2017 Subaru Outback engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Jun 22, 2026COBrakesEngineSteering

   On Monday [XXX] were driving on [XXX] going north up [XXX]. I was doing about 60-65 mph in traffic which was flowing in both directions. While ascending the pass, the car suddenly started to misfire, rapidly lost power, power steering failed and all dash lights lit up. With no shoulder to pull out this was a very scary experience. Eventually managed to limp to a spot where I could pull out off the pavement. Car was dead. Popping the hood showed significant battery corrosion.…

   NHTSA complaint #11745736 · source
2. Filed Mar 16, 2026VAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / Unknown

   Total of 3 incidents when my car had approx 1/8 to 1/4 of a tank of gas....as going up incline on interstate....car like stalls and slows down, will not speed up....get it over to the side to avoid being hit and it finally starts going again...close call with vehicles behind us in the passing lane. Below listed the last time it happened... Did not use to do this...first time was same area listed below in November 2025.

   NHTSA complaint #11724776 · source
3. Filed Jul 6, 2025CODriver Assistance & Safety TechEngineOther / Unknown

   Car was being driven on the highway in cruise control, when the cruise control turned off and the car began to decelerate. When the gas pedal was pressed, the RPMs shot up but there was no acceleration. The car was pulled over, turned off, and we were not able to turn it on again. The car was towed to a shop, where they were able to identify the engine wasn’t working but not the root cause, and also mentioned the possibility of there being a transmission problem. We then…

   NHTSA complaint #11671491 · source
4. Filed Mar 21, 2025WVEngine

   Hi I had my car into the local Subaru Dealership (Wheeling Subaru) a few weeks ago to investigate a couple of issues that the car has been having for years (and they have never been able to find). Over the course of that investigation, they finally were able to recreate two issues that should have been covered under the warranty since it's been happening and reported to them for years (the seat memory programming button isn't working and the right sight steering wheel…

   NHTSA complaint #11649831 · source
5. Filed Mar 11, 2025NCEngine

   Per subarus bulletin 02-192-25 posed on 10-26-2024 they provided details on how to fix a leak from zone 4 for cam shaft carrier and valve cover. I have a leak from these two items noted. I have been breathing the oil fumes for who knows how long. I have had these issues confirmed by both subaru dealership service center and an independent service center. No engine lights have been displayed or came on to indicate any of theses issues. The odor of strong oil just got worse…

   NHTSA complaint #11647781 · source
6. Filed Jan 8, 2025OKFireElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown

   I drive 2.5miles to work, Tuesday [XXX], I was turning into the parking lot and my car just cut off. I couldn't use flashers, restart it, put it in park or anything else. I called my husband to come help. I thought maybe the battery cable might have come loose. It was dead. I couldn't get out, if I let my foot off the brake it would roll backwards, going into the road and I didn't want it to hurt anyone. It started smoking from the drivers front side of engine. I called my…

   NHTSA complaint #11634973 · source
7. Filed May 31, 2024CAElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Throttle fails to respond for a brief but serious amount of time. When pulling into traffic, instead of accelerating the engine remains at an idle and the car moves forward slowly. I push on the throttle trying to make it go. Then it takes hold and the car leaps forward. Safety: Normal power is delayed as the car moves into traffic. Oncoming traffic must slow to prevent an accident. The dealer where I purchased the car, Santa Monica, CA, tried to find error codes. Also…

   NHTSA complaint #11591819 · source
8. Filed Mar 5, 2024NCEngine

   My Subaru Outback developed a strong smell of exhaust in the cabin last year. We finally had a chance to get it fixed in January, and it turned out the catalytic converter manifold had rusted through. The car is not that old, and is driven primarily in central North Carolina where road salt is not a major concern. An internet search reveals many other drivers with the same issue - metal corrosion at the "accordion" part of the exhaust pipe. I have no idea how much engine…

   NHTSA complaint #11575585 · source
9. Filed Oct 2, 2023CAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   Vehicle lost engine power twice while on the road between 8/12/23 and ~9/25/23. Took to Subaru Santa Monica service on 9/26, left it overnight, and was unable to replicate the problem. I cleaned the K&N drop in filter after 8/12 incident since I haven't cleaned it in a while. Subaru Santa Monica service said that there's oil contamination from the filter into throttle body and I need cleaning and new air box. I don't think that's the problem and this is a major safety issue.…

   NHTSA complaint #11547716 · source
10. Filed Aug 11, 2023CAEngine

    There is a known cam carrier leak issue for this engine, and no safety recall has been issued. The motor oil leaks down to the hot exhaust creating smokes and may cause a fire.

    NHTSA complaint #11537958 · source
11. Filed Jun 20, 2023NYEngine

    Bought this car after having oil consumption issues with another outback Bought from another dealer that wasn't care for properly. Within 6 months of have this new one from an actual subaru dealership started to have oil consumption issues as well. Have gone through many of their "test" and pass. But within 2200 miles of 5k on an oil change I'm down over a qt. My mechanic has gone over the car and no leaks and states it is burning oil at a high rate. Paperwork from subarus…

    NHTSA complaint #11527813 · source
12. Filed Mar 7, 2023NCEngine

    The 2017 Subaru Outback has been slowly leaking oil and it has been determined that the cam carrier seal is defective and needs to be replaced. The vehicle has 70k miles on it and it has been brought to my attention that this a common problem among this vehicle. The service costs and replacement are very high and the car isn’t that old to be experiencing this problem yet. If it’s a common problem with Subaru then the part should be recalled and replaced at the companies…

    NHTSA complaint #11510664 · 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