1997 Subaru Outback
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Subaru › Outback › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Subaru Outback. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 1997 Subaru Outback. 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.
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).
Owner complaints
79 complaints7 involved a crash2 involved a fire2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system
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
- Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 1997 subaru outback. The contact was driving at relatively low speeds and depressing the brake pedal in an attempt to park when the vehicle abnormally accelerated. The contact proceeded to crash into a vehicle ahead of him. There were no reported injuries. This was not the…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 subaru outback. The contact was driving at relatively low speeds and depressing the brake pedal in an attempt to park when the vehicle abnormally accelerated. The contact proceeded to crash into a vehicle ahead of him. There were no reported injuries. This was not the first instance of the failure. The contact was able to locate nhtsa recall campaign ID number: 98v035000 (vehicle speed control) relative to the failure but was advised by the manufacturer that the recall repair was previously performed on the vehicle. The contact stated the vehicle had not been repaired. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic for inspection where it was verified that the repair had not been performed on the vehicle. The failure mileage was 120,000 and the current mileage was 121,000.
- Latches/locks/linkages · Structure › Body › Hood › Hinge and attachments
Driving along I-495 southbound in massachusetts just before exit for I-90. Speed was 65 mph. Hood latch failed causing the hood to come up without warning. The windshield was smashed, the roof was dented, and the hood was bent with the hinges partially deformed and cracked. The hood hadn't been…
Driving along I-495 southbound in massachusetts just before exit for I-90. Speed was 65 mph. Hood latch failed causing the hood to come up without warning. The windshield was smashed, the roof was dented, and the hood was bent with the hinges partially deformed and cracked. The hood hadn't been opened or touched in several weeks/>2000 miles. passenger and I were luckily unharmed, I was able to close the hood again, and drove home at 50 on the highway, 25 on regular roads. windshield was replaced the following week, hood still damaged. Hood secured with bungee cord as I no longer trust the latch. Looking into installing hood pins when I find a replacement hood, simply for safety/liability reasons. the only reason this wasn't a much more serious accident was that I was already in the right hand lane, and was able to pull into the breakdown lane instantly. Had to do this blindly, as I could not see around the hood. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
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
- Fuel system, gasoline
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
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Loss of coolant, overheated engine, diagnosis of blown head gasket car: 1997 subarau legacy outback with 2.5 liter engine. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Overheating, blown head gasket. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
Gas tank filler pipe has rusted through. *tr
- Structure › Body › Hood › Hinge and attachments
Hood opening accidentally while driving. I was driving on a heavily rainy day when the hood opened up and slammed the windshield. The windshield was completely broken and the hood was severely damaged including the body of the car just above the windshield. I had not opened the hood leading…
Hood opening accidentally while driving. I was driving on a heavily rainy day when the hood opened up and slammed the windshield. The windshield was completely broken and the hood was severely damaged including the body of the car just above the windshield. I had not opened the hood leading up to the event. luckily I didn't get into a accident when the incident happened. I subsequently called subaru about it and advised me that the incident hadn't, to the best of their knowledge, in other 1997 subaru outback wagons. I was not directed to file a complaint with your agency, thus I let it pass. I was reminded of the incident, and the possibility of the accident being more prevalent, when I saw a similar car with the exact same damage to the hood (i.e., pattern and bent). *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
'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…
'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
- Power train › Driveline › Differential unit
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 45 mph on normal road conditions, the passenger front tire exploded. the aaa provided assistance and replaced the tire with the spare(doughnut). when the vehicle arrived to the residence, the rear differential was on fire. the fire was extinguished with…
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 45 mph on normal road conditions, the passenger front tire exploded. the aaa provided assistance and replaced the tire with the spare(doughnut). when the vehicle arrived to the residence, the rear differential was on fire. the fire was extinguished with water. the owners manual in page 8-11 indicated in fine print, when the spare doughnut was used a fuse had to be plugged in the fuse box to maintain an emergency light illuminated. the vehicle was taken to the nearest independent mechanic, who determined the fire was due to the differential over heating because the uneven distribution of traction when a smaller size tire was in use. the manufacturer was contacted, and determined the vehicle should be taken to an authorized subaru dealership to honor the repairs cost.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Noticed oil leaking from engine. had to have front crank seal replaced. also needed to get timing belt replaced as oil leaked into timing belt cover. cost $368 to get fixed. leakage began when car was just a few years old. that should not have happened as car had not been in accident or abused. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling
Blown head gasket 1997 subaru outback legacy. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling
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
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
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".…
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
