- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- Depending on the location of the fracture, a broken spring could move past the spring seat and contact a front tire. Some tires have deflated due to contact with a broken spring.
- The fix
- 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 safety record
1997 Subaru Legacy Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 143 complaints about the 1997 Subaru Legacy with NHTSA, most often about the engine & cooling (31) and the brakes (27). Those complaints describe 18 crashes, 3 fires and 8 injuries. It is covered by 6 recalls, the latest in June 2001 for the coil springs. For comparison, the 1996 has 129 and the 1998 has 116.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical Legacy year, for its age
#43 most complained-about 1997 vehicle
- Complaints
- 143
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes
- 18
- Fires
- 3
- Injuries
- 8
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1997 Subaru Legacy problems
Share of all 143 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1997 Subaru Legacy recalls 6
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- If the alternator fails, the alternator warning telltale will alert the driver to the problem, giving ample opportunity to seek repair before a loss of battery power, which, if the warning were ignored, could ultimately result in a loss of vehicle power (engine stall).
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- Such fractures can result in partial or complete separation of the bracket causing a failure of the lower suspension mounting, leading to a loss of vehicle control.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace if necessary the front suspension support brackets.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- This condition can cause unexpected movement of the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash or property damage.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the automatic transmission shift lever assemblies (except the handle grip).
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- Operation of a vehicle with a missing throttle shaft bearing can eventuallly lead to an incomplete return of the throttle valve resulting in a high idling condition.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect the throttle body and replace the throttle assembly if the bearing is missing.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Insufficient clearance within the hazard warning light switch housing can cause a binding between the actuating button and the housing.
- The risk
- The switch could stick in an intermediate position when deactivating, resulting in the turn signals becoming inoperable.
- The fix
- Dealers will install a modified hazard warning switch.
What owners say
Be the first Legacy owner to share.
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
143 complaints about the 1997 Subaru Legacy
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 6.
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.
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.
1997 Subaru legacy gt 2.5L engine, approx. 92K miles, engine started overheating. Car was taken to two different repair facilities and diagnosed as blown head gasket after pressure test, block test, no signs of leaking. Car had been serviced faithfully by original owner at subaru dealerships since purchase. I found out this is a common problem from repair facilities with this model and engine but when questioned subaru dealership they said it couldn't have happened as head gasket and cooling system are not related...
Read the full complaint
(?) And problem was a cracked block or cylinder. Estimated cost to replace head gasket $2450-. Estimated cost to replace engine $5700-. I had also had a problem where the fuel filler tube that connects to the gas tank from where you pur the gasoline in from the pump had rusted away and leaked fuel onto the ground. I had that replaced at approx. Cost of $400-. Again subaru denied there was a problem when I called the dealership. These problems occurred with in six months of each other. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 subaru legacy. The contact stated that the vehicle became stuck in park. The failure was recurring. The vehicle had been taken to an authorized dealer, who lubricated the automatic transmission shifter but to no avail. The failure recurred each time the vehicle was driven. The vehicle was taken back for further diagnosis and it was advised that the part required for the repair was no longer available. The authorized dealer advised the contact to purchase the shift lock module and an...
Read the full complaint
authorized dealer would repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided no remedy. The approximate failure mileage was 75000. Updated 06/10/14 ma the consumer was informed, the part was no longer available. Updated 07/23/14
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
I installed mevotech strut mounts (mp903987 & mp903986) on our 1997 subaru legacy postal when installing new rear shock absorber/struts. The right side failed on the first day after around 60 miles. I replaced it with the original factory part that had lasted 420,000 miles. The left side failed the next day after being in service for approximately 100 miles total. I returned the other original part to service. The failures allowed the strut to push through the mount and hit on the thin retaining plate. It allowed...
Read the full complaint
the rear suspension to become extremely loud and loose. I reported this to the manufacturer and received no response. I reported it to the seller, rockauto, and their response was that I should do more research on part quality. I believe there is a difference between poor quality and dangerous defect. I have the faulty mevotech parts in their original boxes. *Tr
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
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
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
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
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!
I was out driving on a sunny sunday with a couple of friends to see the fall color, and without warning my car overheated. I took it to my mechanic to have find out what caused the problem and he said it was a "blown head gasket". I have not had the repairs done yet because I am trying to decide whether or not to put in a new engine or just repair the old one. The cost is going to be in excess of $1500 dollars either option and after doing a bit of research I have found that there are multiple websites out there...
Read the full complaint
with people who are suffering the same problems. This problem only seems to effect a certain number of year models and I would like to have subaru do something to help alert those who will potentially be buying these vehicles with no knowledge of what they are buying into. *Tr
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
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.
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 subaru legacy. The contact noticed that the air bag warning light constantly illuminates on the instrument panel, which means that she could experience sporadic air bag deployment or improper deployment in the event of a crash. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer, but they could not determine the cause of the failure. The vin was unknown. The failure mileage was 80,000 and current mileage was 84,000.
