Does the 2017 Subaru Outback have recalls?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2017 Subaru Outback, including Air Bags › Air Bag/Restraint Control Module; Steering › Column; Steering › Column. Recalls are matched by model year, so check your exact VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

What are the most common 2017 Subaru Outback problems?

Owners filed 921 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical system (392), visibility/wiper (205), power train (47), engine (44).

How much does a 2017 Subaru Outback cost to own for 5 years?

About $41,348 over 5 years ($689/month) at an estimated $12,000 purchase price and 12,000 miles a year, including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, loan interest and taxes. Run a VIN report to personalize it.

2017 Subaru Outback

The 2017 Subaru Outback earns a fair Throttlebook Ownership Score of 62/100. Expect about $41,348 to own it for five years, or $689 a month. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 921 complaints.

Recalls: 4
Complaints: 921
5-yr cost: $41k
MPG (EPA): 22

Fair

Ownership Score

2017 Subaru Outback vs nearby years

Compare this year with the model years next to it on the same hub.

Looking at a specific Outback?

Paste its VIN for the exact trim, recalls that may apply, and a Fits / Stretch / Not yet verdict for your budget. Free.

4 recalls may apply

For the 2017 Subaru Outback. NHTSA matches recalls by model and year — confirm by VIN.

Park-it warning

What's wrong: 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.

Check recalls for this exact VIN at NHTSA

Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.

5-year cost to own

Estimated $12,000 price, 20% down, 11.19% APR for 60 months (Experian avg.), 12,000 mi/yr.

$41,348

$689/month · $0.69/mile

Depreciation	$2,910
Insurance (national avg.)	$12,000
Fuel / charging	$9,135
Maintenance	$8,257
Repairs	$4,000
Loan interest	$3,326
Taxes & fees	$1,720

Estimate, not financial advice. How we calculate.

Owner complaints & safety

What real owners reported to NHTSA for this model year.

921 complaints33 involved a crash3 involved a fire

Electrical System392
Visibility/Wiper205
Unknown Or Other178
Power Train47
Engine44
Visibility30

Complaint counts scale with how many were sold; compare against similar models.

NHTSA crash-test stars

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
Frontal: 5 out of 5 stars
Side: 5 out of 5 stars
Rollover: 4 out of 5 stars

Rated as: 2017 Subaru Outback SW AWD

What to check on a used 2017 Subaru Outback

Ordered by what owners of this model year reported most. Reports are not proof of a defect.

Electrical and lights
- Test every window, lock, light and wiper.
- Watch for warning lights that stay on after start-up.
Engine and transmission
- Cold start: listen for knocking, ticking or rough running.
- Shifts should be smooth with no slipping or jerking.
Paperwork
- Ask for service records and the title. Compare the VIN on the car, the paper and our report.
- Check the odometer against the wear on the pedals and seat.

If anything in a safety area feels wrong (brakes, steering, airbags, tires), stop driving and get it inspected before you buy or drive it further. Paste a VIN above for the full printable checklist.

Common 2017 Subaru Outback problems

Cheaper alternatives

FAQ

Is the 2017 Subaru Outback a good car to buy?: The 2017 Subaru Outback earns a fair Throttlebook Ownership Score of 62/100. Expect about $41,348 to own it for five years, or $689 a month. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 921 complaints.
Does the 2017 Subaru Outback have recalls?: NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2017 Subaru Outback, including Air Bags › Air Bag/Restraint Control Module; Steering › Column; Steering › Column. Recalls are matched by model year, so check your exact VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
What are the most common 2017 Subaru Outback problems?: Owners filed 921 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical system (392), visibility/wiper (205), power train (47), engine (44).
How much does a 2017 Subaru Outback cost to own for 5 years?: About $41,348 over 5 years ($689/month) at an estimated $12,000 purchase price and 12,000 miles a year, including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, loan interest and taxes. Run a VIN report to personalize it.

Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP ratings; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data refreshed weekly. Complaint counts scale with sales volume.