
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the bolts for proper torque, and replace any loose bolts, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Steering Column
- Risk
- The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lot number on the steering column, replacing the steering column, as necessary, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
2017 Subaru Outback questions
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Subaru Outback?
The most reported problem areas on the 2017 Subaru Outback are the electrical system (392 complaints), the lights, wipers and visibility (240 complaints) and the transmission and drivetrain (47 complaints).
Is the 2017 Subaru Outback a good year to buy?
Worse than most Outback years. Owners filed about 1.5 times as many complaints as a typical Outback year. The main thing to watch is the electrical system, which half of owners reported by about 30,000 miles. Years with fewer complaints: 2012, 2013 and 2014. Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Outback years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
How many recalls does the 2017 Subaru Outback have?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2017 Subaru Outback. The most recent, from Dec 2019, covers the air bag / restraint control module. Recalls cover the whole model year, so check the VIN of the car you are looking at to see which are still open.
At what mileage do 2017 Subaru Outback problems start?
Half of the owners who reported a problem with the electrical system gave a mileage of about 30,000 miles or less. Half of the owners who reported a problem with the lights, wipers and visibility gave a mileage of about 36,000 miles or less. Plenty of cars have these problems later or never, so ask for service records.
Which Subaru Outback years should I avoid?
The Outback years with the most complaints compared with the rest are 2019. Years with clearly fewer complaints are 2012, 2013 and 2014. Years from 2022 on are too new to rate fairly yet.
Check the exact car
These problems are for the model year as a whole. Here is how to find out about the one you are looking at.
Looking at a 2017 Subaru Outback?
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