2017 Subaru Outback Recalls, Problems & MPG
NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 919 owner complaints for the 2017 Subaru Outback. The EPA rates it 22 to 28 MPG combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
- Recalls
- 4
- Owner complaints
- 919
- Crashes / fires reported
- 32 / 3
- EPA combined
- 22–28 MPG
2017 Subaru Outback recalls
Air BagsDec 19, 2019 · NHTSA 19V910000+
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating passenger frontal air bag deployment, the air bag may not deploy properly, increasing the risk of injury.
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.
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.
SteeringOct 6, 2016 · NHTSA 16V716000+
Risk: 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.
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.
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.
SuspensionAug 3, 2016 · NHTSA 16V576000+
Risk: 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.
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.
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.
SteeringMay 11, 2016 · NHTSA 16V292000Park it+
Risk: The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash.
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.
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.
Recall repairs are free. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours still needs one.
Most reported 2017 Subaru Outback problems
Owner complaints to NHTSA by system. One complaint can name more than one system.
- Electrical System392
- Visibility/Wiper205
- Unknown or Other178
- Power Train47
- Engine44
- Visibility30
- Vehicle Speed Control28
- Structure26
2017 Subaru Outback gas mileage
EPA ratings for each version (city / highway / combined).
| Version | Engine | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outback AWD | 2.5 L 4 cyl, Automatic (AV-S6) | 25 | 32 | 28 | $2,300 |
| Outback AWD | 3.6 L 6 cyl, Automatic (AV-S6) | 20 | 27 | 22 | $2,900 |
Real-world mileage depends on how and where you drive. Logbay compares your actual MPG with these EPA numbers.
Questions
Does the 2017 Subaru Outback have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2017 Subaru Outback, most recently for the air bags (Dec 19, 2019). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2017 Subaru Outback problems?
Owners filed 919 complaints with NHTSA. The most reported areas are electrical system (392), visibility/wiper (205), unknown or other (178).
What gas mileage does the 2017 Subaru Outback get?
The EPA rates the 2017 Subaru Outback at 22 to 28 MPG combined (best version: 25 city / 32 highway).
Sources: NHTSA recalls and owner complaints (api.nhtsa.gov), EPA fuel economy (fueleconomy.gov). Updated Oct 26, 2026. Complaint counts are unverified owner reports.