2017 Subaru Outback recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2017 Subaru Outback and 919 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are electrical system (392), visibility/wiper (205), unknown or other (178). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 22–28 mpg combined, depending on engine. 1 recall carries a Park It or Park Outside warning.
The 2017 ranks #12 of 13 Outback model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (504). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 5.6 per model year.
Recalls 4
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2017 Subaru Outback. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Air bags · air bag/restraint control module
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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. 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.
Steering · column
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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. The recall began November 14, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTL-72.
Suspension
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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. The recall began on August 8, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTE-66.
Steering · column
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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. The recall began May 13, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783 or by visiting http://www.wtd65.service-campaign.com. Subaru's number for this recall is WTD-65. Note: Until the vehicles have been inspected, owners are advised not to drive their vehicles.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
On Sunday, [XXX], I was driving my 2017 Subaru Outback 3.6R Touring after leaving the [XXX]. After I had merged onto [XXX] and immediately before the first roundabout under [XXX], the vehicle emitted three warning beeps, numerous dashboard warning lights illuminated, and the engine began running roughly. I was traveling approximately 31 mph when the warnings began. While attem…
Under Subaru's bulletin WUJ-95, certain 2015-2016 Outbacks were recalled due to the exhaust pipe front (EPF) bellows cracking. My 2017 Subaru outback has developed a crack in the bellows (flex pipe on the catalytic converter) and has had to be replaced. The emissions warranty ran out at 80K miles, I currently have 92K miles on the vehicle. If not replaced, the vehicle would…
The CVT failed at 62 miles per hour on a busy interstate, XXX. This caused the drivetrain to lock. The car has been repaired and traded locally in [XXX]. The car was very difficult to steer with locked wheels in traffic. This was a rapid evasive manuver on a busy interstate. An undrivable vehicle on an interstate is life threatening to many. Flat bed driver told me I was lucky…
Safety ratings
2017 Subaru Outback SW AWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2017 Subaru Outback.
Outback AWD
Auto (AV-S6) · 6 cyl · 3.6 L
Regular
Outback AWD
Auto (AV-S6) · 4 cyl · 2.5 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2017 Subaru Outback have?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2017 Subaru Outback, most recently for air bags · air bag/restraint control module (12/19/2019). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Subaru Outback?
Based on 919 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are electrical system (392), visibility/wiper (205), unknown or other (178).
Is the 2017 Subaru Outback safe?
The 2017 Subaru Outback earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings. It has 1 recall with a Park It or Park Outside warning, so check your VIN.
Is the 2017 a good year for the Subaru Outback?
The 2017 ranks #12 of 13 Outback model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (504). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 5.6 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2017 Subaru Outback get?
EPA ratings for the 2017 Subaru Outback range from 22 to 28 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2017 Subaru Outback in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: OUTBACK, Outback.