no report yet
Springs: coil springs
Risk. DEPENDING ON THE LOCATION OF THE FRACTURE, A BROKEN SPRING COULD MOVE PAST THE SPRING SEAT AND CONTACT A FRONT TIRE.
1997 Subaru OutbackProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 79 owner complaints about the 1997 Subaru Outback, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 4 safety recalls.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 8, 2012. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 1997 Subaru Outback has problems
79 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
24Engine and engine cooling
9Service brakes, hydraulic3 crash/fire/injury
8Power train1 crash/fire/injury
8Vehicle speed control2 crash/fire/injury
7Visibility
5Latches/locks/linkages
4Suspension
4Fuel system, gasoline
4Electrical system
157 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and engine cooling | 24 | 0 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 9 | 3 |
| Power train | 8 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 8 | 2 |
| Visibility | 7 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 5 | 1 |
| Suspension | 4 | 1 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 4 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 4 | 1 |
| 7 other systems | 15 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
1997 Subaru Outback recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
no report yet
Leaf spring assembly: hanger,bracket
Risk. 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…
no report yet
Vehicle speed control
Risk. 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…
no report yet
Automatic transmission: gear position indication (prndl)
Risk. THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE UNEXPECTED MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Subaru.
Best & worst years
1997 vs. every other Outback year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Outback median. How we score
'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What Outback owners report
Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
I BOUGHT A 97 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK WGN AND FOUND OUT THE BLOCK WAS CRACKED IN CYL3 AFTER TEAR DOWN FOR GASKET REPLACEMENT,NOW PUT TOGETHER AND NOW WON'T START. *TR
LOSS OF COOLANT, OVERHEATED ENGINE, DIAGNOSIS OF BLOWN HEAD GASKET CAR: 1997 SUBARAU LEGACY OUTBACK WITH 2.5 LITER ENGINE. *TR
'97 SUBARU OUTBACK WAGON IMPECCABLY MAINTAINED 85,000 MI IS OVERHEATING. BEGAN AS INTERMITTENT PROBLEM APPROX 5 MONTHS AGO. FLUSHED RADIATOR, REPL CAP, PRESSURE TESTED RADIATOR. DRIVING DOWN HILL ON MOUNTAIN ROAD IN MORNING COLD, OVERHEATS AFTER ABOUT 6 MILES. REPL THERMOSTAT, WATER PUMP, TIMING…
Own a 1997 Outback?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.