2017 Subaru Outback: problems, recalls and what it’s worth
NHTSA has 1 open defect investigation (not a recall). 4 recall campaigns to confirm with a dealer. A lot of owner complaints, 43% about electrical.
Ask for the VIN and check it, then get a pre-purchase inspection.
Known problems on the 2017 Subaru Outback
No generation-wide weak spot is flagged in GarageIntel’s research for this year and model. A specific car can still have its own problems, so get it inspected.
2017 Subaru Outback recalls
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2017 Subaru Outback. Repairs are free at a dealer for the brand, and a dealer can confirm by VIN which were already done.
- Airbags
In the event of a crash necessitating passenger frontal air bag deployment, the air bag may not deploy properly, increasing the risk of injury.
Details 19V910000
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.
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.
- Steering
The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash.
Details 16V292000
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.
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.
- Suspension
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…
Details 16V576000
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.
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.
- Steering
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.
Details 16V716000
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.
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.
2017 Subaru Outback safety investigations and free repairs
Under investigation (not a recall):
- Desiccated air bag inflator rupture since Sep 2021
Ask the seller if the car has had this problem.
Free repairs to ask about (warranty extensions):
- Warranty extension: This letter provides information regarding the warranty extension for the Telematics Data Communications Module (DCM).
- Battery: Battery Drain Class Action Settlement- Warranty Extension Training.
A dealer for the brand can check these by VIN.
Source: NHTSA, Sep 24, 2026.
2017 Subaru Outback safety and fuel
From NHTSA’s crash tests and the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov.
What owners complain about
917 complaints filed with NHTSA for this year and model, which is a lot.
Share of complaints that mention each area. One complaint can mention several.
What a 2017 Subaru Outback is worth
Rough trade-in values — roughly what a dealer would pay — by mileage, from published trade-in guides. Private sales and dealer prices run higher. For the exact car, add its VIN.
| Mileage | Trade-in (rough) |
|---|---|
| 40,000 mi | $11,350 |
| 80,000 mi | $11,000 |
| 120,000 mi | $10,338 |
| 160,000 mi | $9,823 |
From new to now
New, a 2017 Subaru Outback started at about $25,645. At a typical 108,000 miles today it trades in for about $10,537 — roughly 59% less.
Typical mileage = 12,000 miles a year; values between two published mileages are estimated in a straight line. “New” is the base price (cheapest version) as published, give or take destination fees; higher trims cost more.
Other Subaru Outback years
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Printable inspection checklist · Out-the-door price calculator