2017 Subaru Outback body & structure problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Feb 5, 2026KYBody & Structure

   The contact's sister owns a 2017 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the hood unlatched, flew open, and struck the windshield, causing the windshield to shatter. The driver was able to pull over to the side of the road. It was unknown whether the driver was able to close the hood. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the driver was provided a loaner vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. It was unknown if the manufacturer was…

   NHTSA complaint #11715835 · source
2. Filed Jan 6, 2025WIBody & Structure

   On 08/17/17 I purchased a new Outback off a Subaru dealers' lot. The fall of 2023 I noticed rust starting on the column portion of the driver's side door. It is on the CAR INTERIOR, ABOVE THE WINDOW. This is a highly unusual area for rust to start. Typically rust starts on the bottom of a car, not 2/3 of the way up from the bottom. I was told by the dealership that it was not covered under warranty, and I was on my own. On 10/22/24 I went to an autobody shop to have the rust…

   NHTSA complaint #11634430 · source
3. Filed Jan 3, 2024ILBody & StructureOther / Unknown

   Noticed rust bubble in the inner and outer paint of the driver front door pillar December 2021. Noticed it was getting substantially worse and reported it to Subaru July 2022. They said there was no pinhole in the rust and would not be covered. Showed it to Subaru again in 2023, and said it is not covered under their 5 year rust plan. It is now January 2024, and the paint as well as base metal is peeling from the door. It is clear there is damage to the base metal, and…

   NHTSA complaint #11563430 · source
4. Filed Jan 19, 2023VABody & Structure

   Retractable sun roof exploded/disintegrated while vehicle was under power on an open road . Photo of damage exceeds the maximum size for uploading. Can be transmitted by email if desired

   NHTSA complaint #11502645 · source
5. Filed Aug 1, 2022WVBody & StructureElectrical System

   The power rear lift gate mechanism frequently does not work. Even when car is unlocked the rear lift gate refuses to open just giving a 3 beep warning. The back can be manually opened but not by me as it is extremely hard to lift. Sometimes the gate only opens partially, or only closes partially. After my husband manually moves the gate it does not close fully and does not lock so we have no guarantee objects from inside the vehicle will not fall out while moving.…

   NHTSA complaint #11476875 · source
6. Filed Mar 11, 202235,000 miNJBody & StructureElectrical System

   The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the battery drained without warning. Additionally, the liftgate would inadvertently open. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that a battery replacement was needed. An electronic update was completed. The battery had been replaced three times. The manufacturer was contacted but no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 35,000.

   NHTSA complaint #11456280 · source
7. Filed Jan 17, 2022CABody & StructureElectrical System

   Car back door won't open, despite 3 new batteries. Remained locked so that couldn't remove equipment from back--Dangerous. Have been through 3 batteries in 26,000 miles....all that the car has been driven since it's purchase, new, in 2017.

   NHTSA complaint #11447712 · source
8. Filed Dec 15, 2021CABody & StructureOther / Unknown

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11443906 · source
9. Filed Sep 15, 2021NYBody & Structure

   While driving on 9/14/21 at about 40 mph, we heard a loud crash and the sound of broken glass. I pulled off the road shortly after to inspect my vehicle and found that the sun/moon roof had literally exploded. The shade was closed and no broken glass entered the passenger compartment. Upon closer inspection, the remaining hole in the sun roof (measuring approx. 14 in. wide by 8 inches deep) indicated that the force breaking the glass had come from the inside rather than the…

   NHTSA complaint #11433093 · source
10. Filed Feb 18, 202144,000 miMACrashBody & StructureDriver Assistance & Safety Tech

    I had backed my car up to the front of the garage. I came to a complete stop. As i tried to put my car in park, my vehicle catapulted into the garage which was directly behind it. I believe my car experienced "sudden uninterrupted acceleration". My cinder block garage partially collapsed and need to be completely razed.

    NHTSA complaint #11396815 · source
11. Filed Feb 9, 202150,000 miVABody & Structure

    The windshield is cracking and it seems to be without any reason. There is a very tiny dink that can be seen, but the crack is significant compared to the slight dink. There was no incident that occurred prior to my noticing the crack.

    NHTSA complaint #11395418 · source
12. Filed Jan 27, 2021OHBody & Structure

    The driver side door is rusting from inside. Issue was informed to subaru in 2018 and in jan 2021 the issue has gotten worse.

    NHTSA complaint #11390129 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology