2017 Subaru Outback · symptom sheet
Engine stalls or loses power while driving
- 43owner reports
- 35,000median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Jun 22, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
467 of the 917 complaints on this car are about the electrical system. 43 of those describe stalling.
Tick what matches of 43 reports
Stalling on other Outback years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2014, 2015, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026.
What this problem usually is
Stalling reports are some of the most alarming on the site. The engine quits while the car is moving, sometimes on a highway and sometimes at a stop. Many owners say it restarted right away and the dealer found no stored code, which is part of why these complaints pile up before anything gets fixed.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the battery (28 reports) and the alternator (4 reports).
Recalls and investigations
No recall on the electrical system covers the 2017 model year as of Oct 2, 2026.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 24,000 and 45,892 miles, from the 28 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“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 Jun 2, 2024
“While car was in motion car just stalled. Upon reading recalls the maker of the fuel pump which produce these pumps has recalled other models. Denso and Subaru should check these other models and replace the known issue. Vehicle had to be towed for safety of myself and my son.”
Filed Mar 8, 2023
“Battery continually drains. I have had 2 replaced since May. I have contacted Subaru and they said I just have not driven it around enough after battery install. I have had them check for a drain, and they canât find anything. There are no lights on or any other reason to drain the battery. This coincides with my key becoming stuck in the ignition. Waiting on a part to replace the ignition under warranty.”
Filed Aug 9, 2022
“Battery was dead many times due to a parasitic draw. Dealer installed new batteries at no charge. Dealer with the help of Subaru Technical could not find the cause. Auto is available for inspection. Dealer could not duplicate problem but was able to inspect on each occasion. There were no warnings that the problem would occur. Last case is #68469384405 hat was communicated to Subaru Techline”
Filed Jul 16, 2021
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 43 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Taking it to a shop? How to describe this problem so it gets found
Other problems on this car
- Battery dies or the car will not start 336 reports
- Windshield cracks or distorts 229 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 44 reports