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Head gasket failure. Purchased in 2/07 (est. Date) began to fail at least in 1/05 (1X). then weekly in 7/05. but may have been signs of problem as early as 1997/1998. result of problem IS unexpected and rapid bubbling over and overheating placing occupants in potentially dangerous situation.…
Head gasket failure. Purchased in 2/07 (est. Date) began to fail at least in 1/05 (1X). then weekly in 7/05. but may have been signs of problem as early as 1997/1998. result of problem IS unexpected and rapid bubbling over and overheating placing occupants in potentially dangerous situation. For example, almost stranded in blizzard in 1/05. had to pull over on high speed highways in summer 05 due to rapid red lining and risk of engine fire. Subaru picked up 1/2 cost although not in warranty for us and has done 1/2 to full for others who complained. one of the 2.5L engines has been subject to recall. the 2.5L engine in our car has not been recalled but we believe that the problems are as frequent (and worse) and the car should be recalled. this IS not an isolated incident. local mechanic said he sees frequently on subaru outback. found internet weblog started 18 months ago which has 275 complaints and growing monthly - on both the 2.5L engines (including the one in our car). bad enough we had to incur $800 of the $1600 cost but people are driving around with an engine that repeatedly has failed (head gasket) and created a hazardous condition. I can provide you with copies of correspondence with subaru if you would like. see link below to weblog page where you can see other people's experience discussed (275 and growing monthly): http://scott.mcgerik.com/2004/02/18/subaru-outback-head-gasket-leak/. *jb
- Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
Cruise control did not disengage resulting in a roll-over accident totaling the vehicle
- Power train › Automatic transmission
In 2001 I had to have my transmission replaced because the engine would not hold the car back when going down hills. I was going down a steep mountain road and had to use the brakes alone. It did not matter if it was in 1, 2 or d it was the same as neutral. It would also not shift into the top gear…
In 2001 I had to have my transmission replaced because the engine would not hold the car back when going down hills. I was going down a steep mountain road and had to use the brakes alone. It did not matter if it was in 1, 2 or d it was the same as neutral. It would also not shift into the top gear on the freeway. It cost over $3000 to get a subaru rebuilt transmission put in at the dealer. It had 97K on it at the time. I just now took my car to the dealer because the car was shaking and hesitating. The dealer told me that the car needed a new transmission and it would cost $3500. This transmission IS only 4 years old and has less than 50K on it! I can't afford to replace the trans every 4 years.
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
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
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
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…
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
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
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
- Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › Latch
The hood flew open while driving 65 mph, the hood cracked the front windshield, dented the hood and bent the hinges. The consumer believed the problem was due to a faulty hood latch. The dealer and manufacturer were both notified. *Jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Problems with brake equipment on 1997 subaru outback. *mr the brakes failed to stop, resulting in the consumer rear ended the vehicle in front. moisture was found in the hose which resulted in the valve freezing due to cold temperature, blocking off the vacuum to the power brake unit. *sc
- Electrical system
I have a '1997 legacy outback subaru. I have had the vehicle for 3 years. Today, june 21, I stopped on my way to bar harbor, maine for a cup of coffee. I placed the coffee cup in the cup holder and got back on the highway. Shortly after this, I thought I smelled burning, but thought it must be…
I have a '1997 legacy outback subaru. I have had the vehicle for 3 years. Today, june 21, I stopped on my way to bar harbor, maine for a cup of coffee. I placed the coffee cup in the cup holder and got back on the highway. Shortly after this, I thought I smelled burning, but thought it must be coming from outside. I then stopped at a bank to take care of a transaction, and as I was leaving the bank, I again smelled a faint burning odor. Luckily, not far down the road, I passed my subaru dealership, for a short distance past the dealership I heard a crackling coming from my car radio. Thinking I'D left it on, I went to turn it off, only to discover it was off. Then the burning smell became much more evident, and I realized I must have an electrical problem. I turned around, and went back to the dealership. They discovered that coffee had spilled onto the radio from the styofoam cup(which had a tight cap on it, by the way!), causing the electrical problem. A woman I had been chatting with while waiting for the diagnostic work to be done said that her '97 subaru had had the cup holder by the radio too, but that the following year, the cup holders had been moved from that location. If the subaru company had known of this potential issue, why wasn't I made aware of it? Luckily, I was not coming through the blacks woods into ellsworth which IS 20 miles of nothing but trees! I bought my subaru because they are touted as one of the safest vehicles on the road today. I'm not so sure that they are taking care to notify consumers of pending safety issues. Today cost me over $t60.00, and I'm out a radio to boot. But I am grateful that I was near a subaru dealer, because the incident could have been much more serious. the dealership kept the radio and told me they could order one, but it would have to be shipped from ca. I had just spent over $700 the week before with them, insuring my car was maintained and safe for the road. Gee, was I wrong. *Ak
- Electrical system
After alternator replaced, noticed the following sequences of electrical outages: rear power outlet, seat heater switches, radio dial illumination light, key-in-ignition alarm, door ajar lighting, seatbelt off lighting.*ak
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.
- 10002989Replacement of the electronic control unit (ecu) for anti-lock brake system (ABS) repair. Update.
- 631078Subject regarding shifter rattle.
- 627826Information regarding front spring guard bulletin update.
Every Subaru Outback model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.