Overall rating (best variant)
Safety ratings
2017 Subaru Outback SW AWD
- Lane departure warningOptional
- Forward collision warningOptional
- Electronic stability controlStandard
Crash test videos & photos
No public crash-test footage is available for this vehicle.
Recalls (4)
⚠ Do not drive this vehicle — urgent recall
NHTSA has flagged a recall on this vehicle as severe. Contact a dealer immediately; recall repairs are free.
- STEERING:COLUMNCampaign 16V292000 · 11/05/2016Do not drive
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.
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.
- AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULECampaign 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.
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.
- STEERING:COLUMNCampaign 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.
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.
- SUSPENSIONCampaign 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.
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.
Owner complaints
Most-reported areas
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM202
- VISIBILITY/WIPER113
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER98
- POWER TRAIN31
- ENGINE23
- VISIBILITY22
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL19
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE14
Read individual complaints (50 most recent)
These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.
- 12/31/2020· STEERING,POWER TRAIN,WHEELS
WHILE TRAVELING THROUGH MICHIGAN'S UPPER PENINSULA AND NORTHERN WISCONSIN DURING SNOW FALL WITH A FULLY PACKED CAR ON THE HIGHWAY I EXPERIENCED THE REAR END "GHOST WALKING" OR "STEERING" OR "PULLING" TO THE LEFT AND TO THE RIGHT. I HAD TO DRIVE 40MPH WHILE TWO-WHEELED DRIVE CAMRYS, CIVICS, VANS, ETC. PASSED US BY. GROWING UP IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN, I'M NO STRANGER TO WINTER CONDITIONS AND ALL WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES. I DON'T THINK ALL-WHEELED DRIVE VEHICLES MAKE ME INVINCIBLE, BUT THEY DO MAKE DRIVING IN WINTERY CONDITIONS BETTER. AFTER OUR TRIP, I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE SUBARU DEALER AND THEY SAID AT 37K MILES, THE SUSPENSION LOOKED GREAT, ALIGNMENT LOOKED GREAT, AND THAT THEY WOULD RECOMMEND NEW TIRES (TIRES ARE AT 4/32 AND HAVE EVEN WEAR AND TEAR). I ASKED TO SPEAK DIRECTLY TO THE TECH WORKING ON MY CAR AND HE SAID THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE AND THAT ALTHOUGH THEY WERE RECOMMENDING NEW TIRES, THE CURRENT TIRE CONDITION WOULD NOT CAUSE WHAT I WAS DESCRIBING. MY WIFE AND I THEN RESEARCHED AND CAME ACROSS SEVERAL ONLINE FORUMS WITH OTHER DRIVER'S EXPERIENCING THE SIMILAR ISSUES, BUT WITH PRIOR YEAR MODELS. I CALLED SUBARU'S MAIN CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE TO SEE IF THEY COULD HELP AND THEY SAID THAT THEY WOULD MAKE NOTE OF MY COMPLAINT, BUT THAT IF THE SUBARU DEALER TECH SAID THE VEHICLE WAS FINE OTHER THAN SUGGESTING NEW TIRES, I SHOULD GET NEW TIRES AND THE VEHICLE WOULD BE FINE. SUBARU ALSO SAID THERE WERE NO "CAMPAIGNS" OPEN WITH RESPECT TO THIS PROBLEM AND THAT THEY WERE SORRY I "FELT LIKE I HAD THIS EXPERIENCE" AND THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. HERE'S A LINK TO A FORUM, WHERE THE PEOPLE SEEM TO KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON: HTTPS://WWW.SUBARUOUTBACK.ORG/THREADS/2005-2009-GHOSTWALKING-ABNORMAL-WINTER-HANDLING-FIXES.30747/PAGE-2. WE PLAN TO BUY NEW TIRES, BUT ARE WILLING TO OFFER OUR CAR UP FOR TEST DRIVING TO SEE WHAT IS GOING ON.
