CarProblemIndexSource: NHTSAData retrieved 2026-07-01

2017 Subaru OUTBACK — Recalls, Complaints & Buying Checklist

Quick summary

Recalls: 4 official NHTSA recall(s) on record, e.g. Air Bags: Air Bag/Restraint Control Module.

Most-reported issue: Electrical System (381 owner reports of 915 total).

Before you buy: owners reported issues most often with Electrical System, Visibility/Wiper — worth having these checked on a used example.

VIN check: confirm any open recall by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Used-car buying checklist

Based on this model’s reported issues. Tick as you inspect.

Owner-reported complaints by category

Counts are voluntary reports to NHTSA and are not adjusted for how many cars were sold — they are not a failure rate or safety ranking.
Electrical System381
Visibility/Wiper187
Unknown Or Other134
Power Train41
Visibility30
Vehicle Speed Control25
Steering23
Structure20
Air Bags15
Engine14

Official recalls

Air Bags: Air Bag/Restraint Control Module — campaign 19V910000 (19/12/2019)
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Outback vehicles. A replacement air bag control module may have been instal…

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.

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is affected by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Suspension — campaign 16V576000 (03/08/2016)
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2017 Outback vehicles manufactured June 20, 2016, to June 23, 2016. The af…

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.

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is affected by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Steering:Column — campaign 16V716000 (06/10/2016)
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured September 21, 2016, to Septem…

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.

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is affected by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Steering:Column — campaign 16V292000 (11/05/2016)
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured February 29, 2016, to Ma…

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.

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is affected by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Compare related vehicles

Previous year: 2016 Subaru OUTBACKNext year: 2018 Subaru OUTBACKRival: 2017 Honda CR-VSame class: 2017 Ford ESCAPESame class: 2017 Ford EXPLORERSame class: 2017 Honda PILOT
Check another vehicleCompare similar vehiclesConfirm VIN
Source: U.S. NHTSA (api.nhtsa.gov), public domain. Data retrieved 2026-07-01 · data v0.1.
This page is general information, not medical, legal, or safety advice. Complaint data is voluntarily reported to NHTSA and is unverified; a complaint count is not a danger or failure rate. Always confirm open recalls for a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with the manufacturer.