1997 Subaru Legacy
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1997 Subaru Legacy is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 18 on record.
1997 Subaru Legacy at a glance
Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.
1997 Subaru Legacy recalls 6
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.
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.
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 …
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. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZ…
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE WITHIN THE HAZARD WARNING LIGHT SWITCH HOUSING CAN CAUSE A BINDING BETWEEN THE ACTUATING BUTTON AND THE HOUSING.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A MODIFIED HAZARD WARNING SWITCH.
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.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY THE FRONT SUSPENSION SUPPORT BRACKETS.
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.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER ASSEMBLIES (EXCEPT THE HANDLE GRIP).
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.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE THROTTLE BODY AND REPLACE THE THROTTLE ASSEMBLY IF THE BEARING IS MISSING.
Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.
1997 Subaru Legacy common problems
The most-reported problem areas from 146 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
1997 Subaru Legacy MPG & running costs
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.
What's a 1997 Subaru Legacy worth?
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1997 Subaru Legacy costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
1997 Subaru Legacy trims & engines on record
1997 Subaru Legacy vehicles on record
1997 Subaru Legacy Outback Limited4S3BG685XV7646670
1997 Subaru Legacy Outback Limited4S3BG6852V7632326
1997 Subaru Legacy GT4S3BD6755V7204244
1997 Subaru Legacy Outback Limited4S3BG6853V6616643
1997 Subaru Legacy Outback Limited4S3BG6857V7654550
1997 Subaru Legacy Outback Limited4S3BG6855V7604228
1997 Subaru Legacy Outback Limited4S3BG6853V7618838
1997 Subaru Legacy GT4S3BD6754V7207877
1997 Subaru Legacy Outback Limited4S3BG6852V6628945
1997 Subaru Legacy Outback Limited4S3BG685XV7650170
1997 Subaru Legacy L4S3BD4359V6204053
1997 Subaru Legacy Outback Limited4S3BG6850V7606632
1997 Subaru Legacy Outback Limited4S3BG6853V7611131
1997 Subaru Legacy Outback Limited4S3BG6854V7615205
1997 Subaru Legacy L4S3BK4358V7306377
1997 Subaru Legacy Outback Limited4S3BG6850V7632745
1997 Subaru Legacy Outback Limited4S3BG6857V7640003
1997 Subaru Legacy L4S3BK4355V7309625
Other Subaru Legacy model years
1997 Subaru Legacy — frequently asked questions
Does the 1997 Subaru Legacy have any safety recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls for the 1997 Subaru Legacy. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Subaru Legacy?
Based on 146 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are gasoline, fuel system, engine and engine cooling.
What gas mileage does the 1997 Subaru Legacy get?
The U.S. EPA rates the 1997 Subaru Legacy at about 24 mpg combined (21 city / 29 highway).
How much is a 1997 Subaru Legacy worth?
Comparable 1997 Subaru Legacy listings run roughly $500–$1,700, typically around $1,010 (from 15 vehicles).
Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.