- 12/30/2022· UNKNOWN OR OTHER
front windshield cracked spontaneously during extreme cold while front defroster was running set on high. no overhead objects. no other cars or vehicles on the roadway. 15 mph. crack is in the windshield wiper resting area extending from the black edge to the center, in a horizontal crack, bilaterally.
- 12/29/2025· UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Driving on a flat dry road with cloudy conditions we heard what sounded like a shotgun. Pulled over and found our Moonroof exploded. I have dashcam video with audio of the explosion as well as photos and video of the damage immediately after
- 12/29/2023· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
11/06/23: During a routine oil change at the dealer a multipoint vehicle inspection was conducted. The inspection revealed an upper oil pan leak. The repair involved removing the engine and replacing various components (gasket, O-Rings and etc.). The vehicle was well maintained and had only 43,492 miles on it. The oil leak potentially could have caused an engine compartment fire (my opinion). Subaru paid $1,500 of the repair. A vehicle with only 43,492 should not have this type of issue. There was also a transmission leak detected that was covered by extended warranty. I was unable to upload any files on your system.
- 12/29/2020· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
TL* THE CONTRACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF HIS FATHER WHO OWNS A 2017 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MILLER HILL SUBARU (4710 MILLER TRUNK HWY, DULUTH, MN 55811) WHERE THE FAILURE WAS DIAGNOSED AS A FAULTY BATTERY, REMOTE STARTER, SENSOR AND REAR LIFTGATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND A CASE WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
- 12/28/2022· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My 2017 Subaru Outback will not start after sitting all night I’ve had diagnostics ran on the battery and it shows 100% charge. After charging the battery it held until the next day it was drained again. It was snowing with winds 50 mph, and I had to jump my car to start it. The faun doesn’t work when the battery is dead and that causes the theft alarm to go off once the battery is charged. Now my check surroundings before backing up sensor stays on well after shifting into Drive and beeps incessantly while driving, the back up camera also stays on while in drive. Now I have to drive 2 hours to a dealer and pay $130 in diagnostics. I feel this is the same situation thousands of Subaru owners are experiencing and why they have filed a class action law suit. Subaru should be liable for my expenses to repair this known systemic issue in a product they manufacture that is not safe, it it leaves you stranded on the side of the road in the cold. Thank you
- 12/28/2019· STEERING
WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ON CLEAR DRY ROADWAYS, THE STEERING FEELS AS IF I HAVE A BRIEF LOSS OF CONTROL. I LIKEN IT TO HITTING A PATCH OF ICE AND HAVING A SLIGHT LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. I'VE NOTICED IT TWICE WHILE ENTERING A CURVE AND DECELERATING FROM 55 MPH TO 45 MPH (THE REDUCED SPEED LIMIT OF THE CURVE). THIS ISSUE HAPPENS ONLY INTERMITTENTLY AND IS ONLY NOTICEABLE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. WE HAD THE SUBARU DEALER LOOK AT IT AND THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG.
- 12/27/2022· POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 yo 2017 Subaru Outback was left untouched for 2 weeks. When trying to start, it had a dead battery. 2 years later, 2017 Subaru Outback was left untouched for 1 week. When trying to start, it had a dead battery. 2017 Subaru Outback was left untouched for 2 days. When trying to start, it had a dead battery with a 1 - and 8 month old battery. Basically, when this 2017 Subaru Outback hasn't been started every day, it will have a dead battery.
- 12/27/2020· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ORIGINAL BATTERY FAILED ABOUT 30 MONTHS AFTER CAR PURCHASED (NEW CAR). THERE WAS NO WARNING-JUST DEAD AFTER PARKED IN GARAGE OVERNIGHT. PURCHASED NEW DURACELL BATTERY FROM SAMS CLUB ON 1-24-20. REPLACEMENT BATTERY WAS DEAD AFTER PARKED OVERNIGHT IN GARAGE ON 12-24-20. BATTERY FAILED IN 11 MONTHS. NO PREVIOUS WARNING, WEATHER WAS NORMAL BOTH INSTANCIES.
- 12/27/2019· VISIBILITY/WIPER
2017 OUTBACK SECOND TIME WINDSHIELD HAS CRACKED. FIRST TIME (11/2018)SOMETHING VERY TINY HIT THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD AND IT CRACKED. THE CAR WAS ON AN INTERSTATE. THE EMPHASIS IS ON TINY, NO WAY IT SHOULD HAVE CRACKED. THIS TIME, 12/25/2019, I WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, ON AN INTERSTATE, LOOKING STRAIGHT AHEAD AND ALL OF A SUDDEN A CRACK APPEARED ON THE TOP OF THE WINDSHIELD. I EXCLAIMED TO MY HUSBAND "THE WINDSHIELD JUST CRACKED!". NOTHING HIT IT, IT JUST CRACKED AND IT CONTINUES TO GROW. THIS WAS AND CONTINUES TO BE A KNOWN PROBLEM BASED ON READING I HAVE DONE. I HOPED THE FIRST TIME AROUND SUBARU HAD CORRECTED THE PROBLEM WITH THE WINDSHIELD, I HAD A CORRECTED WINDSHIELD AND NO LONGER HAD TO WORRY. WHY ISN'T THIS OBVIOUS PROBLEM BEING ADDRESSED? MY INSURANCE RATE WENT UP AS A RESULT OF THE FIRST "INCIDENT". AND, WITH THE FIRST ONE IT TOOK AROUND 30 DAYS TO GET IT RESOLVED PRIMARILY BECAUSE OF A DIFFICULTY LOCATING A SUBARU REPLACEMENT WINDSHIELD.
- 12/27/2017· VISIBILITY/WIPER
EXPLODING SUN ROOF: ON 11/23/2017 OUR FAMILY WAS DRIVING FROM HILLSBORO, OR TO COOSBAY, OR FOR A FAMILY THANKSGIVING DINNER. WHILE WE WERE ON INTERSTATE I-5 SOUTH JUST NEAR COTTAGE GROVE, OR WE HEARD A LOUD SHATTER WHICH SCARED ALL OF US, WE IMMEDIATELY PULLED TO THE SHOULDER SAFELY AND NOTICED THAT THE SUNROOF WAS SHATTERED. WE WERE GOING AT 65-70MPH WITH DRIZZLE OREGON RAIN AND TEMPS AT 50'S F
- 12/26/2024· UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Horn stopped working. When I lock the car the horn makes noise notifying it is locked. I took it into the dealership they think it’s is the clock spring. Then I looked online and found this information. “The 2017 Subaru Outback was subject to a recall related to the steering column, specifically the clockspring. This recall (NHTSA Campaign #10V-283 / WVR-28) addressed potential issues with the electrical wiring in the steering column that could lead to steering wheel component malfunctions.” Why is my vehicle not included in the recall?
- 12/26/2020· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I'M ON MY 4TH BATTERY IN 3 YEARS. BATTERY HAS GONE DEAD MULTIPLE TIMES, LEAVING ME STRANDED IN DIFFICULT AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATIONS. CANNOT OPEN LIFT GATE TO ACCESS THE CARGO AREA WHERE I KEEP MY ROAD SAFETY REFLECTORS, FLASHLIGHT, TIRE PUMP, ETC. STRANDED IN DARK PARKING LOT 1 TIME. AS A RESULT OF THE RELIABILITY CONCERNS I HAVE HAD TO BUY A PORTABLE CHARGING UNIT TO HAVE IN THE CAR AT ALL TIMES. I HAVE ALSO HAD TO PURCHASE A NEW BATTERY FOR A CAR THAT ONLY HAS 27K MILES ON IT. THERE ARE INSTANCES OF MANY SIMILAR PROBLEMS RESULTING IN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST SUBARU. THIS NOT ONLY IMPACTS THE RELIABILITY AND SAFETY, IT ALSO IMPACTS THE RESALE VALUE.
