NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 921 owner complaints for the 2017 Subaru Outback. Most complaints involve electrical system (392) and visibility/wiper (205). The EPA rates it 22–28 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
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.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Outback model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 273 |
| 2006 | 281 |
| 2007 | 130 |
| 2008 | 230 |
| 2009 | 112 |
| 2010 | 360 |
| 2011 | 653 |
| 2012 | 295 |
| 2013 | 297 |
| 2014 | 208 |
| 2015 | 509 |
| 2016 | 642 |
| 2017 | 921 |
| 2018 | 816 |
| 2019 | 1,036 |
| 2020 | 905 |
| 2021 | 299 |
| 2022 | 465 |
| 2023 | 89 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 83 |
| 2026 | 21 |
“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 attempting to reach a safe place to stop, I entered the roundabout beneath [XXX]. At approximately 7 mph, the electronic power-steering assistance stopped functioning, making the vehicle extremely difficult to steer. I was able to exit the roundabout and pull into a parking lot without a collision. I turned the vehicle off, waited approximately five minutes, and restarted it. The warning lights were no longer illuminated. Diagnostic information later reviewed by Grand Junction Subaru documented that the vehicle’s electrical voltage had dropped to 8.6 volts during the incident. The dealership could not reproduce the event or conclusively identify its cause. Although the original alternator reportedly tested normal, the dealership reprogrammed the ECU/ECM, disabled the DCM, and replaced the…”
“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.”
“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 to steer off of lanes onto shoulder with four locked wheels. This incident put me in mild shock. The Subaru dealer had to replace the transmission. The dealer and Subaru Regional Rep. examined the CVT failure. It was outside of the 100,000-mile warranty by about 895 miles. Repair invoice attached. I did not have advanced warning of CVT failure. There were no warning lights on before the CVT failure.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outback AWD Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · All-Wheel Drive | 25 | 32 | 28 | $2,300 | 319 |
| Outback AWD Auto (AV-S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L · All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 22 | $2,900 | 398 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
4 safety recalls as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 921 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (392), visibility/wiper (205), power train (47). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2017 Subaru Outback at 22–28 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2017 Subaru Outback 5 out of 5 stars overall.