2017 Subaru Outback power train problems
47 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2017 Subaru Outback — 5% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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…”
filed Jul 8, 2026
“At about 112,000 miles, my 2017 subaru outback's transmission showed signs of failure. The "manual shift" gear lever position would no longer increase or decrease the transmission rpm and a whirring and clicking noise became apparent and increased or decreased with speed. The subaru dealer in…”
filed Aug 19, 2025
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body. The updated valve body incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.
16-156-25R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 20, 2026This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability. (This is an revised version of the orignal bulletin.)
16-156-25R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 2, 2026
Power Train problems in other Outback years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Outback | 3 | 4% |
| 2024 Outback | 6 | 6% |
| 2023 Outback | 5 | 6% |
| 2022 Outback | 18 | 4% |
| 2021 Outback | 12 | 4% |
| 2020 Outback | 46 | 5% |
| 2019 Outback | 15 | 1% |
| 2018 Outback | 14 | 2% |
| 2016 Outback | 45 | 7% |
| 2015 Outback | 37 | 7% |
| 2014 Outback | 25 | 12% |
| 2013 Outback | 59 | 20% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2017 Subaru Outback
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.