2017 Subaru Outback Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 2%of 920 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 31,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the fuel system of the 2017 Subaru Outback, 2% of the 920 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 31,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Miles to empty (mte) shows 40 miles to go but ran out of gas in the middle of a busy intersection which was traffic light controlled. I was stuck there when the light turned green for the other lanes and cars were coming at me and had to dodge my vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11170524, filed 2019-01, 31,000 miles“We were traveling on the interstate and the miles to go before needing fuel monitoring system said we had 60 miles of fuel left. When reached 30 miles of fuel left on the fuel monitoring system the car died as if we were out of gas. It would not start again until be put fuel in the tank. I feel this is a dangerous liability. It just so happened that we had taken an exit and couldn't even make it to the gas station we could see a 100 yards from the exit. …”
NHTSA complaint #11173739, filed 2019-02, 2,500 miles“Our Outback ran out of gas on two occasions: the low fuel light never came on, the fuel gauge registered about 1/4 tank and computer said 100-120 miles left on the tank. Others have had similar issues and they are documented on the internet. Incident #1: 10/25/2017, GPS: 38.365669,-82.850853. Incident #2: 06/05/2018, GPS: 38.519781,-89.707681. Both incidents were on interstate highways during a long day of driving. During the 2nd incident I took pictures of the dash to document the gauges. …”
NHTSA complaint #11154140, filed 2018-11, 24,876 miles“Fuel gauge does not register full when car is filled up. Dealer did not repair the first time and problem returned same day after filling up again. Have to go back again to dealer. I am concerned that if gauge does not register properly car may run out of gas in a place that could be dangerous (I.e.; freeway , busy road, etc.). Car dealers and companies response to this problem seems evasive . I am very concerned that this could become a very serious and dangerous problem .vehicle is stationary or in motion and no change in fuel gauge. …”
NHTSA complaint #11041574, filed 2017-10, 4,500 miles“Fuel gauge erratic. Car ran out of gas at 70 MPH on the interstate while showing 70 miles remaining on trip computer and over 1/8 of a tank on gauge. Starting the car shows different fuel level from one time to the next (e.g.-shows over full when last started, then it showed 3/4 full when started again. Stop/restart the car and gauge shows 3/4 full again).”
NHTSA complaint #11155584, filed 2018-12, 38,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11027081Dec 8, 2025This bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be used when DTCs P2096 (POST CATALYST FUEL TRIM SYSTEM TOO LEAN BANK 1) and P2097 (POST CATALYST FUEL TRIM SYSTEM TOO RICH…
- 11008273Sep 23, 2024Denso low pressure fuel pump warranty extension.
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 4% |
| 2024 | 2 | 2% |
| 2023 | 2 | 2% |
| 2022 | 6 | 1% |
| 2021 | 10 | 3% |
| 2020 | 15 | 2% |
| 2019 | 32 | 3% |
| 2018 | 46 | 6% |
| 2017 | 16 | 2% |
| 2016 | 13 | 2% |
| 2015 | 18 | 4% |
| 2014 | 13 | 6% |
| 2013 | 15 | 5% |
| 2012 | 4 | 1% |
| 2011 | 16 | 2% |
| 2010 | 5 | 1% |
| 2009 | 7 | 7% |
| 2008 | 3 | 1% |
| 2007 | 6 | 5% |
| 2006 | 40 | 14% |
| 2005 | 19 | 7% |
| 2004 | 6 | 7% |
| 2003 | 4 | 4% |
| 2002 | 32 | 22% |
| 2001 | 32 | 19% |
| 2000 | 12 | 6% |
| 1999 | 4 | 4% |
| 1998 | 4 | 3% |
| 1997 | 5 | 6% |
| 1996 | 2 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2017 Subaru Outback
392 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
233 complaintsOther or unknown
178 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
47 complaintsEngine
44 complaintsVehicle speed control
28 complaintsBody and structure
27 complaintsBrakes
25 complaintsSteering
24 complaintsForward collision avoidance
23 complaintsAir bags
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 28, 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