Is the 2017 Subaru Outback reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2017 Subaru Outback is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2017 Subaru Outback?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2017 Subaru Outback have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

2017 Subaru Outback

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2017 Subaru Outback
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 918
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Electrical system

Complaints per year

2017: 918 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1995	2
1996	46
1997	79
1998	127
1999	111
2000	207
2001	171
2002	143
2003	93
2004	90
2005	273
2006	277
2007	129
2008	226
2009	106
2010	360
2011	652
2012	292
2013	297
2014	208
2015	509
2016	642
2017	918
2018	813
2019	1,034
2020	899
2021	296
2022	465
2023	89
2024	103
2025	81
2026	16

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

43% · 392 reports

Most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and ignition.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Vehicle battery needed to be charged over 27 times because it is stone dead. Was told over a year ago vehicle needed a DCM module but there were non a viable..As of 9/5/2023 this module is still unavailable vehicle has only 8,800 miles.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-06

Visibility/wiper

22% · 205 reports

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

> the auto in this complaint is equipped with Subaru's "Eyesight" Driver assist technology.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-06-22

Power train

5% · 47 reports

Most commonly citing cvt and gear position indication (prndl).

CRASH

Engine

5% · 43 reports

CRASHFIRE

Forward collision avoidance

3% · 31 reports

Most commonly citing automatic emergency braking and warnings.

CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2016-05-13Steering16V292000 Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured February 29, 2016, to May 6, 2016.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2016-08-08Service brakes, hydraulic, suspension16V576000 Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2017 Outback vehicles manufactured June 20, 2016, to June 23, 2016.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2016-11-14Air bags, steering16V716000 Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured September 21, 2016, to September 23, 2016.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
▮
2017Complaint volume 918 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2020-02-03Air bags19V910000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Buy-smart checklist

2017 Subaru Outback — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Electrical system: 392 reports on file for this year.
Visibility/wiper: 205 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 47 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 16V292000 · Steering
Recall 16V576000 · Service brakes, hydraulic, suspension
Recall 16V716000 · Air bags, steering
Recall 19V910000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2017 Subaru Outback reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2017 Subaru Outback is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Subaru Outback?: The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2017 Subaru Outback have?: 4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.