- 12/25/2018· STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHEN LANE KEEP ASSIST IS ON AT NIGHT (USES EYESIGHT TO KEEP YOU IN YOUR LANE) THE CAR STEERING WHEEL HAS ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS SUDDENLY JERKED TO THE RIGHT. THE FIRST TIME THERE HAD BEEN SOME ROAD REPAIRS WITH SOME PARTS OF THE ROAD HAVING NEW ASPHALT AT SOME NOT, AND THE ROAD WAS STILL WET FROM A PREVIOUS RAINSTORM. THE MOST RECENT TIME THE ROAD WAS DRY AND THIS HAPPENED WHEN THE CAR REACHED AND EXIT WHERE THE PAINTED STRIPE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OPENED AT THE ANGLE FOR CARS TO DEPART THE INTERSTATE TO ALLOW FOR THE EXIT. THE FIRST TIME THERE WERE TWO IMMEDIATE JERKS TO THE RIGHT. THE LAST TIME A SINGLE JERK. EACH TIME I HAD TO FORCIBLY JERK BACK THE CAR BACK TO THE MIDDLE OF THE LANE I WAS IN, OR WE WOULD HAVE LEFT THE ROAD AT 65 MPH. I HAVE STOPPED USING LANE KEEP ASSIST - THIS WAS VERY DANGEROUS. THE FIRST TIME I ASKED THE SALESMAN AT SUBARU OF CHAMPAIGN ABOUT THIS, AND HE DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT IT. AFTER THE SECOND OCCURRENCE I DECIDED IT WAS A DANGEROUS DEFECT AND HAD TO REPORT IT. THANK YOU.
- 12/23/2020· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MULTIPLE TIMES THE TAILGATE HAS SPONTANEOUSLY OPENED WHEN WE WERE NOT IN THE VEHICLE. ASIDE FROM ISSUES LIKE RUNNING THE BATTERY DOWN, INCLEMENT WEATHER DAMAGING THE INTERIOR AND THE THEFT OF CONTENTS OF THE CAR ARE ISSUES. THUS FAR, THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN IN MOTION WHEN IT HAPPENED, BUT THERE WAS A LEAST ONE INCIDENT REPORTED WHERE A VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION WHEN THIS HAPPENED (SEE ATTACHED COMPLAINTS OF OTHER OWNERS.)THIS IS NOT A CASE OF ACCIDENTALLY ACTIVATING THE KEY FOB - IT HAS HAPPENED WHEN THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF AND SOMEONE WAS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE ONLY KEY WAS IN A PURSE IN THE BACK SEAT. THE PASSENGER WITNESSED THE CAR TAILGATE JUST SPONTANEOUSLY OPENING. IT HAS HAPPENED WHEN WE RETURNED TO THE CAR AFTER BEING AT AN APPOINTMENT, WHILE STAYING AT A MOTEL, AND WHEN THE CAR WAS PACKED FOR A TRIP THE NIGHT BEFORE. WE ARE VERY CONCERNED THIS COULD HAPPEN WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION, CREATING A DEADLY HAZARD FOR OTHER VEHICLES. WE HAVE FOUND THIS PROBLEM REPORTED BY NUMEROUS OWNERS OF THIS MODEL. THE LOCAL DEALER INITIALLY DISMISSED THE PROBLEM AS A CASE OF ACCIDENTALLY PRESSING THE KEY. WE DISPUTED THIS AND THEY KEPT THE CAR FOR TWO DAYS TO SEE IF IT WOULD HAPPEN AND IT DID NOT. SOMETIMES IT IS TWO MONTHS BETWEEN INCIDENTS. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM AND SAFETY HAZARD THAT SUBARU NEEDS TO ACKNOWLEDGE AND CORRECT, PERHAPS NECESSITATING A RECALL. THERE DOES NOT SEEM TO BE ANY CONVERSATION AMONG SERVICE DEPARTMENTS THAT HAVE RECEIVED SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. IT'S JUST A SINGLE ISOLATED CASE AS FAR AS OUR LOCAL DEALER IS CONCERNED. I AM SUBMITTING A DOCUMENT THAT SHOWS MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS (AND NOT ALL) THAT OTHER SUBARU OWNERS HAVE BEEN REPORTING FOR YEARS.
