1997 Subaru Legacy: problems, recalls and reliability
6 recalls and 139 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (19% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jun 2001
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 139 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Car was sometimes difficult to start, other times it would stall/hesitate when in motion on city street. Discovered to be caused by aged/worn fuel pump causing overcurrent draw that fails to blow fuse causing meltdown in wiring harness connector where pigtail from pump connects to the chassis side of the wiring harness. Heat/spark potential is created in close proximity to fuel tank that has many reported cases of fuel filler neck rusting off and leaking fuel. A quick google search reveals that a number of people, with photos, have experienced this failure. Photo provided is from internet but the result is the same.”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2020
“1997 subaru legacy outback. Came out to my parked vehicle with the right front tire flat due to part of the suspension spring being snapped and sticking into inside of the tire. Spring was intact when I parked it. Frightening to think if that had happened while driving on the highway of which I was the day before this happened.”Owner report · Steering · Aug 2017
“When the gas tank is filled above half a tank, fuel leaks onto the ground in large amounts near the rear of the vehicle. This is extremely dangerous since a spark or cigarette would cause an explosion. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Oct 2013
Show 7 more owner reports
“My fuel filler rusted off @ the fuel tank causing it to leak on the ground when the tank is nearly full.I have read other complaints about this problem.it's a big job for a diy.you need to drop the rear differential , drive shaft , muffler , etc..is this something subaru covers cost wise? *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Feb 2012
“Tl* the contact owns a 1997 subaru legacy. The contact attempted to start the ignition and the engine failed to start. The battery was jump started; however the failure recurred while driving. The battery was recharged for a second time. The contact replaced the battery terminal due to severe rust and corrosion. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000. Updated 02/28/12 *bf the consumer stated battery corrosion destroyed the negative terminal. Updated 03/08/12”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2011
“Gasoline filler tube on subaru legacy models (1994 & 1997) rust out and cause very serious danger from possible fire/explosion due to leaking fuel. This appears to be a very common problem for subaru owners and costly ($350+) to repair. This part was replaced on both a 1994 and a 1997 subaru legacy and the repair shop indicated that this is a common problem that they have dealt with quite often. I feel the problem is very dangerous and should be addressed by the manufacturer. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Jan 2010
“1997 subaru legacy 2.5 l engine. 118,000 miles. Chronic overheating. Many dollars spent only to find that these cars are notorious for blowing head gaskets. Sure enough, that's the trouble. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 2009
“I am sure you have received other complaints regarding the 2.5l engine in 1997 subaru legacy gt's. The head gaskets are very weak, which when they blow, can cause a loss of power due to a rush of coolant flowing into the system, which kills the engine. This problem is very widespread, and subaru does not admit anything. However, in canada, subaru was sued for this same issue. There are thousands of people out there that are experiencing erratic failure with these head gaskets, and there isn't even a tsb on them. Please, help us!”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2009
“After a gas fill-up, I noted a large wet spot under the rear passenger side of the vehicle. Because it smells like gas, I took it to my authorized subaru mechanic and was advised that the filler neck was loose. In order to fix the manufacturer deflective, he would have to remove the rear axle. Since the car is 11 years old with over 83k miles, the car is of course out of warranty. However, in my option, my 1997 subaru legacy gt sedan is now considered unsafe to drive under any speed. I recommended that subaru takes the initiate by issuing a recall before someone dies as result of this manufacturer deflective. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Sep 2008
“Tl*the contact owns a 1997 subaru legacy. The vehicle is leaking gasoline from the filler tube. The dealer stated that the repair would be the contact's responsibility because there was no safety recall. The VIN was unknown. The current mileage was 140,000 and failure mileage was 136,000.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jun 2008
When filing, owners marked a crash in 18 of these complaints and injuries in 9 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 6 campaigns
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE WITHIN THE HAZARD WARNING LIGHT SWITCH HOUSING CAN CAUSE A BINDING BETWEEN THE ACTUATING BUTTON AND THE HOUSING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A MODIFIED HAZARD WARNING SWITCH.
THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE AN ALTERNATOR PROBLEM THAT CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF CHARGING CAPABILITY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR WITH A MODIFIED ALTERNATOR. OWNERS WILL ALSO BE CAUTIONED THAT, SHOULD THE ALTERNATOR TELLTALE WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATE, THEY MUST SEEK IMMEDIATE REPAIR TO AVOID THE EVENTUAL LOSS OF ELECTRICAL POWER, WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ENGINE STALL.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER STATION WAGON, SEDAN AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. DUE TO IMPROPER WELDING, FRACTURES CAN OCCUR ON THE SUPPORT BRACKET OF THE FRONT TRANSVERSE LINK.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY THE FRONT SUSPENSION SUPPORT BRACKETS.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FRONT COIL SPRINGS ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, NEW HAMPSHIRE, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN, AND IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS WERE PRODUCED WITH POOR PAINT QUALITY WHICH, AFTER CONTINUED EXPOSURE TO CORROSIVE SALT, CAN RESULT IN BREAKAGE OF THE SPRING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL NOTIFIY CUSTOMERS TO BRING THEIR VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE A SPRING GUARD INSTALLED ON BOTH FRONT STRUTS TO PREVENT TIRE PUNCTURE AND REPLACE ANY BROKEN SPRINGS FREE OF CHARGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 18, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE THROTTLE SHAFT BALL BEARING ON THE SENSOR SIDE OF THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY WAS NOT INSTALLED IN CERTAIN THROTTLE BODIES.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE THROTTLE BODY AND REPLACE THE THROTTLE ASSEMBLY IF THE BEARING IS MISSING.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. DUE TO POOR WELDS, IGNITION KEYS CAN STICK, SHIFT LEVERS/LINKAGES CAN BREAK AND SHIFT LEVERS CAN MOVE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER ASSEMBLIES (EXCEPT THE HANDLE GRIP).
How other years compare
Check your exact Legacy by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Subaru Legacy reliable?
NHTSA has 139 owner complaints and 6 recall campaigns on record for the 1997 Subaru Legacy. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (19% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1997 Subaru Legacy problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 92,000 miles or less.
Does the 1997 Subaru Legacy have open recalls?
6 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting:hazard flashing warning lights:switch. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.