1997 SUBARU LEGACY

6 recalls, 179 complaints - 41 TSBs

SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS

Defect Description

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, PE... Read more

Consequence

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 AUTHORIZE... Read more

180,000 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

Defect Description

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.

Consequence

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.

223,520 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY:HANGER,BRACKET

Defect Description

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.

Consequence

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.

29,442 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)

Defect Description

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.

Consequence

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).

19,386 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Defect Description

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.

Consequence

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.

61,115 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS:SWITCH

Defect Description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE WITHIN THE HAZARD WARNING LIGHT SWITCH HOUSING CAN CAUSE A BINDING BETWEEN THE ACTUATING BUTTON AND THE HOUSING.

Consequence

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.

19,730 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Complaint Statistics

179 total complaints 22 crashes 2 fires 10 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP	14
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE	10
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE	10
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	8
SUSPENSION	7
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION	6
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	6
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL	5
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	5
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC	5

Incident date: Nov 16, 2020

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 O... Read more

Incident date: Nov 16, 2020

Incident date: Aug 6, 2017

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 WA... Read more

Incident date: Aug 6, 2017

Incident date: Nov 16, 2014

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 P... Read more

Incident date: Nov 16, 2014

Incident date: Mar 1, 2013

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... Read more

Incident date: Oct 14, 2013

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

Incident date: Sep 20, 2013

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 ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 1, 2012

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

Incident date: Aug 9, 2011

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 A... Read more

Incident date: Aug 9, 2011

Incident date: Jan 7, 2010

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 LEGAC... Read more

Incident date: Jan 7, 2010

Incident date: Nov 1, 2009

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

Incident date: Feb 18, 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 DOE... Read more

Incident date: Feb 18, 2009

Incident date: Nov 1, 2008

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 W... Read more

Incident date: Sep 27, 2008

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. SI... Read more

Incident date: Jun 2, 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.

Incident date: Aug 14, 2007

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,... Read more

Incident date: Jan 15, 2008

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 WHIL... Read more

Incident date: Nov 24, 2007

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 DEAL... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Jul 21, 2007

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 A... Read more

Incident date: Sep 23, 2006

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

Incident date: Jun 1, 2006

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 SUGGE... Read more

Incident date: Aug 8, 2005

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. ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 20, 2005

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 PR... Read more

Incident date: Feb 9, 2005

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

Incident date: Dec 17, 2001

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

Incident date: Dec 18, 2004

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 C... Read more

Incident date: Dec 18, 2004

Incident date: Dec 15, 2003

I HAVE NOW REPLACED MY SUBARU 97 ENGINE 5 TIMES, AND EACH TIME THE NEW/USED ENGINE FAILED. EACH ENGINE HAD BETWEEN 60 AND 80,000 MILES ON IT. IN MOST OF THESE CASES, THE ENGINE BLEW A HEADGASKET.

PROBLEMS WITH HEADLIGHT EQUIPMENT STARTING TO CLOUD.*MR THE CONSUMER STATED THE HEAD LIGHT LENS HAS NOT BECOME A SAFETY ISSUE AS OF NOW, BUT MAY BECOME AN ISSUE IN THE FUTURE. *JB *NM

Incident date: Dec 24, 2001

PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE BLOWING HEAD GASKETS.*MR WHILE DRIVING, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, SMOKE CAME FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND THE TAIL PIPE. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SUBARU DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THE PROBLEM WAS A BLOWN HEAD GASKET. COOLANT AND OIL SPRAYED ALL OVER THE ENGIN... Read more

Fire

CONSUMER TRIED TO AVOID A CRASH WHILE TRAVELING 68-70 MPH. IN THE PROCESS, THE CONSUMER RAN THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD, RUNNING HEAD ON INTO A TREE. DRIVER'S AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. *AK

Crash

Incident date: Oct 6, 2003

WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING IN THE PARK POSITION, THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT THE GEARS IN ANY DIRECTION. VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. *AK THE CAUSE WAS DUE TO POOR GROUND TO THE SHIFTER SOLENOID. THIS WOULD NOT ACUATE TO ALLOW THE SHIFTER IN GEAR. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD BY SEVERAL MECHANI... Read more

WHILE TRAVELING AT 70 MPH ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND SMOKE CAME FROM UNDER HOOD. DRIVER PULLED OVER, POPPED HOOD, AND NOTICED COOLANT AND OIL SPRAYED OVER ENGINE. ALSO A COUPLE OF FLAMES WERE PRESENT. DEALER SAID IT WAS A BLOWN HEAD GASKET.*AK

