1997 Subaru Outback: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 79 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (29% of complaints); the 1996 model year looks more trouble-free.
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 79 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Noticed a leak of fluid from passenger side by the rear wheel. Determined it was gasoline. Upon inspection found fuel leaking from the filler tube to the gas tank. Got the car to a subaru repair shop and was told this is a common problem. There is no undercoating applied to the tube. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Oct 2012
“I bought a 97 subaru legacy outback wgn and found out the block was cracked in cyl3 after tear down for gasket replacement,now put together and now won't start. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2008
“Fuel filler neck rusted causing gas to leak out onto garage floor and while driving and filling tank. Vehicle was brought into dealership for repair to replace the rusted fuel filler neck. From research and comments from dealership, this is a very common problem with this make of vehicle. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Aug 2008
Show 7 more owner reports
“Loss of coolant, overheated engine, diagnosis of blown head gasket car: 1997 subarau legacy outback with 2.5 liter engine. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2008
“'97 subaru outback wagon impeccably maintained 85,000 mi is overheating. Began as intermittent problem approx 5 months ago. Flushed radiator, repl cap, pressure tested radiator. Driving down hill on mountain road in morning cold, overheats after about 6 miles. Repl thermostat, water pump, timing belt. Subaru dealer repair mechanic says head gasket. Googled problem online before replacing thermostat. Blogs from outback owners with same symptoms say head gasket. An incredible number of blogs describing the same problem and statements that subaru has never taken responsibility for this flaw which has affected so many outback owners. This is a crime. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2007
“1997 subaru outback 2.5 dohc engine 1) car was suddenly leaking anti-freeze, brought it in to shop asap 2) head gasket busted, ruined the engine 3) needed to replace most of engine, including block checked other sites, this seems to be a hugely common problem with subaru 2.5 dohc engines and they aren't doing anything about it. *jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2006
“Outback 1997: 108,000. Car overheated suddenly on a short trip. Replaced thermostat and flushed/filled radiator at local firestone. Two days later, car overheats. In both cases, radiator fluid ejected onto engine. Took car to dealer who identified the now very common "blown head gasket". Repairs made at a cost to me of $1400! This is a defect in these automobiles that needs to be taken care of by subaru. What does it take for this problem to be addressed? I was fortunate to not have burned my engine, others have not been. Time to take action!! *nm”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 2006
“This is the standard subaru 2.5l head gasket failure problem. I add this to the database to increase the pressure on subaru of america to address this problem properly. For more information see: http://mysite.verizon.net/vze730qe/guestlog.html the symptoms are as follows. Car engine began overheating -- large temperature spikes and then would return to normal. Engine oil appeared in coolant reservoir. Coolant spews onto engine. Loss of power in some gears.*jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2005
“1997 subaru outback blown head gasket. *bf the vehicle lost internal heat and the engine temperature read hot. The consumer pulled over and checked under the hood and did not notice any loss of steam, however, the reservoir bottle was empty and fluid had spilled all over the engine. The consumer was aware of six other vehicle that had experienced the same problem. *sc”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2004
“While driving vehicle started to overheat. The thermostat was replaced, and the vehicle continued to overheat. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and the engine has to be replaced.*ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2004
When filing, owners marked a crash in 7 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
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 Outback 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 Outback reliable?
NHTSA has 79 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 1997 Subaru Outback. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (29% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1997 Subaru Outback problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 103,995 miles or less.
Does the 1997 Subaru Outback have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning suspension:front:springs:leaf spring assembly:hanger,bracket. 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.