1997 Subaru Legacy: common problems and reliability
146 owner complaints on record.
Most complaints are about engine and engine cooling. 6 recalls.
Should I buy a 1997 Legacy?The 1997 Subaru Legacy has 146 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and engine cooling and service brakes.
Safety record for the 1997 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1997 Subaru Legacy vehicles (US, public record).
Is 1997 a good year for the Legacy?
Across the 30 Legacy model years we track, complaint volume runs from 10 (2023) to 184 (2005). With 146 complaints, the 1997 Legacy sits above the model's median of 90.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 1997 Legacy
electrical system:alternator/generator/regulator
Campaign 00I002000THIS 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.
suspension:front:springs:coil springs
Campaign 01V216000VEHICLE 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.
exterior lighting:hazard flashing warning lights:switch
Campaign 97V210000VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE WITHIN THE HAZARD WARNING LIGHT SWITCH HOUSING CAN CAUSE A BINDING BETWEEN THE ACTUATING BUTTON AND THE HOUSING.
suspension:front:springs:leaf spring assembly:hanger,bracket
Campaign 98V091000VEHICLE 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.
Show 2 more recalls
power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (prndl)
Campaign 98V042000VEHICLE 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.
vehicle speed control
Campaign 98V035000VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE THROTTLE SHAFT BALL BEARING ON THE SENSOR SIDE OF THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY WAS NOT INSTALLED IN CERTAIN THROTTLE BODIES.
What owners say across generations
Mixed sentiment with a strong generational divide.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Legacy. See the full Legacy owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Legacy listings typically run $11,500–$22,749 across 2003 to 2025 model years.
Other Legacy model years
Compare every Legacy year side by side to see how 1997 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Legacy against its rivals
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