2017 Subaru Outback problems, recalls, safety rating, MPG & value

Q: Does the 2017 Subaru Outback have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2017 Subaru Outback. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

Q: What gas mileage does the 2017 Subaru Outback get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2017 Subaru Outback at about 25 mpg combined (23 city / 30 highway).

Q: How much is a 2017 Subaru Outback worth?

Comparable 2017 Subaru Outback listings run roughly $17,500–$26,990, typically around $21,920 (from 51 vehicles).

2017 Subaru Outback at a glance

Safety recalls4

Owner complaints915

Combined25 mpg

Typical price$21,920

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2017 Subaru Outback recalls 4

Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module NHTSA 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 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.

Suspension NHTSA 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 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:column NHTSA 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 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.

Steering:column NHTSA 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 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.…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2017 Subaru Outback common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 915 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System

Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.

Steering

Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.

Engine

Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.

Vehicle Speed Control

Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.

Service Brakes

Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.

Air Bags

Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.

2017 Subaru Outback MPG & running costs

Combined25 mpg

City23 mpg

Highway30 mpg

Est. annual fuel cost$2,500

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2017 Subaru Outback worth?

Low

$17,500

Typical price

$21,920

High

$26,990

From 51 comparable 2017 Subaru Outback listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2017 Subaru Outback costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$12,500

Depreciation (5 yrs)$6,100

Total$18,600

Per mile$0.25

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($21,920) with the same model 5 model-years older ($15,831), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2017 Subaru Outback trims & engines on record

Trims

Limited + M/R + ES + NAVI · Premium · Premium + ES · Touring+M/R+ES+NAV · Limited + M/R · Base · Premium + ES + M/R + NAVI · Premium +M/R

Engines

2.5L 4-cyl 175 hp · 3.6L 6-cyl 256 hp

2017 Subaru Outback vehicles on record

2017 Subaru Outback Limited + M/R + ES + NAVI4S4BSANC4H3327731

2017 Subaru Outback Base4S4BSAAC5H3408839

2017 Subaru Outback Limited + M/R + ES + NAVI4S4BSENC5H3286565 2017 Subaru Outback Limited + M/R + ES + NAVI4S4BSANC7H3278945

2017 Subaru Outback Limited + M/R + ES + NAVI4S4BSANC9H3273908

2017 Subaru Outback Premium + ES4S4BSAFC5H3392912

2017 Subaru Outback Limited + M/R + ES + NAVI4S4BSENC7H3376087 2017 Subaru Outback Limited + M/R + ES + NAVI4S4BSANC4H3397861

2017 Subaru Outback Limited + M/R + ES + NAVI4S4BSENC6H3283934 2017 Subaru Outback Premium + ES + M/R + NAVI4S4BSAHC9H3298271

2017 Subaru Outback Premium + ES4S4BSAFC5H3232643

2017 Subaru Outback Limited + M/R + ES + NAVI4S4BSANC6H3383850

2017 Subaru Outback Limited + M/R + ES + NAVI4S4BSANC5H3309772

2017 Subaru Outback Limited + M/R + ES + NAVI4S4BSENC7H3389308

2017 Subaru Outback Limited + M/R + ES + NAVI4S4BSANC1H3329047 2017 Subaru Outback Premium4S4BSACC4H3423572 2017 Subaru Outback Limited + M/R + ES + NAVI4S4BSANC3H3379268 2017 Subaru Outback Limited + M/R + ES + NAVI4S4BSANCXH3370597

2017 Subaru Outback Premium4S4BSACC0H3307379 2017 Subaru Outback Limited + M/R + ES + NAVI4S4BSENC0H3401234

2017 Subaru Outback Limited + M/R + ES + NAVI4S4BSENC0H3359051 2017 Subaru Outback Touring+M/R+ES+NAV4S4BSETC9H3357382

2017 Subaru Outback Limited + M/R + ES + NAVI4S4BSANC5H3273792 2017 Subaru Outback Premium4S4BSACC6H3425064

Other Subaru Outback model years

2017 Subaru Outback — frequently asked questions

Does the 2017 Subaru Outback have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2017 Subaru Outback. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2017 Subaru Outback?

Based on 915 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, steering, engine.

What gas mileage does the 2017 Subaru Outback get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2017 Subaru Outback at about 25 mpg combined (23 city / 30 highway).

How much is a 2017 Subaru Outback worth?

Comparable 2017 Subaru Outback listings run roughly $17,500–$26,990, typically around $21,920 (from 51 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.