Every 2017 Subaru Outback recall
Each campaign as NHTSA published it: what is wrong, what can happen, and the fix. Newest first.
Air Bags · NHTSA 19V910000
Dec 19, 2019Air Bags: Air Bag/Restraint Control Module
- 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.
Full recall details for 19V910000 →Steering · NHTSA 16V292000
Nov 5, 2016Steering:ColumnDo not drive
- 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.
Full recall details for 16V292000 →Steering · NHTSA 16V716000
Jun 10, 2016Steering:Column
- 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.
Full recall details for 16V716000 →Suspension · NHTSA 16V576000
Mar 8, 2016Suspension
- 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.
Full recall details for 16V576000 →
2017 Subaru Outback complaints and service bulletins
Owners filed 918 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Subaru Outback, reporting 32 crashes, 3 fires, 25 injuries. Subaru has issued at least 397 technical service bulletins (repair instructions to dealers) for this model year. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is the manufacturer’s admission of a safety defect.
Most-reported components
- Electrical System392
- Visibility/Wiper205
- Unknown Or Other178
- Power Train47
- Engine43
- Forward Collision Avoidance31
Service bulletins by component
- Electrical System (189)
- Equipment (140)
- Power Train (40)
- Steering (39)
- Unknown Or Other (27)
- Engine (23)
Read Subaru Outback owner complaints and bulletins, every year
NHTSA defect investigations covering the 2017 Subaru Outback
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation lists this model year in one investigation. An investigation is not a recall; it is how NHTSA decides whether one is needed.
What people reported
Owners have filed 918 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Subaru Outback. A few in their own words, shortened. Complaints are unverified and are not proof of a defect or of any recall.
Injury reportedFireCrash
“I was recently involved in a multi-car accident, where the vehicle rammed into my outback from behind, leading to a spin-up and hit again by the driver side, forcing me to collide into a vehicle that had side-lined on a highway.”
2017 SUBARU OUTBACKApr 9, 2026 · ME
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11730268
Fire
“My car caught on fire while I was driving in 3/30/26. The far started somewhere in/near the front driver's side, initial observed flames were coming from just above the front driver's side tire. There were no warning lights on at the time the fire started.”
2017 SUBARU OUTBACKApr 6, 2026 · MI
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11729434
Crash
“The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that after driving onto the driveway and pressing the brake pedal to park, the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration, drove forward, and crashed into the garage door.”
2017 SUBARU OUTBACKSep 15, 2025
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11687413
Fire
“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.”
2017 SUBARU OUTBACKJan 8, 2025
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11634973
Crash
“This has been a constant problem with this car. The battery is dead within 3 days. Has a constant battery drain. Subaru service can't find it. Big safety problem in cold weather. Car leaves wife stranded. The problem is clearly evident on the web blogs.”
2017 SUBARU OUTBACKDec 22, 2024
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11632018
Check your Outback by VIN
Not every 2017 Subaru Outback is in every recall. Enter your 17-character VIN to see the recalls on record for your exact vehicle, then confirm which are still open at NHTSA.gov or with any Subaru dealer.
Run a free VIN recall check →