2017 Subaru Outback Problems

What owners have reported about the 2017 Subaru Outback, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.

From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.

Is the 2017 Subaru Outback a good year?

It's one of the worst years for the Outback. Owners have filed 918 complaints with NHTSA, the 2nd most of 18 Outback model years. The most reported problems involve the electrical system, wipers and visibility and transmission.

918 complaints 4 recalls, 1 do not drive 2nd worst of 18 Outback years

Which parts fail most

Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.

Electrical 43%

Wipers and Visibility 25%

Unknown or Other 19%

Transmission 5%

Engine 5%

Acceleration 3%

Body 3%

Brakes 3%

Steering 3%

Emergency Braking 3%

Mileage when it failed

Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (505 of 918). The amber line is the middle value, about 31,000 miles.

0k25k50k75k100k125k150k

When problems were reported

Complaints by the year the problem happened.

696

117

2017 Subaru Outback recalls

Passenger air bag may not deploy properly

Injury risk

A replacement air bag control module may have been installed that is not compatible with the passenger air bag module. In a crash that requires the passenger frontal air bag, it may not deploy properly, raising the risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will replace the passenger air bag module free of charge.

Recall 19V910000 · Dec 2019

Knee bolster, Column

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.

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.

Recall 16V716000 · Oct 2016

Loose front brake and wheel bolts

Crash risk

Some bolts holding the front brake calipers, wheel hubs, and a stabilizer clamp may not be tightened properly. If they loosen or come off, parts can detach, the car can become unstable, and braking can weaken, raising the risk of a crash.

Fix: The dealer will check the bolts' torque and replace any loose bolts at no cost to you.

Recall 16V576000 · Aug 2016

Column

Do not drive

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.

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. Note: Until the vehicles have been inspected, owners are advised not to drive their vehicles.

Recall 16V292000 · May 2016

Check your VIN for open recalls

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Outback years to avoid

Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.

2019 Outback 1,036

2017 Outback 918

2020 Outback 900

2018 Outback 814

2011 Outback 652

2016 Outback 643

2015 Outback 510

2022 Outback 465

2010 Outback 360

2021 Outback 298

2013 Outback 297

2012 Outback 292

2008 Outback 226

2014 Outback 208

2009 Outback 106

2024 Outback 104

2023 Outback 89

2025 Outback 82

2017 Subaru Outback problems by system

Electrical (391)Wipers and Visibility (233)

Common questions

Is the 2017 Subaru Outback a reliable year?

What are the most common 2017 Subaru Outback problems?

Owners most often report problems with the electrical system, wipers and visibility, transmission and engine. 391 complaints (43%) name the electrical system, most often the 12v / 24v / 48v battery and ignition.

At what mileage do 2017 Subaru Outback electrical system problems start?

Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 18,000–44,000 miles, with a middle value near 32,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2017 Subaru Outback have?

4. Passenger air bag may not deploy properly (19V910000); Knee bolster, Column (16V716000); Loose front brake and wheel bolts (16V576000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.

Should I buy a used 2017 Subaru Outback?

Ask for service records covering the electrical system, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2025, 2023 and 2024 models, which have the fewest complaints.

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.