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Subaru Outback 2017 recalls, problems, complaints and safety

NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls issued for the Subaru Outback 2017 and 918 complaints filed by owners. One of them carries a do-not-drive or park-outside warning until repaired. It has 75% more complaints than the average Subaru Outback from 2016–2025 (524 per year).

These are recalls issued for this model and year, not for your specific car. A car may already be repaired or may not be included. Confirm with your VIN on NHTSA.

Own or buying a Subaru Outback 2017? Enter its VIN to see its exact trim and engine, and confirm on NHTSA whether its recalls were repaired.

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Where do I find the VIN?
1 2 3
  1. Dashboard, driver side: visible from outside through the windshield.
  2. Sticker on the driver's door frame.
  3. Paperwork: title, registration and insurance card.

Recalls issued for the Subaru Outback 2017

Air bags
NHTSA campaign 19V910000 · 2019-12-19

What happens

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.

Consequence

In the event of a crash necessitating passenger frontal air bag deployment, the air bag may not deploy properly, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

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.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 19V910000

Steering
NHTSA campaign 16V716000 · 2016-10-06

What happens

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 16V716000

Suspension
NHTSA campaign 16V576000 · 2016-08-03

What happens

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 16V576000

Steering
NHTSA campaign 16V292000 · 2016-05-11 !

NHTSA and the manufacturer advise NOT to drive this vehicle until it is repaired.

What happens

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.

Consequence

The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 16V292000

Complaints from other owners

918 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.

32 with a crash · 3 with a fire · 25 injuries

Most reported problems on the Subaru Outback 2017

Complaints are written by owners and NHTSA doesn't verify each one. They're useful to spot trends.

What to check before buying a Subaru Outback 2017

Safety rating (NCAP)

OverallFrontalSideRollover
2017 Subaru Outback SW AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆

Subaru Outback recalls by year

Frequently asked questions

How many recalls does the Subaru Outback 2017 have?

NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls issued for the Subaru Outback 2017. That doesn't mean every car has them open: confirm with the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The repair is free at the dealer.

What is the most common problem with the Subaru Outback 2017?

In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: electrical system (390 of 918 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.

Model-level information from official NHTSA sources. Confirm by VIN on NHTSA. Not a substitute for a mechanical inspection.

Last updated: October 12, 2026. Sources: NHTSA vPIC (decoding), NHTSA Recalls, NHTSA Complaints and NHTSA NCAP (5-Star Safety Ratings).