2017 Subaru Outback Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 392about this part
- Share
- 43%of 919 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 30,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 392 complaints about the electrical system of the 2017 Subaru Outback, 43% of the 919 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 30,000 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“When my car sits in garage for a week, the battery dies. I have taken it to Subaru dealer and they say there is no problem. But I continue to have problems with this car. I have documentation on the 6 times I have had to use road servic finally I bought a trickle charger to remedy this problem.e for a battery jump start and the receipts going to dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #11408508, filed 2021-04, 10,000 miles“Battery died multiple times . Left overnight, dead the next morning.car could be jumped from another car but not from a lithium ion battery pack. After many aaa calls I took it to the dealer . They couldn't find anything wrong. After several trips to the dealership I just said I'll buy another battery. . I've had 3 batteries in 4 years.”
NHTSA complaint #11408489, filed 2021-04, 10,000 miles“Sometimes the battery goes dead for no reason. This has happened multiple times in the last 2 years, with the most recent event occurring today (may 10, 2021). It could occur after I haven't driven it for a day or in the midst of a road trip after I've stopped for lunch and it won't restart. I have replaced the battery 2 times since purchasing my car (used) in 2019.”
NHTSA complaint #11416136, filed 2021-05, 32,000 miles“Repeated problem of battery draining, usually when hatchback is opened for approx. 20 minutes, loading or unloading camping gear. This has happened almost half dozen times, and it is both frustrating and potentially dangerous, as I generally camp by myself. Now I have to leave the engine running when I put in or take anything out of the hatchback more than groceries.”
NHTSA complaint #11398199, filed 2021-02, 5,000 miles“I am on my 4th battery in 4 years. The battery goes dead very quickly and the service department cant tell me why. There also seem to be other random electrical issues that go crazy at random times. The cruise control when trying to set the speed higher will go lower. The windows will occasionally not roll all the way up.”
NHTSA complaint #11416653, filed 2021-05, 23,144 milesRelated service bulletins
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Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 29% |
| 2025 | 13 | 16% |
| 2024 | 16 | 15% |
| 2023 | 17 | 19% |
| 2022 | 52 | 11% |
| 2021 | 76 | 26% |
| 2020 | 259 | 29% |
| 2019 | 364 | 35% |
| 2018 | 267 | 33% |
| 2017 | 392 | 43% |
| 2016 | 309 | 48% |
| 2015 | 127 | 25% |
| 2014 | 32 | 15% |
| 2013 | 23 | 8% |
| 2012 | 37 | 13% |
| 2011 | 67 | 10% |
| 2010 | 33 | 9% |
| 2009 | 23 | 22% |
| 2008 | 34 | 15% |
| 2007 | 20 | 15% |
| 2006 | 42 | 15% |
| 2005 | 28 | 10% |
| 2004 | 8 | 9% |
| 2003 | 7 | 8% |
| 2002 | 4 | 3% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
| 2000 | 8 | 4% |
| 1999 | 8 | 7% |
| 1998 | 6 | 5% |
| 1997 | 4 | 5% |
| 1996 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2017 Subaru Outback
233 complaintsOther or unknown
178 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
47 complaintsEngine
44 complaintsVehicle speed control
28 complaintsBody and structure
26 complaintsBrakes
25 complaintsSteering
24 complaintsForward collision avoidance
23 complaintsAir bags
16 complaintsFuel system
16 complaintsLane departure
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2017 Subaru Outback
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology