Three problems related to ignition switch have been reported for the 2017 Subaru Outback. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2017 Subaru Outback based on all problems reported for the 2017 Outback.
This car has had repeated electrical issues. The car is on it's third battery in 4 years. Suubaru paid for the last "aftermarket" battery based on my request and numerous complaints from others. The safety issue came up from the last problem: the key was stuck in the ignition. This too is a common problem. The dealer replaced the sensor in the gear shift mechanism to fix this problem. The safety issue is owners are posting workarounds on line to get around this problem. The workarounds get around the issue. However, by disconnecting wires the key can be removed in any position, including while the car is in gear and moving. That is clearly a potential problem. This repair was made approximately three weeks ago. Two days ago the battery was completely depleted and the tailgate would not function. I brought this to Subaru's attention. This time they said I was out of warranty and they would not assist (I was out of warranty on the ignition switch and battery issues). I believe there is a fundamental problem in this generation of Subaru's that needs to be investigated. A simple search of the Subaru Outback forum for key release problems will verify my assertion. Subaru needs to come clean on the electrical engineering deficiencies impacting safety and reliability.
Key has begun to get stuck in ignition each time I shift into park and shut off the engine. One has to repeatedly slam the gear shift into park for the ignition switch to recognize the car is indeed in "park" and release the key. Could create an issue for anyone without the physical strength to "slam" the gear shift into "park" or someone who needs to quickly exit their vehicle and get into their locked house or building. House keys are always attached to car keys, which are inevitably stuck in the ignition. A search of online forums shows this is a known issue that Subaru has not made good on and dealers are charging owners upwards of $600 to repair.
Tl-the contact owns a 2017 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the key did not come out of the ignition switch. Also mentioned that she was able to turn the vehicle off, but it did not come out the contact also stated that the failure occurred for approximately two weeks. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic for a diagnostic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 39,700. Bp.