2017 Subaru Outback recalls and problems
The 2017 Subaru Outback has 4 safety recalls and 921 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Subaru dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2017 Subaru Outback vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2017 Subaru Outback recalls
Recall 19V-910: Air Bags
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.
Recall 16V-716: Air Bags, Steering
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.
Recall 16V-576: Service Brakes, Hydraulic, 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.
Recall 16V-292: Steering
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.
2017 Subaru Outback problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 393 | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 205 | |
| Unknown or Other | 178 | |
| Power Train | 47 | |
| Engine | 44 | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 31 | |
| Visibility | 30 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 29 | |
| Structure | 27 | |
| Steering | 24 | |
| Service Brakes | 23 | |
| Air Bags | 16 |
Most reported parts
- Visibility › Windshield — 26
- Structure › Body — 25
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 12
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 10
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 9
- Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery — 6
- Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 5
- Electrical System › Ignition — 3
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 30,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2017 Subaru Outback complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Subaru Outback years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2017 Subaru Outback have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2017 Subaru Outback: 19V-910 (air bags), 16V-716 (air bags, steering), 16V-576 (service brakes, hydraulic, suspension), 16V-292 (steering). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2017 Subaru Outback?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (393 reports), followed by visibility/wiper (205). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 30,000 miles.
Are Subaru recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Subaru dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.