How many electrical complaints does NHTSA have for the 2017 Subaru Outback?

NHTSA lists 396 Electrical System complaints for the 2017 Outback, which is 43% of the 917 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2017 Subaru Outback electrical system?

No related recalls are listed in the data for the 2017 Outback's electrical system.

At what mileage do 2017 Outback electrical problems usually appear?

The median mileage at failure for electrical complaints on the 2017 Outback is 30,000 miles.

Do 2017 Outback electrical problems involve crashes or fires?

NHTSA data tied to these complaints includes 5 crashes, 1 fire, and 4 injuries.

How does 2017 compare to other Outback years for electrical complaints?

The 2017 Outback's 43% share of complaints tied to the electrical system is among the highest in the lineup, behind only 2016's 48% share.

2017 Subaru Outback Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 396 Electrical System complaints for the 2017 Subaru Outback, 43% of its 917 total complaints for the year. No related recalls are listed. Reported failures center on dead batteries, wiring harness issues, and stalling, with a median failure mileage of 30,000 miles.

Electrical System complaints: 396; 43% of 917
Crashes reported: 5
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 4
Median mileage: 30,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

Owners report the battery drains repeatedly and dies within days, sometimes requiring repeated dealer visits without a fix.
Some describe the vehicle failing to start, later diagnosed as needing a wiring harness replacement.
Others report the engine stalling unexpectedly in traffic, with the dealer unable to reproduce the issue.
One owner reported a check engine light and sluggish acceleration traced to a chewed wiring harness.
A few describe the high beam assist system switching off high beams at low speeds regardless of oncoming traffic.

When 2017 Subaru Outback electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Aug 30, 2016, latest May 11, 2026.

396 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2016 Q3 to 2026 Q2; peak 2021 Q2 (77).

Electrical System recalls for the 2017 Subaru Outback

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Electrical System complaints by Outback model year

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

201061 (17%)
2011165 (25%)
201251 (17%)
201329 (10%)
201437 (18%)
2015130 (25%)
2016311 (48%)
2017396 (43%)
2018270 (33%)
2019367 (35%)
2020267 (30%)
202177 (26%)
202254 (12%)
202323 (26%)
202419 (19%)
202516 (20%)

Frequently asked questions

How many electrical complaints does NHTSA have for the 2017 Subaru Outback?: NHTSA lists 396 Electrical System complaints for the 2017 Outback, which is 43% of the 917 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2017 Subaru Outback electrical system?: No related recalls are listed in the data for the 2017 Outback's electrical system.
At what mileage do 2017 Outback electrical problems usually appear?: The median mileage at failure for electrical complaints on the 2017 Outback is 30,000 miles.
Do 2017 Outback electrical problems involve crashes or fires?: NHTSA data tied to these complaints includes 5 crashes, 1 fire, and 4 injuries.
How does 2017 compare to other Outback years for electrical complaints?: The 2017 Outback's 43% share of complaints tied to the electrical system is among the highest in the lineup, behind only 2016's 48% share.