2017 Subaru Outback Problems
What owners have reported about the 2017 Subaru Outback, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2017 Subaru Outback a good year?
It's one of the worst years for the Outback. Owners have filed 918 complaints with NHTSA, the 2nd most of 18 Outback model years. The most reported problems involve the electrical system, wipers and visibility and transmission.
918 complaints 4 recalls, 1 do not drive 2nd worst of 18 Outback years
Top 2017 Subaru Outback problems
Electrical problems
391 complaints (43%) name the electrical system, most often the 12v / 24v / 48v battery and ignition.
Wiper and visibility problems
233 complaints (25%) name the wipers and visibility, most often the windshield and sun / moon roof assembly.
Transmission problems
47 complaints (5%) name the transmission, most often the gear position indication (PRNDL) and CVT.
Engine problems
43 complaints (5%) name the engine.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (505 of 918). The amber line is the middle value, about 31,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2017 Subaru Outback recalls
Air bag / restraint control module
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. In the event of a crash necessitating passenger frontal air bag deployment, the air bag may not deploy properly, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag module, free of charge.
Recall 19V910000 · Dec 2019Knee bolster, Column
In the affected vehicles, the knee guard bracket may not be properly attached to the steering beam assembly. 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 16V716000 · Oct 2016Caliper
The affected vehicles may have improperly tightened attaching bolts for the front left and right brake calipers, wheel hubs, and the right stabilizer clamp. 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.
Fix: Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the bolts for proper torque, and replace any loose bolts, free of charge.
Recall 16V576000 · Aug 2016Column
Do not driveThe 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. The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lot number on the steering column, replacing the steering column, as necessary, free of charge. Note: Until the vehicles have been inspected, owners are advised not to drive their vehicles.
Recall 16V292000 · May 2016Get an email when your 2017 Subaru Outback gets a new recall
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Outback years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
2017 Subaru Outback problems by system
Common questions
Is the 2017 Subaru Outback a reliable year?
It's one of the worst years for the Outback. Owners have filed 918 complaints with NHTSA, the 2nd most of 18 Outback model years. The most reported problems involve the electrical system, wipers and visibility and transmission.
What are the most common 2017 Subaru Outback problems?
Owners most often report problems with the electrical system, wipers and visibility, transmission and engine. 391 complaints (43%) name the electrical system, most often the 12v / 24v / 48v battery and ignition.
At what mileage do 2017 Subaru Outback electrical system problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 18,000–44,000 miles, with a middle value near 32,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2017 Subaru Outback have?
4. Air bag / restraint control module (19V910000); Knee bolster, Column (16V716000); Caliper (16V576000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2017 Subaru Outback?
Ask for service records covering the electrical system, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2025, 2023 and 2024 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.