2017 Subaru Outback engine problems

Filed Oct 16, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · CO

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, waited approximately five minutes, and restarted it. The warning lights were no longer illuminated. Diagnostic information later reviewed by Grand Junction Subaru documented that the vehicle’s electrical voltage had dropped to 8.6 volts during the incident. The dealership could not reproduce the event or conclusively identify its cause. Although the original alternator reportedly tested normal, the dealership reprogrammed the ECU/ECM, disabled the DCM, and replaced the alternator. Because the root cause remains unconfirmed, I am concerned that the sudden low-voltage condition and loss of steering assistance could recur at highway speed. Because [XXX] and the two-lane roundabout are very busy, I felt that my life was in danger. As I continued through the roundabout, there was a Ford Platinum 3/4 ton truck next to me. If he would not have been paying attention, I feel like there would have been a collision and possibly personal injury to myself. I'm glad that this incident happened at a lower rate of speed but I am concerned that it will happen again and maybe the next time while I'm on the highway traveling at highway speeds. It could be fatal to and others. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 22, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · CO

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 a wire brush. But still no power. After a while a state trooper passed by and hung on while I contacted a towing service. After another 1.5 hours, the tow truck arrived and towed the car the 60 miles or so to the dealership in Denver with my wife and I in the cab of the tow truck. Dealer repair invoice indicated Data Control Module (DCM) "causing excessive draw on electrical system." More significantly, the battery had drained below the the operating threshold voltage required for vehicle drivability (understood to be 10-10.5V). There was no mention of this by the dealer service adviser. Although dealer diagnostic was carried out, no computer codes were provided. Vehicle mileage at time of incident 73,456. I have owned the car since new and have all service records. Car was repaired and picked up from dealership on 06/10/26 with a replacement DCM. Battery was charged up but not replaced and left in corroded state. Battery will probably have been weakened by such a total discharge with reduced life expectancy. I have uploaded the dealer repair invoice. I have reported this incident to Subaru of America. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 16, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · VA

Total of 3 incidents when my car had approx 1/8 to 1/4 of a tank of gas....as going up incline on interstate....car like stalls and slows down, will not speed up....get it over to the side to avoid being hit and it finally starts going again...close call with vehicles behind us in the passing lane. Below listed the last time it happened... Did not use to do this...first time was same area listed below in November 2025.

Filed Oct 30, 2025 · Engine · NY

I been hearing a loud humming sound like a sports car and smell of fumes inside the cabin.

Filed Jul 6, 2025 · Driver assistance, Engine · CO

Car was being driven on the highway in cruise control, when the cruise control turned off and the car began to decelerate. When the gas pedal was pressed, the RPMs shot up but there was no acceleration. The car was pulled over, turned off, and we were not able to turn it on again. The car was towed to a shop, where they were able to identify the engine wasn’t working but not the root cause, and also mentioned the possibility of there being a transmission problem. We then brought it to a Subaru dealer, and they said a similar thing without being able to diagnose anything more specific. This car is 8 years old and has had routine, consistent maintenance the entire time. The surprise of an engine failure with no warning is very alarming and dangerous.

Filed Mar 21, 2025 · Engine · WV

Hi I had my car into the local Subaru Dealership (Wheeling Subaru) a few weeks ago to investigate a couple of issues that the car has been having for years (and they have never been able to find). Over the course of that investigation, they finally were able to recreate two issues that should have been covered under the warranty since it's been happening and reported to them for years (the seat memory programming button isn't working and the right sight steering wheel controller isn't working). The parts and labor for those two issues come to $545. But the much bigger issue is that they told me the engine needs to be pulled out and resealed because of cam carrier and spark plug gasket leaks, and that repair is $5,076 plus tax. When I expressed astonishment over this and asked what is going on, the service advisor explained this is a common problem with Subaru cars from this model year because of the switch from timing belts to whatever it has now. with the CVT engine I looked around online and discovered that this is a common issue with 2017 Outbacks. I thought I was making an investment that would last when I bought a brand new Subaru rather than a Ford, Honda, Toyota, Hyundai, etc because Subaru was supposed to be a car that did not have poor quality manufacturing issues like this. Given that this appears to be a common issue with the way this model and year car was manufactured, I am very upset that Subaru is not fixing this under recall but is expecting me to pay $5076 (before tax) to have what was explained to me as a manufacturing defect repaired. Since I've seen a lot of reports for other Subaru owners of this issue, I was advised to file a report with you to investigate. Thank you so much for investigating. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 11, 2025 · Engine · NC

Per subarus bulletin 02-192-25 posed on 10-26-2024 they provided details on how to fix a leak from zone 4 for cam shaft carrier and valve cover. I have a leak from these two items noted. I have been breathing the oil fumes for who knows how long. I have had these issues confirmed by both subaru dealership service center and an independent service center. No engine lights have been displayed or came on to indicate any of theses issues. The odor of strong oil just got worse over time and my vehicle only has 87000 original miles on it and has proper documented oil change and service every 3000 miles.

Filed Jan 8, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · OK · fire

I drive 2.5miles to work, Tuesday [XXX], I was turning into the parking lot and my car just cut off. I couldn't use flashers, restart it, put it in park or anything else. I called my husband to come help. I thought maybe the battery cable might have come loose. It was dead. I couldn't get out, if I let my foot off the brake it would roll backwards, going into the road and I didn't want it to hurt anyone. It started smoking from the drivers front side of engine. I called my husband back and said please hurry. It took approximately 7 minutes for him to arrive. I was on the phone about the smoke when he drove up behind me. He told me to get out of the car it's on fire. He tapped my bumper to keep my car from rolling backwards. I jumped out, called 911.He had sandbags in the back of his truck. He put them under the back tires so it couldn't roll into the traffic. A lady stopped that had a fire extinguisher and [XXX] attempted to put the fire out. It was getting quite large. We couldn't open the hood, he could only spray it in the wheel area up front. He had to get back the fire was getting big. The car then exploded. It was so loud, fire and smoke. I went into work and asked to be let off for that day. I smelled like smoke and my lungs hurt. I inhaled so much smoke. My daughter got me a breathing treatment setup to help with breathing. The fire department came and put the fire out. They were so kind. No police showed up, so we only have a fire department report. The tow truck showed up and took my car away. When we got home we notified our insurance agent. :engine failed, if I had been on a busy street I would have been hit. The car just stopped where it was. Yes our insurance adjuster said it could be looked at by anyone. :Yes my safety and the ones around me were put at risk. My lungs are still suffering. :no it's not been reproduced by anyone I know of. :no, there was no indications that pointed at something being wrong. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATI

Filed Jun 2, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · MA

After the car is shifted into park and the key is turned it does not shut off. The key remains stuck in the ingition.

Filed May 31, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · CA

Throttle fails to respond for a brief but serious amount of time. When pulling into traffic, instead of accelerating the engine remains at an idle and the car moves forward slowly. I push on the throttle trying to make it go. Then it takes hold and the car leaps forward. Safety: Normal power is delayed as the car moves into traffic. Oncoming traffic must slow to prevent an accident. The dealer where I purchased the car, Santa Monica, CA, tried to find error codes. Also removed the throttle valve to check that it wasn't somehow stuck. They drove the car briefly. They say they've done all they can. No warning lamps, messages, codes stored in the computer. Note that the throttle pedal signals the computer to work the engine throttle valve (so I'm told). Problem occurs about once a month. First time was when I took posession at the dealer's. I requested to recind my purchase but, because I didn't by the cancellation option ($250), they refused.