1997 Subaru Legacy: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1997 Subaru Legacy: 5 recalls, 139 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.
Recalls
5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #97V210000 · 1997 · 19,730 vehicles
What's wrong: Insufficient clearance within the hazard warning light switch housing can cause a binding between the actuating button and the housing.
Why it matters: The switch could stick in an intermediate position when deactivating, resulting in the turn signals becoming inoperable.
The fix: Dealers will install a modified hazard warning switch.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #98V035000 · 1998 · 61,115 vehicles
What's wrong: The throttle shaft ball bearing on the sensor side of the throttle body assembly was not installed in certain throttle bodies.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the throttle body and replace the throttle assembly if the bearing is missing.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #98V042000 · 1998 · 19,386 vehicles
What's wrong: Due to poor welds, ignition keys can stick, shift levers/linkages can break and shift levers can move.
Why it matters: This condition can cause unexpected movement of the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash or property damage.
The fix: Dealers will replace the automatic transmission shift lever assemblies (except the handle grip).
Suspension Vehicle recall #98V091000 · 1998 · 29,442 vehicles
What's wrong: Due to improper welding, fractures can occur on the support bracket of the front transverse link.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace if necessary the front suspension support brackets.
Suspension Vehicle recall #01V216000 · 2001 · 180,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The front coil springs were produced with poor paint quality which, after continued exposure to corrosive salt, can result in breakage of the spring.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Electrical Recall #00I002000 · 2000 · 223,520 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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).
The fix: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 8 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (31): the most common themes are leaks (13), fire / smoke (9), warning light on (5).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (27): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (5), noise or vibration (3).
- Electrical (17): the most common themes are electrical failure (8), warning light on (3), stalls / loses power (2).
- Transmission & drivetrain (17): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (6), leaks (3), noise or vibration (2).
The 1997 Subaru Legacy has 139 owner complaints, ranking #7 of 36 Legacy model years for complaints (1.6× the average Legacy year). Complaints peaked in 1998 (24 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 92,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1996 (123 complaints, 3 recalls), 1998 (114 complaints, 4 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 29 | 24 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1997 Subaru Legacy.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 1997 Subaru Legacy have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 1997 Subaru Legacy, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1997 Subaru Legacy problems?
Owners have filed 139 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (31), brakes (hydraulic) (27), electrical (17).
What gas mileage does the 1997 Subaru Legacy get?
EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (2.2 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1997 Subaru Legacy repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.