In cold weather (zero or below), the brake pedal on my 1997 subaru legacy sedan becomes hard, and when I put it any gear, forward or reverse, the idle speed will cause the car to move and the brakes will not stop the car-i have to shift into neutral. I have learned that pumping the brake pedal while the car is at idle in n or p will usually help, at -20 degrees, I have to let the car idle for 5 to 10 minutes and then try it. The dealer indicated that this is not uncommon, but that there is no easy fix for this. This has happened every winter since I bought the car in 2001. *Tr
1997 Subaru legacy outback with sudden acceleration problems. Consumer states that the vehicle made a loud noise and the brake pedal went to the floor and vehicle surged without warning and hit the vehicle in front of the consumer. *Kb the consumer stated both vehicles had minimal damage. The dealer replaced the fast idle air control valve. The consumer doesn't believe that the sudden acceleration problem has been rectified. The consumer didn't state if a police report was filed. *Jb
Sudden overheating occurring mostly above 60 km/h symptoms included large pockets of air in cooling system as well as small bubbles. First thought by mechanic was head gasket, however tests on coolant showed otherwise. Small leak found in water pump gasket, replaced entire pump and gasket, as well as thermostat, belts, hoses, etc. Current research has proven that years 1997 through 2002 all do this as a result of a design flaw that causes the head gasket to fail. *Jb
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 subaru wagon. The vehicle was purchased two weeks ago. The contact noticed smoke rising from the radiator while driving. The radiator was replaced and he accused the dealer of selling him a lemon. The dealer stated that he purchased the vehicle "as is" and nothing could been done. The contact stated that the failure blew the head gasket and cracked the engine. The vin was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 71,400.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 55 mph on a dry highway, the hood latche failed and cracked the windshield. The contact was able to pull off of the road. The vehicle was towed to an auto body shop. Updated 12/28/06. *Jb
Fuel tank filler pipe rotted out. Plastic shield over filler neck traps sand. Steel filler pipe rusts where wet sand is trapped against it. Intermittent fuel leak depending on fuel level was the first symptom of problem (marks on driveway). Only fuel in filler pipe leaks. Dealership staff suggested this is a common occurrence. *Nm
Right front brake has failed to operate properly on at least four occasions. The brakes have gotten very hot and could possibly cause a fire or cause the brakes to lock up. The dual piston design results in one piston doing most of the work so the other piston becomes stiff and does not release. We have had the brakes grab and become extremely hot to the point that we are now on our fourth set of calipers with just over 36,000 miles on the car. Our mechanic advises this problem is quite common on subaru's for at least the 1996 through 1998 model years. We have had the brakes replaced three times but do not have the old parts available. *Jb
Aprrox. 3 Months ago I was driving down a highway at about 65 miles an hour when my hood popped up and hit the windshield. The windshield was cracked in many places and the hood was bent and paint chipped. I contacted subaru the following day because my hood had not been opened for approx 2mths prior this and was concerned of a defect in part. They told me there was none and sometimes it just happens. I paid for a new windshield (i beleive about 235) and have yet to replace hood. Today I was informed by a...
Read the full complaint
technician that replaces windshields (contact was unrelated to my car) that he replaces more windshields on subarus than any other car because the first hood latch fails and the second lets go when high way speed is reached. I believe this is a part malfunction that poses a serious threat to drivers and should be investigated. If I have contacted the wrong department or company please direct me in right direction. I am unsure but could find out of the exact incident date.
The brakes malfunctioned when the weather started to get cold. The brakes seem to freeze up. Dealer had to bleed the lines. However the problem recurred. *Ak *nm
While driving at 45-50 mph vehicle overheated. Vehicle was taken to a repair shop, and mechaic confirmed that it was a blown head gasket on a 2.5L engine. The dealer was notified.*Ak
Subaru Legacy: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 80 | 8 | C |
| 2000 | 94 | 4 | C |
| 1999 | 97 | 3 | D |
| 1998 | 116 | 5 | D |
| 1997 | 143 | 6 | D |
| 1996 | 129 | 4 | D |
| 1995 | 186 | 2 | F |
| 1994 | 61 | 0 | C |
| 1993 | 79 | 1 | C |
1997 Subaru Legacy vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 Subaru Legacy | 143 | 6 | D | |
| 1997 Toyota Camry | 558 | 4 | D | Compare |
| 1997 Honda Accord | 467 | 15 | C | Compare |
| 1997 Nissan Altima | 115 | 3 | B | Compare |
| 1997 Dodge Avenger | 89 | 6 | B | Compare |
| 1997 Volkswagen Passat | 76 | 1 | B | Compare |
| 1997 Hyundai Sonata | 52 | 2 | A | Compare |
| 1997 Chevrolet Malibu | 0 | 6 | D | Compare |
| 1997 Subaru Outback | 79 | 4 | A | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1997 Subaru Legacy
Does the 1997 Subaru Legacy have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 1997 Subaru Legacy: coil springs (June 2001); alternator / generator / regulator (May 2000); hanger,bracket (May 1998); gear position indication (prndl) (February 1998) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Subaru Legacy?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the engine & cooling (31), brakes (27), electrical system (17).
How many complaints has the 1997 Subaru Legacy had?
143 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on November 6, 1996 and the latest on November 17, 2020. Of these, 18 describe a crash and 3 a fire, and together they report 8 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1997 Subaru Legacy a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 30 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Subaru Legacy year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Subaru Legacy years have the most complaints?
1995 (186), 2005 (184), 2011 (167). See every Subaru Legacy year compared.
What should I do if my 1997 Subaru Legacy has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data