2017 Subaru Outback engine problems

What owners report

• “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 powe…”

  NHTSA complaint · filed 10/16/2026

• “On Monday [XXX] were driving on [XXX] going north up [XXX]. I was doing about 60-65 mph in traffic which was flowing in both directions. While ascending the pass, the car suddenly started to misfire, rapidly lost power, power steering failed and all dash lights lit up. With no shoulder to pull out this was a very scary experience. Eventually managed to limp to a spot where I could pull out off the pavement. Car was dead. Popping the hood showed significant battery corrosion. I had a toolkit…”

  NHTSA complaint · filed 06/22/2026

• “Total of 3 incidents when my car had approx 1/8 to 1/4 of a tank of gas....as going up incline on interstate....car like stalls and slows down, will not speed up....get it over to the side to avoid being hit and it finally starts going again...close call with vehicles behind us in the passing lane. Below listed the last time it happened... Did not use to do this...first time was same area listed below in November 2025.”

  NHTSA complaint · filed 03/16/2026

• “I been hearing a loud humming sound like a sports car and smell of fumes inside the cabin.”

  NHTSA complaint · filed 10/30/2025

• “Car was being driven on the highway in cruise control, when the cruise control turned off and the car began to decelerate. When the gas pedal was pressed, the RPMs shot up but there was no acceleration. The car was pulled over, turned off, and we were not able to turn it on again. The car was towed to a shop, where they were able to identify the engine wasn’t working but not the root cause, and also mentioned the possibility of there being a transmission problem. We then brought it to a Subaru …”

  NHTSA complaint · filed 07/06/2025

• “ Hi I had my car into the local Subaru Dealership (Wheeling Subaru) a few weeks ago to investigate a couple of issues that the car has been having for years (and they have never been able to find). Over the course of that investigation, they finally were able to recreate two issues that should have been covered under the warranty since it's been happening and reported to them for years (the seat memory programming button isn't working and the right sight steering wheel controller isn't working).…”

  NHTSA complaint · filed 03/21/2025

• “PER SUBARUS BULLETIN 02-192-25 POSED ON 10-26-2024 THEY PROVIDED DETAILS ON HOW TO FIX A LEAK FROM ZONE 4 FOR CAM SHAFT CARRIER AND VALVE COVER. I HAVE A LEAK FROM THESE TWO ITEMS NOTED. I HAVE BEEN BREATHING THE OIL FUMES FOR WHO KNOWS HOW LONG. I HAVE HAD THESE ISSUES CONFIRMED BY BOTH SUBARU DEALERSHIP SERVICE CENTER AND AN INDEPENDENT SERVICE CENTER. NO ENGINE LIGHTS HAVE BEEN DISPLAYED OR CAME ON TO INDICATE ANY OF THESES ISSUES. THE ODOR OF STRONG OIL JUST GOT WORSE OVER TIME AND MY VEHICL…”

  NHTSA complaint · filed 03/11/2025

• “I drive 2.5miles to work, Tuesday [XXX], I was turning into the parking lot and my car just cut off. I couldn't use flashers, restart it, put it in park or anything else. I called my husband to come help. I thought maybe the battery cable might have come loose. It was dead. I couldn't get out, if I let my foot off the brake it would roll backwards, going into the road and I didn't want it to hurt anyone. It started smoking from the drivers front side of engine. I called my husband back an…”

  NHTSA complaint · filed 01/08/2025 · fire

Unverified owner reports from NHTSA's public complaint database.

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