This 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.)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Subaru Outback powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2017 Subaru Outback have filed 42 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 30,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
42
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 Outback | 57 |
| 2014 Outback | 25 |
| 2015 Outback | 34 |
| 2016 Outback | 45 |
| 2017 Outback (this page) | 42 |
| 2018 Outback | 14 |
| 2019 Outback | 14 |
| 2020 Outback | 45 |
| 2021 Outback | 10 |
1crash
What stands out
Owners have filed 42 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 3 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin announces the service manual correction regarding clutch master cylinder reservoir service procedures.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which enhancement was implemented to prevent abnormal operations. The updated valve body incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2017 Outback's CVT transmission is the main headache. Owners report stalling at low speeds, hesitation and lurching when shifting from reverse to drive, and transmission refusal to engage despite engine running and revving. These issues show up early (under 10,000 miles) or after dealer service, often without throwing diagnostic codes. Subaru dealers have told owners this is normal operation; multiple owners state the manufacturer issued a transmission warranty extension for 2016 and 2017 models, confirming a known defect.
The shift selector (shifter) mechanism frequently fails to engage park fully, leaving the key stuck in the ignition. The internal park-range switch shows excessive resistance instead of the spec-required low resistance. Some owners can't remove the key after turning off the engine; others report the shifter sliding back to reverse or neutral on its own.
Battery drainage is chronic on many vehicles. Owners report completely dead batteries after just one week of non-use, even with new battery replacements. When power depletes, the electronic shifter won't move to park—stranding owners who can't lock the transmission into gear. The electronic emergency brake and power steering also fail with dead power, creating hazards on slopes.
Complete transmission failure occurs suddenly at highway speed, leaving drivers powerless with no meaningful warning. One owner experienced a broken variator chain; another saw internal transmission failure at 112,000 miles quoted at $9,916 for replacement. Unintended acceleration, power loss during merging, and loss of responsiveness on ramps also appear across multiple complaint narratives.
Same Subaru Outback powertrain reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2018 · 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
CVT transmission stalling at low speed or during transitions
Engine stalls or hesitates during stop-and-go driving, especially after service or when shifting from reverse to drive. Occurs with or without warning at speeds from standing to low city speeds. In some cases, erratic shifting or complete loss of power.
When: Early ownership (under 10,000 miles to around 50,000 miles); often immediately after dealer service; more frequent when engine is cold
Symptoms owners cite: Complete stall lasting 5-10 seconds without shutdown, or near-stall; Transmission refuses to engage; engine revs but car does not move; Hesitation and lurching forward when shifting from reverse to drive; Erratic shifting during acceleration, especially on ramps or merges; No diagnostic codes generated in most cases
Codes mentioned: None reported in most cases, P0841 (transmission fluid pressure solenoid)
Repairs/costs cited: Subaru dealers often claim issue is normal operation; unable to replicate in lab; no repairs performed in many cases. One owner had transmission replaced; internal failure found in another case at $10,996 cost.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: CVT transmission warranty extension letter issued for 2016 and 2017 Subarus (applicable to most models), indicating known issue. Dealership service writers state stalling 'happens on all Subarus' and is normal.
Transmission slipping or delayed engagement with unpredictable acceleration response
After transmission replacement, new unit exhibits inconsistent power delivery. Light pedal input may produce delay followed by weaker-than-expected or excessive surge in acceleration. More severe with repeated on-off pedal inputs. Fuel economy degrades.
When: Third transmission installation at 42,730 miles; symptoms observed within 10,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Unpredictable and non-linear acceleration response to pedal input; 1-2 second delay followed by acceleration surge reaching 3,000 RPM; Behavior changes with same pedal position (decreases or increases unpredictably); Stop-and-go city driving particularly problematic; Fuel economy dropped from 25.5 MPG to under 20 MPG
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs performed. Loaner vehicles driven by owner exhibited normal, smooth linear acceleration.
Broken CVT variator chain and transmission failure
Sudden complete loss of engine power while driving at highway speed. Broken variation chain confirmed by dealer. Transmission replaced under warranty in one case.
