CarRecallWatchThe 2017 Subaru Outback has 4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 921 complaints with NHTSA, including 33 crashes, 3 fires, 26 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Electrical System (393 reports).
NHTSA rates it up to 5 stars overall for crash safety, depending on the version.
2017 Subaru Outback recalls
Passenger Front Airbag May Not Deploy Properly in a Crash
Some 2016-2017 Subaru Outback vehicles may have had a replacement airbag control module installed that is not compatible with the passenger front airbag module.
Knee airbag bracket may detach, reducing driver crash protection
Certain vehicles built in late September 2016 may have a knee guard bracket that is not properly attached to the steering beam.
Loose Bolts Could Cause Brake and Steering Failure
Some front brake calipers, wheel hubs, and a stabilizer clamp may have been attached with bolts that were not tightened correctly.
Steering Column May Fail, Causing Loss of Steering Control
The steering column on certain vehicles may have been improperly machined.
Most common 2017 Subaru Outback problems
Problem areas named in the 921 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 393 |
| Visibility/Wiper | 205 |
| Unknown Or Other | 178 |
| Power Train | 47 |
| Engine | 44 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 31 |
| Visibility | 30 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 29 |
| Structure | 27 |
| Steering | 24 |
What owners report
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, caused the unusual corrosion.
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 mileage was approximately 112,000.
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 entered the roundabout beneath [XXX]. At approximately 7 mph, the electronic power-steering assistance stopped functioning, making the vehicle extremely difficult to steer. I was able to exit the roundabout and pull into a parking lot without a collision. I turned the vehicle off
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 emission levels certified by the EPA. Subaru's current Bulletin WUB-87 is initiating a service campaign that would involve replacement of the front exhaust pipe assembly which includes the catalytic converter. I had to pay out of pocket for the replacement part. I would like to
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 with four locked wheels. This incident put me in mild shock. The Subaru dealer had to replace the transmission. The dealer and Subaru Regional Rep. examined the CVT failure. It was outside of the 100,000-mile warranty by about 895 miles. Repair invoice attached. I did not have ad
2017 Subaru Outback safety rating
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Subaru Outback SW AWD | ★★★★★ 5-star | 5 | 5 | 4 (17.5% rollover risk) |
2017 Subaru Outback questions
Does the 2017 Subaru Outback have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2017 Subaru Outback: Passenger Front Airbag May Not Deploy Properly in a Crash; Knee airbag bracket may detach, reducing driver crash protection; Loose Bolts Could Cause Brake and Steering Failure; Steering Column May Fail, Causing Loss of Steering Control. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Subaru Outback?
Based on 921 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (393), Visibility/Wiper (205), Unknown Or Other (178).
How safe is the 2017 Subaru Outback?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings program gives the 2017 Subaru Outback up to 5 out of 5 stars overall; ratings vary by version, see the table above.
How do I check if a recall on my 2017 Subaru Outback has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.