2017 Subaru Outback: recalls and problems
4 recalls and 917 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is electrical system.
Check your VIN with the manufacturer or NHTSA straight away and follow the instructions in the notice.
Most common problems
What owners report
The cvt failed at 62 miles per hour on a busy interstate, xxx. this caused the drivetrain to lock. the car has been repaired and traded locally in [xxx]. the car was very difficult to steer with locked wheels in traffic. this was a rapid evasive manuver on a busy interstate. an undrivable vehicle on an interstate is life threatening to many. flat bed driver told me i was lucky to steer off of lanes onto shoulder wit
Came out to car on the morning of july 1, 2026 and found windshield had cracked from the very bottom of the windshield (no impacts). this is the third windshield i will be putting in this car. original windshield was replaced by subaru 4/25 2025 for the same exact problem. 2015 &16 outbacks had a settlement filed as did the 20-23 subarus. this is a known problem.these cracks limit visibility, interfere with all other
On monday [xxx] were driving on [xxx] going north up [xxx]. i was doing about 60-65 mph in traffic which was flowing in both directions. while ascending the pass, the car suddenly started to misfire, rapidly lost power, power steering failed and all dash lights lit up. with no shoulder to pull out this was a very scary experience. eventually managed to limp to a spot where i could pull out off the pavement. car wa
Ignition key not releasing after turning engine off. put shifter in park, foot on brakeii, turn ignition key off. key will not release. have to cycle multiple times to get key released.
Crash-test ratings
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Subaru Outback SW AWD |
Source: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP APIs, covering Outback. Last refreshed 2026-09-29.