- 12/23/2019· VISIBILITY/WIPER
SPONTANEOUS CRACKS IN WINDSHIELD WITHOUT ANY VISIBLE EVIDENCE OF A CHIP OR EXPERIENCING ANY "HITS" TO THE WINDSHIELD WHILE DRIVING - GO OUT TO START MY GARAGE PARKED SUBARU OUTBACK (TOURING) AND NOTICE A LINEAR CRACK ACROSS WINDSHIELD ON THREE (3) SEPARATE INCIDENCES WITHIN 369 DAYS FEB 2018, MAY 2018, & FEB 2019.
- 12/23/2019· VISIBILITY/WIPER
SPONTANEOUS CRACKS IN WINDSHIELD WITHOUT ANY VISIBLE EVIDENCE OF A CHIP OR EXPERIENCING ANY "HITS" TO THE WINDSHIELD WHILE DRIVING - GO OUT TO MY GARAGE PARKED SUBARU OUTBACK (TOURING) AND NOTICE A LINEAR CRACK ACROSS WINDSHIELD ON THREE (3) SEPARATE INCIDENCES WITHIN 369 DAYS - FEB 2018, MAY 2018 & FEB 2019
- 12/23/2019· UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE WINDSHIELD ON THE CAR CRACKED. I DON'T THINK IT WAS HIT BY ANYTHING. IF IT WAS, IT MUST'VE BEEN A VERY SMALL OBJECT. I NOTICED IT WHEN I WENT OUT TO THE CAR ONE MORNING ON MY WAY TO WORK. I HAD SOMEONE COME OUT AND REPAIR IT AS BEST THEY COULD, SO THERE IS A MARK AT THE BOTTOM OF THE CRACK WHERE THEY DRILLED TO STOP IT FROM GETTING WORSE.
- 12/23/2019· VISIBILITY/WIPER
SPONTANEOUS CRACKS IN WINDSHIELD WITHOUT ANY VISIBLE EVIDENCE OF A CHIP OR EXPERIENCING ANY "HITS" TO THE WINDSHIELD WHILE DRIVING - GO OUT TO START MY GARAGE PARKED SUBARU OUTBACK (TOURING) AND NOTICE A LINEAR CRACK ACROSS WINDSHIELD ON THREE (3) SEPARATE INCIDENCES WITHIN 369 DAYS FEB 2018, MAY 2018, & FEB 2019.
- 12/23/2019· VISIBILITY/WIPER
WE NOTICED A CHIP IN THE WINDSHIELD WHEN WE DOING A CAR CLEANING AND REPORTED IT TO OUR CAR INSURANCE COMPANY; OTHERWISE, WE WEREN'T AWARE OF IT HAPPENING, IT STILL EXISTS AND I NEED TO GET THE CAR INSPECTED IN JANUARY, AND I DON'T KNOW IF IT WILL PASS.
- 12/22/2024· ELECTRICAL SYSTEMCrash
This has been a constant problem with this car. The battery is dead within 3 days. Has a constant battery drain. Subaru service can’t find it. Big safety problem in cold weather. Car leaves wife stranded. The problem is clearly evident on the web blogs.
- 12/22/2020· VISIBILITY/WIPER
WINDSHIELD CRACKED FOR NO UNDERLYING REASON. NO OBJECTS HIT IT; NOR EXTREME TEMPS.
- 12/22/2019· VISIBILITY/WIPER
MY WINDSHIELD HAS CRACKED MULTIPLE TIMES. I HAD TO REPLACE IT OUT OF POCKET WHEN I BELIEVE THE WINDSHIELD WAS DEFECTIVE.
