1997 Subaru Legacy
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Subaru › Legacy › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Subaru Legacy. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
6 recalls name the 1997 Subaru Legacy. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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).
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace if necessary the front suspension support brackets.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition can cause unexpected movement of the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash or property damage.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the automatic transmission shift lever assemblies (except the handle grip).
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. insufficient clearance within the hazard warning light switch housing can cause a binding between the actuating button and the housing.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The switch could stick in an intermediate position when deactivating, resulting in the turn signals becoming inoperable.
Remedy
Dealers will install a modified hazard warning switch.
Owner complaints
139 complaints18 involved a crash2 involved a fire9 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system
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…
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.
- Steering · Suspension · Wheels
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.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
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…
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 (?) 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
- Power train
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…
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 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
- Fuel system, gasoline
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
- Suspension
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…
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 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
- Fuel system, gasoline
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
- Electrical system · Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery
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…
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
- Fuel system, gasoline · Structure
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…
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
- Engine and engine cooling
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
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Engine and engine cooling › Engine
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…
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!
- Engine and engine cooling
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…
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 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
- Fuel system, gasoline
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.…
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
- Fuel system, gasoline
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.
- Air bags
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…
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.
- Service brakes, hydraulic
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…
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
- Vehicle speed control
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…
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
- Engine and engine cooling
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…
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
- Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › Latch
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 system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap
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
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper
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.…
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
- Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › Latch
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…
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 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.
- Engine and engine cooling
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
- Service brakes, hydraulic
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
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Pads · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
Vehicle lurches forward after brakes are applied. vehicle jumps forward a few feet before stopping completely. happens when vehicle IS stopped. last incident resulted to impact with another car in parking lot. dealer could not find fault on two occasions. says it may be due to air conditioner coming on.*ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Electrical system
Odi has received 5,820 complaints concerning a variety of electrical system failures that result in the vehicle stalling.our complaint analysis indicates that the majority of these compaints are caused by alternator failure.in some instances, the vehicle IS completely dead and will not restart.based on our…
Odi has received 5,820 complaints concerning a variety of electrical system failures that result in the vehicle stalling.our complaint analysis indicates that the majority of these compaints are caused by alternator failure.in some instances, the vehicle IS completely dead and will not restart.based on our investigation and the manufacturer's respomse, odi IS closing this investigation because the manufacturer has agreed to perform the owner nortification program cited above, including quarterly notifications to odi.this program allows owners to get their alternator replaced for free.further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that no safety-related defect exists.odi will continue to monitor this matter closely, and the agency reserves the right to take further action on these models if warranted by the circumstances.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10240110This bulletin announces the recommended cleaning procedures to followed when encountering vehicles with long time exposure to pollen on painted surfaces on vehicles imported from Japan. This bulletin does not apply to SIA built vehicles.
- 10219492This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 10219491This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
- 10209915This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic essential information during diagnosis and repair of the Infotainment concerns. (Applicable to all models with Harman or Denso CP1 Infotainment).
- 10198758This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models
- 10198749This bulletin is to advise of SOAs revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
- 10187315To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate Special Service Tool.
- 10179378Special Service Tools Cross Reference List.
- 10174543All Models (Vehicle Cleaning- COVID-19Best Practices)
- 10163525This Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips. This will prevent the pad from dragging due to corrosion buildup which may result in uneven or premature wear of the replacement brake pads. This additional instruction applies to all models with brake pads using the upper and lower pad clips and has been added to the brake pad installation procedures found in the related Service Manuals.
- 10161824Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newletter.
- 10161813To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate Special Service Tool.
- 10037968Subaru: there IS a steering wheel vibration at highway speeds due to an imporper wheel balance.
- 10022343Headlight bulb socket repairs.
- 10019343Rubbing mark on timing belt. Subaru.
- 10002989Replacement of the electronic control unit (ecu) for anti-lock brake system (ABS) repair. Update.
- 10001726Clutch pedal sticking.
- 10000642New procedure for replacing rear wheel bearings.
- 631078Subject regarding shifter rattle.
- 627826Information regarding front spring guard bulletin update.
- 626926Information regarding seat belt latch slides to the lower seat belt anchor. Updated
- 625877Subject on regarding steering knocking/rattle noise when turning.
- 618425Some vehicles may experience a loss of alternator charging due to a broken brush wire.
- 608198Vehicles equipped with manual transmissions may exhibit first gear popping out while driving.
- 605778Information on installing rear differential protector .
- 604953Service manual supplement volume 7 for the ABS 5.3I system.
- 604484Customer may complain of a slight engine hesitation on vehicles with manual transmissions 2.5L and 2.2L engines. Tt
- 6033481997 and later legacy exhibiting body driveline vibration at high speeds.
- 602763Procedures on transverse link assemblies.
- 602130Some vehicles experience moisture accumulation in the headlights.
- 601879Subject on transverse link assemblies.
- 53575Subject on transfer clutch binding and/or bucking on turns.
- 52271Rear defogger timer.
- 512551995-97 legacy rear wheel bearing/seal noise.
- 51253Check to see where the radio fader control knob IS positioned after installation.
- 51250Creaking noise emanating from the right rear rocker panel area on the subject vehicles- coming from the area just in front of the dog leg area at the rocker sill.
- 51248Clunk noise from the front of the vehicle when turning over a bumpy road surface- noise coming from the steering gear box.
- 51247High pitched noise from rear of vehicles- the cause may be rear axle oil seal number 2 coming loose from its mounting (place vehicle on lift and rotating the tire on the side suspected of noise).
Every Subaru Legacy model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.