2017 SUBARU OUTBACK Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2017 Subaru Outback. This model year has 913 NHTSA complaints β top issue: Electrical Faults.
Before you buy β check the actual VIN
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car β accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2017 Subaru Outback Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Electrical Faults
Visibility/Wiper
Uncategorized Issues
Considering a 2017 Subaru Outback?
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car β accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2017 Subaru Outback. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| 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.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2017 Subaru Outback. Type a keyword (e.g. βtransmissionβ, βstallingβ, βbrakesβ) to filter.
Showing 400 most recent complaints of 913 total. View all on NHTSA β
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.
Recalls for 2017 Subaru Outback
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2017 Subaru Outback. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2017 Subaru Outback β FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2017 Subaru Outback reliable?βΎ
Severe Issues. The 2017 Subaru Outback has 913 NHTSA owner complaints, 32 crash-related, and 4 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Electrical Faults (390 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
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
The 2017 Subaru Outback has 32 crash-related complaints and 3 fire reports out of 913 total NHTSA complaints. 25 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2017 Subaru Outback have any recalls?βΎ
Yes β 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2017 Subaru Outback. The largest issue: AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2017 Subaru Outback?βΎ
The 2017 Subaru Outback has severe issues β review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Electrical Faults issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
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.
Check Your Specific 2017 Subaru Outback
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car β accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.