YearToAvoid

2017 Subaru Outback Brakes Problems

NHTSA lists 28 brake complaints for the 2017 Subaru Outback, 3% of its 917 total complaints, with 6 crashes and 3 injuries reported. A related 2016 recall (16V576000) covers loose front-left bolts, but is a separate issue from most brake complaints filed here.

Brakes complaints
28
3% of 917
Crashes reported
6
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
3
Median mileage
20,500 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical brake symptoms owners report

  • Owners report the vehicle continuing to accelerate or lurching forward/backward even while the brake pedal is pressed, sometimes resulting in a crash into a fixed object.
  • Several drivers describe unintended acceleration during parking maneuvers or while shifting into reverse or park, with the brake failing to stop the car.
  • Some owners say the brake pedal sits too close to the gas pedal, causing both pedals to be pressed at once and producing unexpected acceleration while braking.
  • One owner reported the parking brake engaging on its own at highway speed, causing the car to shudder and pull toward the shoulder.
  • A reverse automatic braking system reportedly activated on its own due to sensor misreads on angled pavement.

When 2017 Subaru Outback brake complaints were filed

First complaint Feb 20, 2017, latest Jun 22, 2026.

2017 Subaru Outback brakes complaints: complaints filed per month3Feb 2017Nov 2017Mar 2019Aug 2020May 2021May 2023Jun 2026
28 complaints filed with NHTSA from Feb 2017 to Jun 2026; peak May 2020 (3).

Brakes recalls for the 2017 Subaru Outback

  1. NHTSA 16V576000Aug 3, 2016Brakes99 vehicles

    Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:caliper

    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.

    Remedy: 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.

Brakes complaints by Outback model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 200542 (15%)
  2. 200628 (10%)
  3. 200713 (10%)
  4. 200834 (15%)
  5. 20099 (8%)
  6. 201041 (11%)
  7. 201184 (13%)
  8. 201241 (14%)
  9. 201333 (11%)
  10. 201424 (12%)
  11. 201531 (6%)
  12. 201622 (3%)
  13. 201728 (3%)
  14. 201821 (3%)
  15. 201925 (2%)
  16. 202017 (2%)
  17. 20218 (3%)
  18. 202211 (2%)
  19. 20237 (8%)
  20. 20244 (4%)
  21. 20256 (7%)

Frequently asked questions

How many brake complaints does the 2017 Subaru Outback have?
NHTSA lists 28 brake complaints for the 2017 Outback, which is 3% of the 917 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a brake recall for the 2017 Subaru Outback?
Yes. Recall 16V576000, reported in August 2016, covers improperly tightened front-left brake attaching bolts; dealers inspect torque and replace loose bolts free of charge.
Have brake problems caused crashes in the 2017 Outback?
NHTSA data shows 6 crashes and 3 injuries linked to brake complaints for this model year.
At what mileage do brake problems typically show up?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for brake complaints on the 2017 Outback is 20,500 miles.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.