1997 Subaru Outback
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1997 Subaru Outback is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.
1997 Subaru Outback at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
1997 Subaru Outback recalls 4
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 CO…
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 AUTHORIZED…
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. 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.
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).
Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.
1997 Subaru Outback common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 80 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1997 Subaru Outback. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
Manufacturer service bulletins 17
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 17.
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.
Bulletin 12-249-23R · Equipment · Jul 2023This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
Bulletin 15-302-22 · Equipment, Electrical System · Aug 2022This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
Bulletin 01-167-08R · Equipment · Aug 2022This 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).
Bulletin 15-192-22R · Electrical System · Mar 2022This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models
Bulletin 01-167-08R · Electrical System, Equipment · Jun 2021This bulletin is to advise of SOAâs revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
Bulletin 09-51-08R · Equipment, Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2021To 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.
Bulletin 14-22-16R · Equipment · Feb 2021Special Service Tools Cross Reference List.
Bulletin 14-22-16R · Equipment · Aug 2020All Models (Vehicle Cleaning- COVID-19Best Practices)
Bulletin 01-181-20 · Equipment · Apr 2020This 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 or premature wear of…
Bulletin 06-68-19R · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 2019Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the OUTBACK. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 1
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1997 Subaru Outback. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Lights And Instruments
THE HAZARD WARNING FLASHER BUTTON CAN BIND IN THE HOUSING CAUSING CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE HAZARD WARNING LAMPS, OR THEIR BEING TURNED OFF BUT THE TURN SIGNALS BECOMING INOPERABLE. CORRECTION: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A MODIFIED HAZARD WARNING SWITCH.
Transport Canada #1997200 · Nov 1997Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback is an automotive nameplate used by the Japanese automaker Subaru for two different themed vehicles: a Legacy-derived station wagon, the Outback, and an Impreza-derived off-road themed hatchback, the Outback Sport (1994–2011).
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.