Recalls · problems · safety

2017 Subaru Outback: recalls and problems

4 recalls and 921 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is electrical system.

4recalls
921complaints
33crashes reported
3fires reported
26injuries reported
1 recall with a “do not drive” or “park outside” warning

Check your VIN with the manufacturer or NHTSA straight away and follow the instructions in the notice.

Recalls

Check recalls for your exact VIN

Most common problems

  • Electrical System391 · 42%
  • Visibility/Wiper205 · 22%
  • Unknown Or Other178 · 19%
  • Power Train47 · 5%
  • Engine44 · 5%
  • Visibility30 · 3%
  • Vehicle Speed Control29 · 3%
  • Structure27 · 3%
  • Steering24 · 3%
  • Service Brakes23 · 2%

What owners report

Structure

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 condensate drips on the structure. this coupled with road salt in rochester, ny,

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash

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 experienced body soreness and stiffness but did not seek medical attention. the failure mil

Steering,Electrical System,Engine

On sunday, [xxx], i was driving my 2017 subaru outback 3.6r touring after leaving the [xxx]. after i had merged onto [xxx] and immediately before the first roundabout under [xxx], the vehicle emitted three warning beeps, numerous dashboard warning lights illuminated, and the engine began running roughly. i was traveling approximately 31 mph when the warnings began. while attempting to reach a safe place to stop, i e

Unknown Or Other

Under subaru's bulletin wuj-95, certain 2015-2016 outbacks were recalled due to the exhaust pipe front (epf) bellows cracking. my 2017 subaru outback has developed a crack in the bellows (flex pipe on the catalytic converter) and has had to be replaced. the emissions warranty ran out at 80k miles, i currently have 92k miles on the vehicle. if not replaced, the vehicle would not pass smog and would fail to meet emi

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. They are owner reports and have not been verified.

Crash-test ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2017 Subaru Outback SW AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Source: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP APIs, covering Outback. Last refreshed 2026-11-15.