- 12/21/2020· VISIBILITY/WIPER
WINDSHIELD CRACKED WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE WITH NO VEHICLE NEAR ME AT THE TIME, TALKED TO DEALER I BOUGHT IT FROM NEW, THEY SAID NO RECALLS FOR BAD WINDSHIELD SO I WAS ON MY OWN TO REPLACE.
- 12/21/2020· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BATTERY INTERMITTANTLY DISCHARGES NESSITATING RECHARGING. I REPLACED IT WITH A NEW ONE THINKING PERHAPS THE OEM (2YRS OLD) WAS FAULTY. THEN I READ THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THIS YEAR/MODEL SUBARU.
- 12/21/2018· VISIBILITY/WIPER
DRIVING ON I 29 WITH NO CARS AROUND US. HEARD A POP SOUND AND A CRACK APPEARED IN MY WINDSHIELD. NOTHING HIT IT. IT JUST CRACKED SPONTANEOUSLY.
- 12/20/2021· VISIBILITY/WIPER
Driving on highway, noticed a chip on windshield, has run approx 12" since then. In 35 years of driving, I have not experienced a windshield crack run like this.
- 12/20/2021· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I have had a number of unexplainable dead batteries. I have AAA and had battery jumped or battery replaced. In the last week I've had to call AAA assistance twice. Each time the battery and alternator test came back okay.
- 12/20/2021· VISIBILITY
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, a crack started forming on the driver’s side windshield and moved towards the center of the windshield. The contact stated that the windshield was not struck by an object to cause the crack to form. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 41,500. Subaru was made aware of this defective windshield and installed a NEW windshield at NO COST to the contact on December 27, 2021. The installation was accomplished by Don K Whitefish in Whitefish, MT on their R/O number 3602221/1. No further action is required.
- 12/18/2022· VISIBILITY/WIPER
I was warming up my car and clearing it off after a snow storm. The windshield had no problems when I wiped it clear of the snow with the wipers up (I always leave them up before a storm to prevent damage to the blades). When I put the drivers side wiper down, a large crack formed on the windshield starting at the blade on the passenger side and crossing over the driver's side. This was clearly caused by some part of the wiper and is unacceptable. Since it happened on a Saturday morning I had to drive to get my daughters (2 hours away) and ride with them with the cracked windshield until I can get it in for repair on Monday. This is clearly unsafe because there is greater chance for the crack to expand in the cold weather and if an accident should happen our safety is severely compromised. I will report this to my dealer on Monday (I have a scheduled oil change). No problems with the windshield had been found in any previous appointments or inspections.
- 12/18/2018· POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,WHEELS
HAVING PROBLEM TO REMOVE KEY FROM THE IGNITION WHEN THE CAN WAS ONLY DRIVEN FOR YEAR AND HALF AND HAS LESS THAN 10000 MILES ON.
- 12/17/2021· FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCECrash
Wife was in a Collison on the freeway in Phoenix. She believes none of the collision avoidance devices worked properly to help prevent the accident. She heard no alarms or dings associated with the avoidance systems on her outback. She didn't feel the brakes lock up like they normally would. She feels if this truly is an issue, can she trust any of these safety features, which if working, could help avoid hitting everything from a person to a vehicle and injuring or killing her or someone else. We have not tried to reproduce this issue since the car is damaged and out our house. We have also not taken it to a dealer for the same reason. We did call Subaru and all they cared about was being sued. Which we said we did not want. We just wanted to make sure all systems are working or if there is an issue. They would not help or even offer to inspect the car. They told us we need to hire a 3rd party investigator. Which we don't even know who or where that would be or how to find one. No known issues with the system prior to the accident.
- 12/16/2024· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
12/13/24 Incident 1: I braked as I approached a stop sign, but instead the car accelerated, running the stop sign. 12/16/24 Incident 2: I braked to slow down to turn right, but instead the car accelerated. There were no prior warnings or indications of the problem.
- 12/16/2024· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My battery continues to die leaving me stranded every winter for the past several years. It is a known issue I believe with the wiring/ fuse for the trunk hatch door. Subaru only offers a new battery - so every year I replace the battery and then end up stranded somewhere again.
