2017 Subaru Outback: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2017 Subaru Outback? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 913 complaints, with Electrical Faults as the top reported area.
2017 Subaru Outback Fuel Economy
β EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2017 Subaru Outback trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2017 Subaru Outback Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
17.5% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
17.5% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2017 Subaru Outback has 913 owner complaints, 32 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Outback
- Model year
- 2017
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 913
- Crash-related complaints
- 32
- Safety recall campaigns
- 4
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 28
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 25 / 32
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2017 Subaru Outback Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Visibility/Wiper
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Visibility/Wiper, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2017 Subaru Outback?
The 2017 Subaru Outback shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2017 Subaru Outback
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the electrical system, including battery, alternator, and infotainment, for known issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for any reported electrical or wiper repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the electrical system, including battery, alternator, and infotainment, for known issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for any reported electrical or wiper repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2017 Subaru Outback, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 913 NHTSA complaints for the 2017 Subaru Outback, issues appear concentrated in electrical faults and visibility/wiper components. Crash-related complaints are relatively few at 32, but the overall confidence in this data is low due to its consumer-reported nature.
- Electrical faults account for the largest share of complaints among the 2017 model year.
- Visibility and wiper issues are the second most reported component category.
- Transmission and drivetrain complaints are notably fewer than electrical or visibility issues.
- Electrical faults are the most frequently reported component, with 390 complaints.
- Visibility and wiper problems are the second most common, with 205 complaints.
- Uncategorized issues also represent a significant portion of complaints at 174.
All 2017 Subaru Outback Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Subaru Outback. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 390 | 5 | 1 | β | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 205 | 2 | β | β | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 174 | 3 | 2 | β | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 46 | 2 | β | β | |
| Engine Problems | 42 | 1 | 1 | β | |
| Visibility | 30 | β | β | β | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 28 | 7 | β | β | |
| Structural Problems | 26 | 1 | β | β | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 23 | 7 | β | β | |
| Brake System | 23 | 6 | β | β | |
| Steering Defects | 21 | 2 | β | β | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 16 | 10 | 1 | β | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 16 | 1 | β | β | |
| Lane Departure | 9 | 1 | β | β | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 7 | β | β | β | |
| Suspension Failures | 6 | 1 | β | β | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 5 | 3 | β | β | |
| Wheel Issues | 4 | 1 | β | β | |
| Back Over Prevention | 4 | 1 | β | β | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 4 | β | β | β | |
| Tire Issues | 3 | β | β | β | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Equipment | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | 1 | β | β |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2017 Subaru Outback. Type a keyword (e.g. βtransmissionβ, βstallingβ, βbrakesβ) to filter.
The front passenger window does not work correctly all the time. The driver is not able to put the window up when pressing button on driverβs side and the passenger needs to keep pressing button to have it go back up again. So if the driver puts the window down while driving, theβ¦
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 geβ¦
I think recall work was not done, but says it was done (or is not open). Does it say when and where recall work was done? This car has a parasitic battery drain, 3 batteries in 3 years, required 2 jump starts, 1 call to AAA. There is a recall for such an issue, but I do not belβ¦
My car caught on fire while I was driving in 3/30/26. The far started somewhere in/near the front driverβs side, initial observed flames were coming from just above the front driverβs side tire. There were no warning lights on at the time the fire started. The car was a total losβ¦
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 timβ¦
Total of 3 incidents when my car had approx 1/8 to 1/4 of a tank of gas....as going up incline on interstate....car like stalls and slows down, will not speed up....get it over to the side to avoid being hit and it finally starts going again...close call with vehicles behind us iβ¦
While driving, the car suddenly shut off while in motion. It came to a stop at the bottom of hill where we were able to put it in neutral, and push it into a parking lot. After that we attempted to start it 4 or 5 times, and the engine would turn over and shut off after a couple β¦
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 drivβ¦
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.
Driving on a flat dry road with cloudy conditions we heard what sounded like a shotgun. Pulled over and found our Moonroof exploded. I have dashcam video with audio of the explosion as well as photos and video of the damage immediately after
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 curreβ¦
While in a parking lot moving at very slow rate speed the car suddenly accelerated on its own. I had just slowly turned within a parking lot in preparation to backing into a parking space. I had just removed my foot from the accelerator and the car was almost at a stop and I waβ¦
The key gets stuck in the ignition when turning off the ignition.
battery drains consistently after a few days of not driving/
I been hearing a loud humming sound like a sports car and smell of fumes inside the cabin.
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.
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that after driving onto the driveway and pressing the brake pedal to park, the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration, drove forward, and crashed into the garage door. The contact shifted to the reverse posiβ¦
The design of the dashboard along with the dashboard screen has a very poor design that makes it nearly impossible to see when the sun is out. When the sun is out and especially when driving towards the sun during sunset and sunrise, the dashboard reflects back the light onto tβ¦
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 Sβ¦
Subaru was not willing to cover the cost to replace their faulty gear shifter. My key gets stuck in the ignition. This problem has been confirmed by a dealership. No warnings happen, it gets stuck. This is a safety issue because I have to leave my keys in my car (unlocked) and coβ¦
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2017 Subaru Outback.
2017 Subaru Outback Recalls
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2017 Subaru Outback. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2017 Subaru Outback Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2017 Subaru Outback reliable?βΎ
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 913 owner complaints, 32 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2017 Subaru Outback shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Subaru Outback?βΎ
#1: Electrical Faults (390 complaints). #2: Visibility/Wiper (205 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (174 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2017 Subaru Outback?βΎ
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2017 Subaru Outback?βΎ
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2017 Subaru Outback, NHTSA complaints include 32 crash-related reports and 3 fire reports out of 913 total complaints. 25 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2017 Subaru Outback have any recalls?βΎ
Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2017 Subaru Outback. A major recall area is AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2017 Subaru Outback?βΎ
The 2017 Subaru Outback shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Electrical Faults during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Subaru Outback reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2017 Subaru Outback based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.