When: Approximately 70 mph highway driving; another case at 35,326 miles with power distribution instability
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of engine power with no warning; Gas pedal becomes unresponsive; Dashboard brake and other warning messages appear; CVT distributing power erratically to wheels, causing instability and shaking; Vehicle difficult to control
Repairs/costs cited: New transmission installed (four days after tow-in). No warning was provided despite known issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner states this is a known problem but received no advance warning.
Gear shift selector (shifter) fails to fully engage or recognize park position
Shift lever intermittently fails to engage fully into park. Shift lever slides from park to reverse or neutral without pressing shift button. Key becomes stuck in ignition. Gearbox fails to recognize park position. Internal park range switch shows resistance above specification.
When: Starting around 40,000 miles; can occur as early as 1,946 miles; happens intermittently, often when car is idling in park
Symptoms owners cite: Key cannot be removed from ignition when in park; Shift lever slides to reverse or neutral without pressing button; Intermittent engagement failure requiring restart 2-3 times before park engages; Shift lever produces 'klunk' noise when put in park; Shift lever movement unclear or loose
Repairs/costs cited: Select lever assembly (part 35111AL00B) replaced with newer version (part 35111AL00C). Original assembly tested showed 2-3 ohms resistance across pins 1 and 2 in park position (spec: <1 ohm). Repair cost reimbursed in one case. Replacement key cylinder did not resolve recurring issue in another case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer acknowledged 'known issue' and scheduled appointment. Manufacturer stated multiple complaints received and contacted dealer. One case resulted in warranty reimbursement.
Unintended acceleration or power surge while braking
Engine revs or vehicle accelerates without driver input, particularly when approaching stop signs or while braking. In one case, engine revved to 4,000-7,000 RPM without pedal input. In another, vehicle attempted to accelerate while foot was on brake pedal, causing power surge.
When: Various mileages from early ownership to 86,000 miles; often during stop-and-go driving or when switching from accelerator to brake
Symptoms owners cite: Engine revs to 4,000 K (or higher to 7,000 K) without driver input; Vehicle accelerates 2 MPH increase in speed while braking; Unresponsive gas pedal (2 seconds) followed by normal operation; No warning indicators; In one case, vehicle unintentionally accelerated toward vehicle ahead at 55 MPH
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles towed to dealers; remained unrepaired in most cases as dealers could not identify cause or replicate issue.
Transmission disengages at highway speed
Engine power suddenly disengages during highway acceleration. Gas pedal becomes unresponsive. Engine RPM climbs to 4,000 without vehicle movement. Issue lasts 2 seconds then resolves.
When: At 8,200 miles; at highway speeds (70-85 MPH)
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission disengages suddenly; Engine RPM climbs to 4,000; Gas pedal unresponsive for 2 seconds; Vehicle slows down then operates normally
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership to investigate; no resolution documented.
Transmission fails to engage reverse or drive; engine only revs
When shifted into reverse or drive with engine running, transmission does not engage. Engine revs but wheels do not move, stranding vehicle.
When: Early ownership (under 3,500 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Shift to reverse: engine revs, no acceleration; Shift to drive: engine revs, tires do not move; No transmission engagement despite throttle input
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles towed to dealership; no repair outcome documented.
Transmission slippage between reverse and drive or on slopes
Vehicle continues moving backward after shifting from reverse to drive, or slips backward after shifting from reverse to drive on downhill slopes. Requires multiple shift attempts to engage forward motion.
When: As early as 248 miles; on downhill driveways (9% slope); when car is cool
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle continues backward motion after shift to drive on level parking lot (slow speed); Multiple shift attempts (up to 4) required to engage forward motion; Vehicle slips backward 6-10 feet on slopes when shifting reverse-to-drive; 1-3 second delay before drive engages; no audible/visual confirmation of engagement; Hill assist feature does not prevent slippage
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs performed; issues reported as normal operation by Subaru.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru states this is normal nature for the car.
Transmission produces noise and hesitation with erratic RPM climbing
Transmission produces squeaking or creaking noise, especially during acceleration from stop or uphill. RPMs climb without proportional speed increase, then vehicle launches forward suddenly.