Fire

VEHICLE ENGINE IS LEAKING OIL. *MR THE OIL LEAKED FROM THE OIL PUMP SEAL AND ALSO FROM THE REAR SEPARATOR PLATE THAT COULD START A FIRE. THE CONSUMER FOUND TWO OTHER OWNERS WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. SCC *JB

Incident date: Aug 1, 2003

THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING OIL FROM THE REAR SEPARATOR PLATE AND OIL PUMP SEAL. *AK THIS CAUSED COPIOUS AMOUNTS OF SMOKE TO BILLOW OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND OUT THE FRONT WHEEL WELLS WHEN STOPPED AFTER DRIVING SEVERAL MILES. TOOK SEVERAL MINUTES FOR THE SMOKE TO SUBSIDE. CONSUMER QUESTIONED WH... Read more

VEHICLE HAS BEEN LOOKED AT DURING A PERIOD OF TIME AND MECHANIC FOUND SEVERAL PROBLEMS. RADIATOR AND HEAD GASKETS WERE REPLACED. OIL WAS LEAKING FROM THE MOTOR, AND THE AXLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HAD GONE BAD. *AK

Incident date: Jun 4, 2003

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE HOOD UNLATCHED, FLEW BACK, AND CONTACTED THE WINDSHIELD AND FORWARD ROOF. THE WINDSHIELD SHATTERED, BUT FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO SEE THROUGH THE SPACE BETWEEN THE DASH AND BOTTOM OF THE HOOD AND MANAGED TO GET THE CAR TO THE MEDI... Read more

Incident date: Dec 13, 2002

MY 1997 SUBARU LEGACY WAS TOTALLED IN A FRONT END COLLISION. THE COLLISION OCCURRED AT 30-35 MPH, MY 97 LEGACY'S ENGINE WAS DESTROYED IN THIS COLLISION, AND I WAS CRUNCHED INTO THE STEERING WHEEL BECAUSE THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I SUFFERED INTERNAL INJURIES AND WAS TAKEN BY AMBULANCE TO THE HOS... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Feb 14, 2001

THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED REOCCURING ALTERNATOR FAILURES, AS A RESULT OF THE ALTERNATOR FAILING THE HARNESS WIRES HAVE MELTED AND BURNED, ALSO THE BATTERY HAD TO BE REPLACE.*NLM

Incident date: Jun 2, 2002

FRONT OIL SEAL IN MOTOR FAILED CAUSING OIL LEAK ONTO EXHAUST DEALER SAID IS NORMAL WEAR E/MAILED MANUFACTURE WITH NO RESPONSE.FRONT OIL SEAL SHOULD NOT BE A NORMAL MAINTAINCE ITEM.LEKED ONTO EXHAUST POSSIBLE FIRE HAZARD,ALSO CAUSED WATER PUMP FAILURE.REPAIR WAS ON 7/22 E/MAILED SUBRAU 7/23 RECIVED N... Read more

Incident date: Apr 2, 2002

CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH THE LEFT REAR WHEEL STUD BROKE AND THE TIRE FELL OFF AND THE CONSUMER COULD NOT CONTROL THE VEHICLE, THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THE VEHICLE HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM. CONTACTED DEALER.*JB

Incident date: Jul 4, 2002

THIS APPEARS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MOTOR. OIL CAN LEAK SO BAD IT WILL HIT HOT EXHAUST AND POSSIBLY START A FIRE. *AK

Showing 50 of 179 complaints.

EPA Fuel Economy, 1997 SUBARU LEGACY

Trim / Engine	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG	Fuel Type	Annual Fuel Cost
2.2L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	21.0	29.0	24.0	Regular	$2,600

CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Compact Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

Technical Service Bulletins, 1997 SUBARU LEGACY

41 manufacturer communications from 34 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
350000 EQUIPMENT	10
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	3
020000 SUSPENSION	3
102000 POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION	2
021600 SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING	2
105000 POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE	2
121000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS	2
013000 STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)	1

350000 EQUIPMENT

This 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.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This 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).

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin is to advise of SOAa??s revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin is to advise of SOAa??s revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.

350000 EQUIPMENT

To 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.

350000 EQUIPMENT

Special Service Tools Cross Reference List.

350000 EQUIPMENT

All Models (Vehicle Cleaning- COVID-19Best Practices)

030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

This 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 o

350000 EQUIPMENT

Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newletter.

350000 EQUIPMENT

To 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.

