2017 Subaru Outback Safety Report
2017 Subaru Outback: Excellent Crash Ratings, but Significant Electrical and Windshield Complaint Patterns
AI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Subaru Outback
Reliability Score
The 2017 Subaru Outback receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2017 Subaru Outback
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Subaru Outback:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Persistent Battery Drain Numerous complaints about the battery draining completely after a few days of not driving, often attributed to parasitic draws from components like the DCM or an alternator not fully charging the battery. |
Medium | Common | all miles |
| Spontaneous Windshield Cracking Many owners report windshields cracking spontaneously without impact, or cracking easily from small impacts, leading to multiple replacements. |
Medium | Common | all miles |
| Unintended Acceleration Several reports of the vehicle accelerating on its own, even when the brake pedal is depressed or at very slow speeds, leading to crashes. |
High | Occasional | all miles |
| Sudden Engine Shut-Off While Driving Reports of the engine suddenly cutting off while the vehicle is in motion, leading to loss of power and control. |
High | Occasional | all miles |
| Cvt Transmission Issues Complaints of transmission failure, including loss of acceleration despite high RPMs, humming/clicking noises, and inability to shift gears manually. |
High | Occasional | 100000-120000 miles |
| Steering Column Recall Recall for potential loss of steering ability due to steering column issues, increasing crash risk. |
High | Rare | N/A miles |
| Air Bag Control Module Recall Recall for an incompatible air bag control module that may prevent proper passenger frontal air bag deployment in a crash. |
High | Rare | N/A miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Subaru Outback:
Dominant issues include persistent battery drain, often linked to parasitic draws, and general electrical malfunctions.
Frequent complaints about spontaneous windshield cracking, poor visibility due to dashboard glare, and issues with moonroof explosions.
Reports of CVT transmission failure, including loss of acceleration and unusual noises.
Concerns about unintended acceleration and cruise control malfunctions.
Issues such as sudden engine shut-off while driving and stalling.
Recall related to air bag control module incompatibility and general air bag system concerns.
Recalls related to steering column issues and reports of keys getting stuck in the ignition.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Subaru Outback
Is the 2017 Subaru Outback safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 Subaru Outback received excellent 5-star ratings for overall, frontal, and side crash tests, and a 4-star rollover rating, indicating strong crash protection. However, it has 909 owner complaints, including 31 crashes and 24 injuries, with significant patterns of electrical system issues (327 complaints) and windshield problems (180 complaints), alongside four safety recalls addressing critical components like airbags and steering.
What are common problems with the 2017 Subaru Outback?
The most reported issues for the 2017 Subaru Outback are persistent battery drain (part of the 327 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM complaints), spontaneous windshield cracking (contributing to the 180 VISIBILITY/WIPER complaints), and, less frequently, unintended acceleration and sudden engine shut-offs. There are also reports of CVT transmission issues and keys getting stuck in the ignition.
Are there any recalls for the 2017 Subaru Outback?
Yes, the 2017 Subaru Outback has four recalls. These include issues with the air bag control module, knee guard brace attachment, front brake caliper/wheel hub/stabilizer clamp attaching bolts, and the steering column, all of which could increase the risk of injury or crash.
How does the 2017 Subaru Outback perform in crash tests?
The 2017 Subaru Outback performs exceptionally well in NHTSA crash tests, achieving a 5-star overall safety rating, 5 stars for frontal crash, 5 stars for side crash, and 4 stars for rollover resistance.
Why does the 2017 Subaru Outback have so many electrical complaints?
The 2017 Subaru Outback has 327 electrical system complaints, primarily due to persistent battery drain. Owners frequently report the battery dying after a few days of inactivity, often attributed to parasitic draws from components like the DCM (Data Communication Module) or an alternator that doesn't fully charge the battery.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: While the 2017 Subaru Outback offers strong crash protection, potential buyers should be aware of the high volume of electrical and windshield-related complaints, and ensure all four safety recalls have been addressed.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Subaru Outback
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Subaru Outback. The data includes 909 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 31 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 24 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2017 Subaru Outback an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.