2017 Subaru Outback: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2017 Subaru Outback: 4 recalls, 918 owner complaints and up to 28 mpg combined.
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Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Steering Vehicle recall #16V292000 · 2016 · 48,819 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Brakes (hydraulic), Suspension Vehicle recall #16V576000 · 2016 · 99 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
Airbags, Steering Vehicle recall #16V716000 · 2016 · 54 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
Airbags Vehicle recall #19V910000 · 2019 · 46 vehicles
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.
Why it matters: In the event of a crash necessitating passenger frontal air bag deployment, the air bag May not deploy properly, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag module, free of charge. The recall began February 3, 2020.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 25 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (391): the most common themes are electrical failure (341), stalls / loses power (69), won't start (40).
- Visibility/Wiper (205): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (7), noise or vibration (4).
- Other / unknown (178): the most common themes are electrical failure (42).
- Transmission & drivetrain (47): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (16), stalls / loses power (7), noise or vibration (5).
The 2017 Subaru Outback has 918 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 32 Outback model years for complaints (3.0× the average Outback year). Complaints peaked in 2021 (260 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 30,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2016 (643 complaints, 4 recalls), 2018 (813 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 25 | 32 | 28 | Regular |
| 3.6 L 6-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 22 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2017 Subaru Outback.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2017 Subaru Outback have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2017 Subaru Outback. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2017 Subaru Outback problems?
Owners have filed 918 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (391), visibility/wiper (205), other / unknown (178).
What gas mileage does the 2017 Subaru Outback get?
EPA ratings run up to 28 mpg combined (2.5 L, Automatic (AV-S6)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2017 Subaru Outback repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.