10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
26,575 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 1997 Subaru Legacy:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #10

Feb 182009

Legacy

  • 195,748 miles
I am sure you have received other complaints regarding the 2.5L engine in 1997 Subaru Legacy GT's. the head gaskets are very weak, which when they blow, can cause a loss of power due to a rush of coolant flowing into the system, which kills the engine. This problem is very widespread, and Subaru does not admit anything. However, in Canada, Subaru was sued for this same issue. There are thousands of people out there that are experiencing erratic failure with these head gaskets, and there isn't even a tsb on them. Please, help us!

- Centralia, WA, USA

problem #9

Oct 072003

(reported on)

Legacy

  • miles
While traveling at 70 mph engine light illuminated and smoke came from under hood. Driver pulled over, popped hood, and noticed coolant and oil sprayed over engine. Also a couple of flames were present. Dealer said it was a blown head gasket.

- Berkeley, CA, USA

problem #8

Sep 222003

(reported on)

Legacy

  • miles
Vehicle engine is leaking oil. The oil leaked from the oil pump seal and also from the rear separator plate that could start a fire. The consumer found two other owners with the exact same problem. Scc

- Lacrosse, WI, USA

problem #7

Aug 012003

Legacy 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles
The vehicle was leaking oil from the rear separator plate and oil pump seal. This caused copious amounts of smoke to billow out from under the hood and out the front wheel wells when stopped after driving several miles. Took several minutes for the smoke to subside. Consumer questioned whether there were any fines for this failure. He heard Subaru made changes to the newer model Legacy. Consumer learned of two other Subaru owner's that experience the same defect.

- La Crosse, WI, USA

problem #6

Nov 282001

Legacy 4WD

  • miles
Oil leak from crank case seal drips back onto exhust manafold during normal driving. Once car has stopped and is at idle the oil burns off the manafold and large amounts of smoke pour from under the hood and under the car. If ventilation system left on then smoke enters the passenger compartment. Number 2: the car shudders when turns left or right at low speeds (5mph). Number 3: the metal guides for the side window (drivers side) have scratched the glass and it can't be repaired must replace. Number 4: car started to sputter or miss after 61000 miles. It occurs only after the engine warms up.

- Randallstown, MD, USA

problem #5

Nov 062001

(reported on)

Legacy 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Front crank seal is leaking oil onto exhaust system. Consumer states the fornt crack seal where the oil pump meets the engine block fails at regular intervals, when this seal leaks oil drips onto the exhaust and smokes.

- Glen Burnie, MD, USA

problem #4

Dec 212000

Legacy 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
During routine oil change mechanic noticed crankcase leak. Went to dealer who told consumer all 3 of their vehicles do that, seemed like a design flaw. A crankcase seal failed causing crankcase leak.

- West Jefferson, OH, USA

problem #3

Feb 262000

Legacy

  • miles
Bolt on the idler arm snapped, causing the timing chain to drop, and resulting in a bent engine valve. Dealer and manufacturer have been notified.

- Pittsburg, PA, USA

problem #2

Oct 151998

Legacy

  • miles
Engine running very rough. Vehicle stalls out after going 20mph. Intermittent problem. Been to dealer 9 times for problem. Check engine comes on & only warning given.

- Mystic, CT, USA

problem #1

May 041997

Legacy 4WD

  • miles
Defective engine valves/pistons, causing total engine failure.

- Bloomington, IN, USA