The Lemon Index2017 Subaru Outback.
The 2017 Subaru Outback is one of the worst years by owner complaints: 406 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 204, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about wipers & visibility, it has 4 recalls, and it gets 22 to 28 mpg combined. The best Subaru Outback year is 2012.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
Fixes owners look up most.
From 100 YouTube videos about the 2015–2019 Subaru Outback, 18.8M views. The 2017 is the same generation.
- Timing chain & engine452K views
How to Guide: CABIN Air Filter Change 2015-2019 Subaru Outbackbruceyyyyy · 196K views · 3 videos - Gauges, lights & wiring276K views
2017 Subaru Outback Dash Lights Apocalypse – P2005 TGV Code ExplainedSouth Main Auto LLC · 128K views · 3 videos - Transmission & shifter252K views
2012-2019 Subaru Legacy Outback TR690 Transmission Fluid Change How To DIYValley Mobile Automotive · 119K views · 3 videos - Brakes & ABS227K views
How to Replace Front Brakes 2015 Subaru Outback1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics Know · 158K views · 2 videos
Show 4 more
- Spark plugs & ignition coils218K views
How to Replace Spark Plugs on a 2017 Subaru OutbackJack Fletcher · 154K views · 2 videos - Oil leaks & gaskets176K views
Project 2015 Outback: Spark Plugs & Cam Cover Gasket Replacement! Easy-ish DIY!MrSubaru1387 · 176K views - Windows, doors & mirrors166K views
Adjust rear Roof Crossbar spacing 2017 Subaru OutbackGroove Subaru · 106K views · 2 videos - Infotainment, battery & electrical150K views
Subaru Outback Legacy 2018 and 2019 HK Touchscreen repairKinetic Vehicles · 88K views · 2 videos
Before you buy, watch
Top 5 Problems Subaru Outback Wagon 2015 - 2019 5th Generation1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics Know · 64K views
2015 Subaru Outback takes on the TFL Cliffhanger: Ultimate Off-Road ReviewThe Fast Lane Car · 1.0M views
2017 Subaru Outback - Review and Road TestKelley Blue Book · 848K viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them.
How serious. Out of 919 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Subaru Outback year. 2017 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 15K to 45K miles on the car (514 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- electrical complaints mostly came at 18K–44K miles
- wipers & visibility complaints mostly came at 20K–48K miles
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 5K–44K miles
Recalls 4
- airbags 2019
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.
- steering 2016
In the affected vehicles, the knee guard bracket may not be properly attached to the steering beam assembly.
- suspension 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.
Show all 4 recalls
- steering 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.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Subaru told dealers about
Subaru sent dealers 397 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- ONLY 2016-2017MY: Those Models equipped with STARLINK Telematics
- Models with eyesight only
- Reminder Bulletin: WQU56 Recall: Propeller Shaft Oil Seal Failure
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenDesiccated air bag inflator rupture2021
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru Outback SW AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2300–2900 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
My windshield started cracking for no apparent reason. I noticed it after getting ready to travel home after work. My car was parked in a covered garage.
2017 Subaru Outback owner · NHTSA complaint 11310989
More owner reports
My 2017 Subaru Outback has parasitic battery drain that kills the battery. The car won't start making the vehicle unreliable. This is a routine issue with Subaru and needs to be addressed.
NHTSA complaint 11319014
The windshield cracked after a collision to a dear. The crack has been progressively getting worse
NHTSA complaint 11361422
Quick answers
Is the 2017 Subaru Outback reliable?
No, it is one of the worst by government complaints. It drew 2× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 204; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Subaru Outback year by this measure is 2012.
What are the most common 2017 Subaru Outback problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are wipers & visibility (34%), electrical (25%) and transmission & drivetrain (7%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2017 Subaru Outback have?
4 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2017 Subaru Outback get?
22 to 28 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2017 Subaru Outback safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2017 Subaru Outback problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 15,900 and 45,000 miles. The middle report was at 30,000 miles, from 514 complaints.
Does the 2017 Subaru Outback have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 7% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2017 Subaru Outback cost in fuel a year?
About $2300 to $2900 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2017 Subaru Outback have?
2.5L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl.
What Subaru Outback year is better than the 2017?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2012, 2014 and 2013.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works