1997 Subaru Legacy Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 12%of 139 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 86,128miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 Subaru Legacy, 12% of the 139 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 86,128 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Car was sometimes difficult to start, other times it would stall/hesitate when in motion on city street. Discovered to be caused by aged/worn fuel pump causing overcurrent draw that fails to blow fuse causing meltdown in wiring harness connector where pigtail from pump connects to the chassis side of the wiring harness. Heat/spark potential is created in close proximity to fuel tank that has many reported cases of fuel filler neck rusting off and leaking fuel. A quick google search reveals that a number of people, with photos, have experienced this failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #11375007, filed 2020-11, 97,255 miles“The contact owns a 1997 Subaru Legacy. The contact attempted to start the ignition and the engine failed to start. The battery was jump started; however the failure recurred while driving. The battery was recharged for a second time. The contact replaced the battery terminal due to severe rust and corrosion. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000. Updated 02/28/12 the consumer stated battery corrosion destroyed the negative terminal. Updated 03/08/12”
NHTSA complaint #10446947, filed 2012-02, 75,000 miles“I have had problems with the heated seats (light which illuminates switch hasn't worked in months, and seats appear to remain on even when switched off), console lights (climate control lights are no longer illuminated at night) & fuel gage (stopped working, had to resart the vehicle to get it functioning again).”
NHTSA complaint #729767, filed 2000-08“Consumer tried to start vehicle, and it would not start. Vehicle towed to dealer. Dealer found a pinched wire in wiring harness. Wire needed to be replaced at a cost of $ 2200.00 . Consumer felt Subaru was responsible for repairs.”
NHTSA complaint #894633, filed 2001-08“The vehicle experienced reoccuring alternator failures, as a result of the alternator failing the harness wires have melted and burned, also the battery had to be replace.”
NHTSA complaint #567692, filed 2002-09Related service bulletins
- 10219491Aug 23, 2022This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
- 10209915Mar 18, 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…
- 10198758Jun 17, 2021This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 | 29% |
| 2023 | 1 | 10% |
| 2022 | 3 | 9% |
| 2021 | 5 | 16% |
| 2020 | 15 | 12% |
| 2019 | 35 | 28% |
| 2018 | 40 | 34% |
| 2017 | 30 | 25% |
| 2016 | 51 | 35% |
| 2015 | 37 | 23% |
| 2014 | 11 | 21% |
| 2013 | 6 | 9% |
| 2012 | 4 | 4% |
| 2011 | 19 | 11% |
| 2010 | 12 | 8% |
| 2009 | 4 | 6% |
| 2008 | 9 | 14% |
| 2007 | 5 | 15% |
| 2006 | 17 | 20% |
| 2005 | 25 | 14% |
| 2004 | 1 | 2% |
| 2003 | 2 | 3% |
| 2002 | 2 | 4% |
| 2001 | 1 | 1% |
| 2000 | 6 | 6% |
| 1999 | 2 | 2% |
| 1998 | 9 | 8% |
| 1997 | 17 | 12% |
| 1996 | 21 | 17% |
| 1995 | 20 | 11% |
| 1994 | 1 | 2% |
| 1993 | 3 | 4% |
| 1992 | 3 | 5% |
| 1991 | 3 | 4% |
| 1990 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 1997 Subaru Legacy
31 complaintsBrakes
27 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
17 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsSteering
7 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
6 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsEquipment
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Subaru Legacy
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology