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1997 Subaru Legacy

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 1997 Subaru Legacy do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 77.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 23 of 139 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 31 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 27 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 17 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

18 crash reports2 fire reports7 injury reports

Vehicle Speed Control complaints

9 reports
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Mileage unknown · Feb 11, 2008
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash

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 …

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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

NHTSA ODI #10218307

Mileage unknown · Mar 11, 2002
Vehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury

WHEN CRUISE CONTROL IS SET AT 65 MPH, GOING UP AN INCLINE AND MAKING A TURN VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND HIT A WALL. DRIVER INJURED. VEHICLE TOTALED*AK *YD

NHTSA ODI #8005304

Mileage unknown · Dec 4, 2001
Vehicle Speed Control

WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT-HAND TURN, I PUSHED THE GAS PEDAL TO THE FLOOR, AND THE CAR STARTED MOVING IN FRONT OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC BEFORE COMPLETELY LOSING POWER. I PUSHED THE ACCELERATOR TO THE FLOOR AGAIN, AND GOT THE SAME RESULT, ALMOST CAUSING A CRASH. I HAVE SINCE BEEN ABLE TO RECREATE THE PROBLEM BY PUSHING THE ACCE…

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WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT-HAND TURN, I PUSHED THE GAS PEDAL TO THE FLOOR, AND THE CAR STARTED MOVING IN FRONT OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC BEFORE COMPLETELY LOSING POWER. I PUSHED THE ACCELERATOR TO THE FLOOR AGAIN, AND GOT THE SAME RESULT, ALMOST CAUSING A CRASH. I HAVE SINCE BEEN ABLE TO RECREATE THE PROBLEM BY PUSHING THE ACCELERATOR TO THE FLOOR FROM A STOP.*AK

NHTSA ODI #755261

Mileage unknown · Apr 26, 2001
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash

IN APRIL 2001 WHILE SITTING AT A RED SIGNAL WITH VEHICLE IN DRIVE (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION). THE VEHICLE ENGINE REVVED UP TO VERY HIGH RPM'S CAUSING ME TO PUT BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE KEPT MOVING FOREWARD EVEN WITH EXTREME PRESSURE ON THE PEDALS. I MOVED THE LEVER INTO NUETRAL AND IT CONTINUED AT HIGHER REVOLUTION, I …

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IN APRIL 2001 WHILE SITTING AT A RED SIGNAL WITH VEHICLE IN DRIVE (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION). THE VEHICLE ENGINE REVVED UP TO VERY HIGH RPM'S CAUSING ME TO PUT BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE KEPT MOVING FOREWARD EVEN WITH EXTREME PRESSURE ON THE PEDALS. I MOVED THE LEVER INTO NUETRAL AND IT CONTINUED AT HIGHER REVOLUTION, I RETURNED THE SHIFTER TO DRIVE AND THE VEHICLE KEPT CREPPING INTO THE CROSS TRAFFIC. I COULD NOT HOLD IT. I SHIFTED AGAIN NUETRAL AND BACK AND IT QUIT JUST AS SUDDENLY AS IT STARTED. I COULD NOT KEEP THE VEHICLE IN POSITION EVEN WITH AS MUCH PRESSURE AS I COULD APPLY TO THE BRAKES. I ENDED UP PART WAY INTO THE # 3 LANE BEFORE IT STOPPED.I WAS CERTAINLY CONCERNED AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE LOCAL SUBARAU DEALER IN VENTURA AS THE ONE I BOUGHT FROM WENT OUT OF BUSINESS. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN 4/25/2001 TO THE DEALER FOR A CHECKUP. I HAVE ALSO HAD A VERY LOW MILAGE SINCE ACQUIRING THIS VEHICLE AND RETURNED TO THE DEALER MANY TIMES COMPLAINING. ON AVERAGE I HAVE RECIEVED BETWEEN 120 TO 130 MILES PER EACH FILLUP (FULL TANK) AND THE DEALER SAYS NOTHING IS WRONG AFTER MANY CHECKS AND TESTS.(AT LEAST 4) THANK YOU VERY MUCH ROBERT A. HOULE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #744618

Mileage unknown · Jul 27, 1999
Vehicle Speed Control

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION ON TWO INCIDENTS. HOWEVER, ON ONE INCIDENT VEHICLE SURGED AND HIT THE VEHICLE ON THE BACK TAIL LIGHT AND BACK PASSENGER SIDE, CAUSING DAMAGE. *YC

NHTSA ODI #547515

Mileage unknown · Jun 24, 1999
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash

VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, RESULTING IN SEVERAL MINOR COLLISION. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

NHTSA ODI #841010

Mileage unknown · Nov 5, 1998
Vehicle Speed Control

INTERMITTENTLY WHILE APPROACHING A STOP, THE VEHICLE WILL START TO IDLE UP TO 90MPH WITH THE BRAKES APPLIED. NEEDS TO SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE IN ORDER TO STOP THE IDLING. BEEN TO DEALER, CANNOT DETERMINE PROBLEM. CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK *ML

NHTSA ODI #830183

Mileage unknown · Jun 3, 1998
Vehicle Speed Control

WHILE DRIVING WITH AIR CONDITIONER ON (AROUND 45 MPH), VEHICLE WOULD GRADUALLY ACCELERATE AS IF THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ON. WOULD HAVE TO APPLY BRAKE TO CONTROL SPEED.

NHTSA ODI #536627

Mileage unknown · May 10, 1998
Vehicle Speed Control

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED, VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD AFTER BRAKE APPLICATION.

NHTSA ODI #535383

Official recalls

5

01V216000 · Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs

Jun 25, 2001

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.

Consequence & remedy

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 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.

98V091000 · Suspension:front:springs:leaf Spring Assembly:hanger,bracket

May 4, 1998

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 & remedy

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.

98V035000 · Vehicle Speed Control

Feb 20, 1998

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 & remedy

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.

98V042000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)

Feb 20, 1998

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 & remedy

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).

97V210000 · Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch

Nov 13, 1997

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 & remedy

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

PE99067 · Electrical System

Opened Nov 1, 1999 · Closed May 31, 2000

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · 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 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.