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#BS-2017-SUBOUT-192E2017 Subaru OutbackProblems, Recalls & Reliability
Based on reports from 1,112 owners and 4 recalls for this exact model.
Data updated ·NHTSA complaints through October 28, 2026
Preliminary Verdict
Red Flag
Based on 1,112 complaints, 57 crashes, 5 fires, and 4 recalls.
Top reported problems
dead battery
61 complaints • Severity 7.5/10
touchscreen radio freezes up and will not operate
12 complaints • Severity 7.3/10
cracked windshield
10 complaints • Severity 6.4/10
excessive coolant use
4 complaints • Severity 6.5/10
fuel gauge malfunction
3 complaints • Severity 6/10
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Mechanic Inspection Checklist
382 owners reported electrical issues — failures commonly reported around 30K miles.
Failure Timeline by Mileage
Peak failure range: 0–30K miles (298 reports) • Median: 30K miles
30,000-Mile Cost Projection
Best Case
Most Likely
Worst Case
Top cost driver: Electrical (382 reports).
Also in your report
Owner Intelligence
AI-synthesized themes from real complaints
Buyer Lot Checklist
Questions, test drive checks, walk-away triggers
Negotiation Talking Points
Data-backed dollar deductions
Buy / Skip Verdict
Final recommendation with conditions
Where the complaints fall
2017 Subaru Outback: Known Issues & Problem Areas
Electrical Issues
Electrical complaints account for 34% of all reports filed for the 2017 Subaru Outback, with 382 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. The median mileage at time of complaint is 30,000 miles, suggesting issues tend to surface around the 30K-mile mark.
Visibility Issues
Visibility complaints account for 19% of all reports filed for the 2017 Subaru Outback, with 208 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to visibility-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Drivetrain Issues
Drivetrain complaints account for 4% of all reports filed for the 2017 Subaru Outback, with 45 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to drivetrain-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Engine Issues
Engine complaints account for 4% of all reports filed for the 2017 Subaru Outback, with 44 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to engine-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Data sourced from NHTSA owner complaints and community reports. The full report analyzes severity, repair costs, and failure patterns for each category.
Complaint trend by year
Complaints filed with NHTSA by year for the 2017 Subaru Outback. Recent trend: stable.
Don't negotiate blind — know what this car costs to own
Repair costs • Negotiation scripts • Mechanic checklist • Buy/skip verdict
Recall History (4 recalls)
STEERING:COLUMN
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured February 29, 2016, to May 6, 2016. The steering column on the affected vehicles may have been improperly machined, and as a result, turning the steering wheel may have no effect on the direction of the wheels.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2017 Outback vehicles manufactured June 20, 2016, to June 23, 2016. The affected vehicles may have improperly tightened attaching bolts for the front left and right brake calipers, wheel hubs, and the right stabilizer clamp.
AIR BAGS:KNEE BOLSTER
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured September 21, 2016, to September 23, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the knee guard bracket may not be properly attached to the steering beam assembly.
AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Outback vehicles. A replacement air bag control module may have been installed that is not compatible with the passenger air bag module, possibly affecting air bag deployment.
Recall severity analysis & seller scripts
The full report rates each recall's severity and gives you scripts for asking the seller about recall completion.
2017 Subaru Outback NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
Frontal crash
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
Side crash
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
Rollover
★★★★★4 of 5 stars
From NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings). Where NHTSA tested more than one version of this vehicle, the lowest rating is shown.
NHTSA Defect Investigations (1)
1 investigation still open: NHTSA is examining whether a defect warrants a recall.
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
The worst model year for the Subaru Outback is the 2013 — worth knowing if you're cross-shopping years. The biggest problem area is electrical.
About this data
NHTSA Complaints
Federal database of owner-filed safety complaints. 1,112 records for this vehicle.
NHTSA Recalls
Manufacturer-issued safety recalls. 4 recalls found for this vehicle.
Repair Cost Data
Real-world repair costs from owner reports and independent databases.
Last updated . NHTSA complaints received through October 28, 2026; safety ratings from NHTSA's 5-Star program.
Other Subaru Outback Model Years
2017 Subaru Outback: Frequently Asked Questions
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Get the Full 2017 Subaru Outback Report
10 sections of AI analysis based on 1,112 owner reports. Know before you buy.