10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
0 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 #8

Nov 242007

Legacy

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
1997 Subaru Legacy outback with sudden acceleration problems. Consumer states that the vehicle made a loud noise and the brake pedal went to the floor and vehicle surged without warning and hit the vehicle in front of the consumer. The consumer stated both vehicles had minimal damage. The dealer replaced the fast idle air control valve. The consumer doesn't believe that the sudden acceleration problem has been rectified. The consumer didn't state if a police report was filed.

- Pacifica, CA, USA

problem #7

Jan 202002

Legacy

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
When cruise control is set at 65 mph, going up an incline and making a turn vehicle suddenly accelerated, lost control of vehicle and hit a wall. Driver injured. Vehicle totaled

- Cinnaminson, NJ, USA

problem #6

Dec 012001

Legacy 4WD

  • miles
While attempting to make a left-hand turn, I pushed the gas pedal to the floor, and the car started moving in front of oncoming traffic before completely losing power. I pushed the accelerator to the floor again, and got the same result, almost causing a crash. I have since been able to recreate the problem by pushing the accelerator to the floor from a stop.

- Westerville, OH, USA

problem #5

Apr 262001

(reported on)

Legacy 4WD

  • miles
In April 2001 while sitting at a red signal with vehicle in drive (automatic transmission). The vehicle engine revved up to very high RPM's causing me to put both feet on the brakes. The vehicle kept moving foreward even with extreme pressure on the pedals. I moved the lever into nuetral and it continued at higher revolution, I returned the shifter to drive and the vehicle kept crepping into the cross traffic. I could not hold it. I shifted again nuetral and back and it quit just as suddenly as it started. I could not keep the vehicle in position even with as much pressure as I could apply to the brakes. I ended up part way into the # 3 lane before it stopped.I was certainly concerned and made an appointment with the local subarau dealer in ventura as the one I bought from went out of business. I brought the vehicle in 4/25/2001 to the dealer for a checkup. I have also had a very low milage since acquiring this vehicle and returned to the dealer many times complaining. On average I have recieved between 120 to 130 miles per each fillup (full tank) and the dealer says nothing is wrong after many checks and tests.(at least 4) thank you very much robert a. houle.

- Ventura, CA, USA

problem #4

Jun 021999

Legacy 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Vehicle experienced sudden acceleration on two incidents. However, on one incident vehicle surged and hit the vehicle on the back tail light and back passenger side, causing damage.

- Douglas, AK, USA

problem #3

Oct 311998

Legacy

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Intermittently while approaching a stop, the vehicle will start to idle up to 90mph with the brakes applied. Needs to shut off the vehicle in order to stop the idling. Been to dealer, cannot determine problem. Cause unknown.

- Long Beach, CA, USA

problem #2

Jun 021998

Legacy 4WD

  • miles
While driving with air conditioner on (around 45 mph), vehicle would gradually accelerate as if the cruise control was on. Would have to apply brake to control speed.

- Glenside, PA, USA

problem #1

May 101998

Legacy 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Automatic transmission failed, vehicle surged forward after brake application.

- Glenside, PA, USA