- 12/15/2021· STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have a 2017 Subaru Outback. It rained hard Monday night into Tuesday. When I got in my car Tuesday am to take my kids to school, there a small crack, maybe 3 inches, there was no crack previously. As I drove my kids to school we watched the crack grow larger and larger. There was no debris or anything near the windshield when we got it. It seems to me that a windshield should be able to withstand a hard rain. I googled it and it seems that Subaru's have problem with their windshields and it doesn't seem right. Thank you
- 12/15/2020· VISIBILITY/WIPER
HAD TO REPLACE WINDSHIELD IN MY WIFE'S 2017 OUTBACK 2 TIMES. BOTH TIMES THE SAME SITUATION: SMALL PEBBLE CHIPS WINDOW AND A LONG AND EVENTUALLY GROWING CRACK EXTENDS ACROSS WINDOW.
- 12/15/2019· UNKNOWN OR OTHER
IN FEBRUARY 2019, A CRACK APPEARED STARTING AT THE BASE OF THE WINDSHIELD. THROUGHOUT THE DAY IT GREW TO GO ACROSS THE WINDSHIELD. SUBARU SAID I HAD TO FIX IT THERE DUE TO EYESIGHT. IN DECEMBER 2018, THE SAME THING HAPPENED. I NOTICED A SMALL CRACK WHEN I GOT INTO MY CAR. NOTHING HIT IT. THROUGHOUT THE DAY THE CRACK SPREAD ABOUT TWO FEET. THIS ALL HAPPENED IN LESS THAN A YEAR. I DO NOT THINK A CRACK OCCURRED FROM BEING HIT BY ANYTHING. I THINK IT'S A DEFECTIVE WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY BOTH TIMES THAT I SAW THE INITIAL CRACK.
- 12/14/2022· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
On December 1, 2022, as I jockeyed my car out of my garage it accelerated as I tried to break and I slowly drove into a stack of boxes at the back of the garage. No damage and I was able to back out and continue my journey. My wife was in the car with me. I continued on my trip to North Carolina without incident. On Dec 5, 2022, on our return home I exited the highway in southern Pa. to get supper. After I entered the off ramp and then prepared to obey a yield sign, the car again accelerated despite my attempt to brake. I swerved to the right to avoid any traffic and the car did eventually stop. Again no damage. Subsequently we resumed our travel and arrived home with no further incident. On December 6, 2022, as I backed out of the garage again it accelerated as I tempted to brake. Fortunately no damage and the car did finally stop in the driveway. I called the dealer and drove the car in for a checkup. They found no problems and reported the car ran as designed. While in the service department they replaced the muffler, put in new spark plugs and replaced a wheel bearing. I have had no further problems since I picked up the car on December 12, 2022. The dealership was very cooperative but I wanted to issue this concern with your agency in case there have been other complaints of this nature. I drive my car with some anxiety that another incident may recur. Thank you for your review and anticipated response. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
- 12/14/2021· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER
My battery has died seven times. I have received three battery replacements. Never a full solution. Windshield wipers never work properly either, despite changing brands.
- 12/13/2021· VISIBILITY
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that upon entering his vehicle, he noticed a horizontal, foot long crack had formed on the driver’s side windshield without incident. The contact stated that the crack obstructed his vision while driving. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
- 12/10/2025· VISIBILITY/WIPER
My Outback has been through 5 genuine Subaru windshields this year, and 7 since 2019. Only one was impact damage, the rest developed cracks after installation. One only lasted 3 days after being replaced. Others have lasted 3 months. There is something defective with the current Subaru replacement windshields and the dealers can't help. These are $1,300 insurance claims each. Subaru needs to figure out what is happening with the poor quality before someone gets hurt from shattered glass or impaired visibility from cracks.
- 12/10/2020· VISIBILITY/WIPER
THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED UNEXPECTEDLY YESTERDAY AFTERNOON. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION.
