2017 SUBARU OUTBACK — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
5/5
Safety Rating
1,087
Owner Complaints
4
Recalls
36
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2017 SUBARU OUTBACK
The 2017 SUBARU OUTBACK has received a total of 1,087 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It earned an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program crash tests. There have been 6 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE, AIR BAGS:KNEE BOLSTER, STEERING:COLUMN. 36 technical service bulletins have been issued by Subaru of America, Inc. for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Electrical System (379 complaints), Visibilitywiper (205 complaints), and Unknown Or Other (170 complaints).
Recalls for the 2017 SUBARU OUTBACK
NHTSA has recorded 6 recalls for the 2017 SUBARU OUTBACK, potentially affecting up to 49,171 vehicles.
Recall 19V910000 — AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
| 46 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating passenger frontal air bag deployment, the air bag may not deploy properly, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag module, free of charge. The recall began February 3, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUX-09.
View full details →Recall 16V716000 — AIR BAGS:KNEE BOLSTER
| 54 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: If the knee guard is not properly attached and the driver is not wearing a seatbelt, the knee guard may not be able to properly restrain the driver's lower body in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the knee guard welding on each vehicle's steering beam, replacing the beam as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 14, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's...
View full details →Recall 16V716000 — STEERING:COLUMN
| 54 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: If the knee guard is not properly attached and the driver is not wearing a seatbelt, the knee guard may not be able to properly restrain the driver's lower body in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the knee guard welding on each vehicle's steering beam, replacing the beam as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 14, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's...
View full details →Recall 16V576000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
| 99 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: If any of the front brake caliper, wheel hub or stabilizer clamp attaching bolts loosen or detach, the related components would also become loose and may detach possibly making the vehicle unstable and reducing the braking capability. These conditions would increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the bolts for proper torque, and replace any loose bolts, free of charge. The recall began on August 8, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this...
View full details →Recall 16V576000 — SUSPENSION
| 99 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: If any of the front brake caliper, wheel hub or stabilizer clamp attaching bolts loosen or detach, the related components would also become loose and may detach possibly making the vehicle unstable and reducing the braking capability. These conditions would increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the bolts for proper torque, and replace any loose bolts, free of charge. The recall began on August 8, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this...
View full details →Recall 16V292000 — STEERING:COLUMN
| 48,819 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lot number on the steering column, replacing the steering column, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783 or by...
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2017 SUBARU OUTBACK
1,087 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2017 SUBARU OUTBACK. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
Most Recent Complaints
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 of seconds. After leaving it off for about 5 minutes, it was able to start. Additionally, it occasionally feels jerky while driving, usually at lower speeds.
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 driver was able to close the hood. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the driver was provided a loaner vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. It was unknown if the manufacturer was contacted or notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
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 current Subaru replacement windshields and the dealers can't help. These are $1,300 insurance claims each. Subaru needs to figure out what is happening with the poor quality before someone gets hurt from shattered glass or impaired visibility from cracks.
Safety Rating for the 2017 SUBARU OUTBACK
The 2017 SUBARU OUTBACK received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
| Test Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Frontal Crash | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Side Crash | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Rollover | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Safety ratings are based on controlled crash tests conducted by NHTSA. A 5-star rating indicates the highest level of occupant protection.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2017 SUBARU OUTBACK
Subaru of America, Inc. has issued 36 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2017 SUBARU OUTBACK. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
17-18-23 — AIR BAGS
This bulletin announces availability of the one-time use mounting clip and spacer clip for the air bag curtain module.
07-207-22R — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This bulletin announces a warranty extension information regarding 12 Volt vehicle batteries.
09-83-21R — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
This bulletin announces design change to the water pump assembly.
07-181-20 — EQUIPMENT
This Service Information Bulletin provides an important step currently missing from the Service Manual diagnostics for DTC B1572 âIMM CIRCUIT EXCEPT ANTENNA CIRCUITâ.
07-179-20 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This bulletin announces a design change made to the PRG control module.
07-152-19R — EQUIPMENT
This bulletin announces availability of new power window switch assemblies.
12-253-18R — EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
This bulletin provides a procedure to help identify the source of a squeaking, creaking or popping -type sound heard coming from the driver?s seat. A change has been made to the Teflon bushings used in the seat cushion frame assembly.
15-239-19 — EQUIPMENT
This Service information bulletin announces a design change made to the Cargo Net ? Rear Replacement Hardware Kit (F551SAG301). The new part number is F551SAN010. The change was made to address concerns regarding the ?mushroom? anchors either pulling out of the trim panel and or gapping visibly at the base...
06-63-18R — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This bulletin announces a design change to the EPB adapter cord harness connector. In some cases, the retaining tab of the connector may become damaged as a result of removal or installation for diagnosis and later and cause DTC C1956 or C1957 to set and the brake warning lamp to...
07-127-18R — LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
This bulletin announces a design change to the power rear gate (PRG) rod. The new rod will address isolated cases of one end of the rod coming off the ball stud just as the latch releases and the gate starts to open / move.
Showing 10 of 36 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2017 SUBARU OUTBACK
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the SUBARU OUTBACK
- 2012 SUBARU OUTBACK — 366 complaints
- 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK — 402 complaints
- 2014 SUBARU OUTBACK — 275 complaints
- 2015 SUBARU OUTBACK — 632 complaints
- 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK — 757 complaints
- 2017 SUBARU OUTBACK (current)
- 2018 SUBARU OUTBACK — 957 complaints
- 2019 SUBARU OUTBACK — 1,273 complaints
- 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK — 1,120 complaints
- 2021 SUBARU OUTBACK — 391 complaints
- 2022 SUBARU OUTBACK — 518 complaints
Other SUBARU Models
- SUBARU FORESTER — 8,432 total complaints
- SUBARU LEGACY — 4,117 total complaints
- SUBARU IMPREZA — 3,406 total complaints
- SUBARU CROSSTREK — 1,431 total complaints
- SUBARU ASCENT — 1,230 total complaints
- SUBARU WRX — 1,207 total complaints
- SUBARU SVX — 373 total complaints
- SUBARU XV CROSSTREK — 354 total complaints