*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Structure › Body
The vehicle is 10 years old with 150,000 miles. The vehicle did not pass inspection, as the front end chassis/structural frame is completely rusted and corroded. The cost to replace this structure is $3,200. This seems unusual for a 10 year old car with no visible rust that is in very good condition. I read that the air conditioning condensate drips on the structure. This coupled with road salt in Rochester, NY, caused the unusual corrosion.
Oct 5, 2026Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedalCrash1 injury
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Outback. While the contact's wife was driving into a parking space, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated. The vehicle drove over two concrete curbs and crashed into a shipping container, pushing the shipping container back several feet. The driver parked the vehicle in the parking lot. The driver experienced body soreness and stiffness but did not seek medical attention. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.
Oct 23, 2026 · 112,000 milesSteering
On Sunday, [XXX], I was driving my 2017 Subaru Outback 3.6R Touring after leaving the [XXX]. After I had merged onto [XXX] and immediately before the first roundabout under [XXX], the vehicle emitted three warning beeps, numerous dashboard warning lights illuminated, and the engine began running roughly. I was traveling approximately 31 mph when the warnings began. While attempting to reach a safe place to stop, I entered the roundabout beneath [XXX]. At approximately 7 mph, the electronic power-steering assistance stopped functioning, making the vehicle extremely difficult to steer. I was able to exit the roundabout and pull into a parking lot without a collision. I turned the vehicle off,…
Sep 20, 2026Unknown or other
Under Subaru's bulletin WUJ-95, certain 2015-2016 Outbacks were recalled due to the exhaust pipe front (EPF) bellows cracking. My 2017 Subaru outback has developed a crack in the bellows (flex pipe on the catalytic converter) and has had to be replaced. The emissions warranty ran out at 80K miles, I currently have 92K miles on the vehicle. If not replaced, the vehicle would not pass smog and would fail to meet emission levels certified by the EPA. Subaru's current Bulletin WUB-87 is initiating a service campaign that would involve replacement of the front exhaust pipe assembly which includes the catalytic converter. I had to pay out of pocket for the replacement part. I would like to see…
Sep 30, 2026Wheels
The CVT failed at 62 miles per hour on a busy interstate, XXX. This caused the drivetrain to lock. The car has been repaired and traded locally in [XXX]. The car was very difficult to steer with locked wheels in traffic. This was a rapid evasive manuver on a busy interstate. An undrivable vehicle on an interstate is life threatening to many. Flat bed driver told me I was lucky to steer off of lanes onto shoulder with four locked wheels. This incident put me in mild shock. The Subaru dealer had to replace the transmission. The dealer and Subaru Regional Rep. examined the CVT failure. It was outside of the 100,000-mile warranty by about 895 miles. Repair invoice attached. I did not have…
Feb 22, 2026Unknown or other
Came out to car on the morning of July 1, 2026 and found windshield had cracked from the very bottom of the windshield (no impacts). This is the third windshield I will be putting in this car. Original windshield was replaced by Subaru 4/25 2025 for the same exact problem. 2015 &16 Outbacks had a settlement filed as did the 20-23 subarus. This is a known problem.These cracks limit visibility, interfere with all other safety systems: Lane change, cruise control, visibility, auto brake for emergency and other related safety systems. I could not go with aftermarket windshields (Safelite) because Subaru said they would not cover any malfunctions with the eyesight system unless it was Subaru…
Jul 1, 2026Service brakes
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. I had a toolkit with me. The voltmeter measured the battery voltage at 9.3V. Thinking maybe cleaning the battery terminals would allow the car to be restarted, I managed to get the cables off and cleaned everything with…
Jun 8, 2026Electrical system
Ignition key not releasing after turning engine off. Put shifter in park, foot on brakeii, turn Ignition key off. Key will not release. Have to cycle multiple times to get key released.
Oct 15, 2025
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