190000 TIRES

SUBARU: THERE IS A STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS DUE TO AN IMPORPER WHEEL BALANCE. *RM

121000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

HEADLIGHT BULB SOCKET REPAIRS. *KB

061110 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS

RUBBING MARK ON TIMING BELT. SUBARU. *TT

151400 SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

INFORMATION REGARDING SEAT BELT LATCH SLIDES TO THE LOWER SEAT BELT ANCHOR. *YH UPDATED *EH

036100 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

REPLACEMENT OF THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) FOR ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) REPAIR. *TT UPDATE. *TT

101000 POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY

CLUTCH PEDAL STICKING. *TT

021600 SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING

NEW PROCEDURE FOR REPLACING REAR WHEEL BEARINGS. *TT

102000 POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

SUBJECT REGARDING SHIFTER RATTLE. *JG

020000 SUSPENSION

INFORMATION REGARDING FRONT SPRING GUARD BULLETIN UPDATE. *YD

010000 STEERING

SUBJECT ON REGARDING STEERING KNOCKING/RATTLE NOISE WHEN TURNING. *ET

112000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF ALTERNATOR CHARGING DUE TO A BROKEN BRUSH WIRE. *TT

102000 POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS MAY EXHIBIT FIRST GEAR POPPING OUT WHILE DRIVING. *TT

061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

CUSTOMER MAY COMPLAIN OF A SLIGHT ENGINE HESITATION ON VEHICLES WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS 2.5L AND 2.2L ENGINES. TT

105000 POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE

1997 AND LATER LEGACY EXHIBITING BODY DRIVELINE VIBRATION AT HIGH SPEEDS. *YC

105000 POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE

INFORMATION ON INSTALLING REAR DIFFERENTIAL PROTECTOR . *TT

020000 SUSPENSION

PROCEDURES ON TRANSVERSE LINK ASSEMBLIES. *YC

020000 SUSPENSION

SUBJECT ON TRANSVERSE LINK ASSEMBLIES. *YC

121000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

SOME VEHICLES EXPERIENCE MOISTURE ACCUMULATION IN THE HEADLIGHTS. *YC

036000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

SERVICE MANUAL SUPPLEMENT VOLUME 7 FOR THE ABS 5.3I SYSTEM. *TT

100000 POWER TRAIN

SUBJECT ON TRANSFER CLUTCH BINDING AND/OR BUCKING ON TURNS. *YC

138000 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

REAR DEFOGGER TIMER. *JD

021600 SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING

1995-97 LEGACY REAR WHEEL BEARING/SEAL NOISE. *JD

353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

CHECK TO SEE WHERE THE RADIO FADER CONTROL KNOB IS POSITIONED AFTER INSTALLATION. *JD

160000 STRUCTURE

CREAKING 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. *JD

022000 SUSPENSION:REAR

HIGH 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). *JD

013000 STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)

CLUNK NOISE FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WHEN TURNING OVER A BUMPY ROAD SURFACE- NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING GEAR BOX. *JD

NHTSA Safety Investigations, SUBARU LEGACY

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1995

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... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1990

REVERSE DELAYED ENGAGEMENT

There is no summary currently available

SUBARU LEGACY - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the SUBARU LEGACY across all model years (1990, 2023).

219 Total Recalls

4,163 Total Complaints

2 Investigations

381 Reported Crashes

79 Reported Fires

6 Reported Deaths

SUBARU LEGACY - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2025	0	10	View
2024	0	26	View
2023	2	12	View
2022	2	42	View
2021	3	43	View
2020	6	143	View
2019	3	142	View
2018	3	162	View
2017	2	140	View
2016	3	192	View
2015	3	232	View
2014	10	73	View
2013	12	84	View
2012	16	119	View
2011	16	236	View
2010	18	218	View
2009	13	75	View
2008	9	83	View
2007	9	45	View
2006	7	135	View
2005	9	248	View
2004	11	55	View
2003	15	69	View
2002	5	71	View
2001	8	90	View
2000	4	119	View
1999	3	119	View
1998	5	155	View
1997 (current)	6	179
1996	4	161	View
1995	2	230	View
1994	0	67	View
1993	1	90	View
1992	2	66	View
1991	3	121	View
1990	4	103	View
1989	0	1	View
1988	0	1	View
1987	0	1	View

Other SUBARU Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
IMPREZA	321	3,425	View
OUTBACK	288	12,131	View
SOLTERRA	259	109	View
WRX	190	1,208	View
FORESTER	134	8,512	View
ASCENT	112	1,248	View
TRIBECA	70	51	View
CROSSTREK	42	1,453	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

1997 SUBARU LEGACY

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

EPA Fuel Economy, 1997 SUBARU LEGACY

Technical Service Bulletins, 1997 SUBARU LEGACY

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, SUBARU LEGACY

SUBARU LEGACY - All Years Overview

SUBARU LEGACY - Year by Year

Other SUBARU Models