- 12/10/2020· VISIBILITY/WIPER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY WHEN THE DRIVER HEARD THE WINDSHIELD CRACK. DRIVER NEVER SAW ANY ITEM STRIKE THE WINDSHIELD. BECAUSE EYESIGHT SENSORS HAVE TO BE RECALIBRATED AFTER A WINDSHIELD REPLACEMENT, THIS INCIDENT COST ALMOST $1000 TO REPAIR.
- 12/10/2019· VISIBILITY/WIPER
WINDSHIELD CRACKS AND REQUIRES REPLACEMENT FOLLOWING THE SMALLEST OF PEBBLES IMPACTING WINDSCREEN. THIS IS MY SECOND REPLACEMENT FOLLOWING A SMALL HIT RESULTING IN THE ENTIRE SCREEN CRACKING FROM MOLDING TO MOLDING, RENDERING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE.
- 12/09/2021· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Several times, sometimes overnight, car battery is dead when attempting to start. So far, I have found a .03A leak in the STOP circuit.
- 12/09/2019· VISIBILITY/WIPER
THE WINDSHIELD JUST CRACKED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ENTERING THE FREEWAY. THERE WAS NO VEHICLE IN FRONT OF MINE WITHIN 150 FEET. THERE IS NO MARK INDICATING AN IMPACT TO THE WINDSHIELD WHERE THE CRACK STARTS.
- 12/09/2016· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED FORWARD WITH THE ENGINE REVVING. I SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES PREVENTING A COLLISION WITH THE CARE PARKED IN THE OPPOSITE PARKING SPACE. THE CAR CONTINUED TO TRY TO ACCELERATE. I TOOK THE CAR OUT OF GEAR AND THE ENGINE ROARED, OVER REVVED, SLOWED, AND OVER REVVED A SECOND TIME BEFORE FINELY SLOWING DOWN. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. DEFINITE SAFETY ISSUE. HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE EYESIGHT SYSTEM/CRUISE CONTROL.
- 12/08/2022· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact was able to jump start the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the battery was replaced; however, the failure recurred several times. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the contact would be notified of what the manufacturer was responsible to cover. The failure mileage was 70,000.
- 12/08/2020· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WE BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE NEW. OUR BATTERY HAS BEEN DRAINED PREMATURELY NUMEROUS TIMES AND WE HAD TO REPLACE THE FACTORY BATTERY QUICKLY AFTER PURCHASING IT. WE HAVE BEEN STRANDED NUMEROUS TIMES WITH THE CAR BEING UNABLE TO START AT ALL. MAJORITY OF TIMES THIS OCCURRED, WE HAD LEFT ON THE ACCESSORIES LESS THAN 5MIN. WHILE WAITING IN OUR CAR BEFORE THE ENTIRE BATTERY WAS DRAINED. ON ONE OCCASION, THE BATTERY DRAINED WITH NO EXPLANATION. WE CONTACTED OUR LOCAL DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE AND THEY SAID THERE IS NOTHING THAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT THIS. THIS ISSUES IS UNLIKE ANY OTHER CAR WE HAVE EVER HAD. IT IS COMMON TO LEAVE ACCESSORIES ON FOR A SMALL AMOUNT OF TIME WITHOUT DRAINING THE WHOLE BATTERY. ESPECIALLY IN A NEW CAR. AFTER BECOMING FRUSTRATED WITH THE DEALERSHIP'S RESPONSE, WE LOOKED ONLINE AND SAW THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE FOR SUBARU OUTBACKS FROM OUR YEAR. APPARENTLY THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IS FLAWED. WE PLAN TO TRADE IN THIS VEHICLE AS IT IS NOT RELIABLE AND WE HAVE BEEN STRANDED SO MANY TIMES IT IS NOT A SAFE CAR TO OWN. THE CAR SHOULD BE RECALLED OR AT LEAST HAVE A FIX AVAILABLE.
- 12/07/2020· VISIBILITY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT, THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE WINDSHIELD WAS INSPECTED AND REPLACED. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER NOR AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WERE CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000.