When: At 86,000 miles and earlier; more pronounced when accelerating uphill
Symptoms owners cite: Squeaking noise from transmission; Creaking noise, worse during uphill acceleration; RPM climbs but car does not increase speed proportionally; Sudden forward launch after hesitation; No warning lights
Codes mentioned: P0841 (one case)
Repairs/costs cited: In one case, P0841 sensor replaced but problem recurred; internal transmission failure found requiring replacement at $10,996. Other cases had no diagnosis or repair.
Battery drain to complete dead with key-stuck problem when power lost
Battery drains completely over time (1 week to 2 weeks of non-use). When power is depleted, electronic shifter and brake systems fail, creating unsafe conditions. In one case, car likely remained running in garage leading to suspected carbon monoxide death.
When: After 1-2 weeks of non-use; chronic pattern across multiple ownership periods
Symptoms owners cite: Battery completely drained after 1-2 weeks without vehicle use (even with new battery); Vehicle will not start; When battery dead, shifter will not move to park (only engages drive or reverse); Electronic emergency brake does not function; Power steering and power brakes do not function; Vehicle rolls uncontrollably on slopes
Repairs/costs cited: Subaru directed owner to YouTube video mentioning special tool needed to shift car out of park with dead battery, but tool not supplied with vehicle. Multiple battery replacements required in one case (three total since December 2020). One owner suspects vehicle remained running in garage, depleting fuel tank and causing carbon monoxide death.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru directed owner to YouTube video showing workaround with special tool. No recall or fix provided.
Brake pedal positioned too low, causing simultaneous brake and throttle engagement
Brake pedal height is only slightly higher than gas pedal. Driver's right foot can hit both pedals simultaneously, especially in emergency braking situations, causing power surge and extended stopping distance.
When: Throughout ownership, most noticeable in emergency situations
Symptoms owners cite: Both brake and gas pedal depressed simultaneously in emergency braking; Power surge occurs while braking, extending stopping distance; No design redundancy for brake system failure
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer states brake pedal height not adjustable; referred to Subaru customer service. Subaru customer service reports no way to adjust pedal height.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No solution offered; referred to customer service with no resolution.
Electronic push-button start allows engine shutdown in drive gear
Push-button start system does not prevent engine shutdown when shift selector is in drive or other forward-moving gears, allowing vehicle to roll uncontrollably.
When: Early in ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Engine can be turned off with shift selector in drive gear; Vehicle begins rolling when driver exits with engine off; Driver must have foot still in vehicle to apply brakes
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented.
Rear hub/bearing assembly failure
Rear wheel bearing or hub assembly fails prematurely, causing wheels to lock or operate abnormally, creating safety risk and potential driveline damage.
When: At 40,746 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Bearing/hub assembly failure detected; Wheels unable to spin freely
Repairs/costs cited: Replaced at dealership at owner's cost, out of warranty. Owner notes this is known problem per online information.
Engine power loss or loss of responsiveness during highway driving
Engine loses power or becomes unresponsive during acceleration, merging, or highway driving. In some cases, transmission shifts erratically before power loss.
When: At 8,200 miles (highway); at toll plaza and on-ramps; at 32,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Gas pedal becomes unresponsive during acceleration; Engine stalls or sputters during highway merge or on-ramp; Transmission shifts erratically before power loss; No diagnostic codes generated; Using paddle shifters can prevent stall
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to identify cause; no codes thrown. Vehicles not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer claims nothing wrong with vehicle since no diagnostic codes present.
Transmission power distribution instability causing steering/handling issues
CVT transmission distributes power erratically to wheels, causing vehicle instability and difficult handling during acceleration.
When: At 35,326 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Erratic power distribution to wheels; Vehicle shaking and instability; Very difficult to control vehicle during driving
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement required.
Synthesized from 42 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
2 yo 2017 Subaru Outback was left untouched for 2 weeks. When trying to start, it had a dead battery. 2 years later, 2017 Subaru Outback was left untouched for 1 week. When trying to start, it had a dead battery. 2017 Subaru Outback was left untouched for 2 days. When trying to start, it had a dead battery with a 1 - and 8 month old battery. Basically, when this 2017 Subaru Outback hasn't…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2017 Subaru Outback?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2017 Subaru Outback?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 42 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 27 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 6,000 and 48,000 miles, with the median around 30,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 6,000; a quarter make it past 48,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2017/Subaru/Outback.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.