Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2017 Subaru Outback
The 2017 Subaru Outback has moderate reliability concerns with 919 NHTSA complaints and four recall campaigns. Key issues involve the electrical system, visibility, and steering, though evidence is limited. It's crucial to ground any checks in the provided complaint and recall data.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2017 Subaru Outback has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 921 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, for the 1 NHTSA-tested trim.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #19V910000 Air Bag Control Module Incompatible With Air Bag NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V716000 Improperly Aligned Knee Guard Bracket NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V576000 Loose Bolts may affect Braking and Handling NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V292000 Loss of Steering Ability NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Electrical System 392 complaints
- Visibility/Wiper 205 complaints
- Unknown or Other 178 complaints
- Power Train 47 complaints
- Engine 44 complaints
- Visibility 30 complaints
Of the 921 complaints on file, 33 report a crash and 3 a fire; across all 921 complaints, owners report 26 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Frequent electrical issues
How to check: Inspect all dashboard warning lights and electrical functionalities.
Improper steering column machining
How to check: Check for smooth turning and steering response.
Loose brake and suspension components
How to check: Inspect brake calipers, wheel hubs, and stabilizer clamp for tightness.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Observe any warning lights and listen for odd noises.
Red flag: Persistent warning lights
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Monitor engine stability and any unusual sounds.
Red flag: Rough idling or noises
- 03
Initial acceleration
What to check: Check for smooth acceleration without hesitation.
Red flag: Hesitation or jerking
- 04
Low-speed cornering
What to check: Feel for steering responsiveness and check for noises.
Red flag: No steering control
- 05
Highway driving
What to check: Ensure stable handling and smooth shifting.
Red flag: Drifting or gear issues
- 06
All brakes check
What to check: Brake firmly, checking for control and noise.
Red flag: Braking noise or instability
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag module been replaced?
- Are there any electrical issues?
- Has the steering column been inspected?
- Were there any suspension repairs?
- Is there any warranty left?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recent repair invoices
- Recall repair records
- Vehicle inspection report
- Warranty documents
- Service history
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2017 Subaru Outback at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2017 Subaru Outback? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.