2017 Subaru Outback: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Fifth-gen; heavy battery-drain and electrical complaint volume plus windshield cracking are the main concerns, while the mechanicals are sound. Good safety and moderate running costs. New, the 2017 Subaru Outback ranged from $25,645 to $38,195 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Fifth-gen; heavy battery-drain and electrical complaint volume plus windshield cracking are the main concerns, while the mechanicals are sound. Good safety and moderate running costs.
Sources (2)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=subaru&model=outbac…
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/subaru/outback
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Spacious, quiet, well-finished interior with a comfortable highway ride.
- Refined, reliable Lineartronic CVT and standard all-wheel drive.
- Standard EyeSight driver assistance and top-tier crash-test scores.
Cons
- Windshield is prone to cracking and expensive to replace.
- Battery-drain and infotainment electrical gremlins are common.
- Unhurried acceleration from the base four-cylinder.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5i | $25,645 | discontinued | — | — |
| 2.5i Premium | $27,695 | $34,995 | — | — |
| 2.5i Limited | $32,390 | $41,715 | — | — |
| 3.6R Limited | $34,995 | $41,715 | — | — |
| 2.5i Touring | $35,995 | $45,395 | — | — |
| 3.6R Touring | $38,195 | $45,395 | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2017-subaru-outback-price
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/subaru-outback-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($25,645). Higher trims started higher (up to $38,195), and options added more.
The curve's data ends 10 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/subaru-outback/resale-value
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2017 Subaru Outback reliable?
Fifth-gen; heavy battery-drain and electrical complaint volume plus windshield cracking are the main concerns, while the mechanicals are sound. Good safety and moderate running costs.
How much did the 2017 Subaru Outback cost new?
Between $25,645 and $38,195 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.