1997 Subaru Legacy Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 4%of 139 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 105,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 1997 Subaru Legacy, 4% of the 139 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 105,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving on the highway when all of a sudden the hood unlatched and blewout, open breaking my windsheild and denting my hood at the same time. I was unable to see through my windsheild, but was still able to safely bring my vehicle to a stop on the shoulder. I do not know why the hood latch failed or even was open as I had not done anything under the hood in a long time.”
NHTSA complaint #755645, filed 2001-12“While driving at highway speeds hood latch came loose causing the hood to bounce up and down. This happened twice causing me to pull of to the shoulder and close hood. Hood did not unlatch all the way put if I continued without stopping hood would of popped fully at some point.”
NHTSA complaint #761173, filed 2002-04“Aprrox. 3 months ago I was driving down a highway at about 65 miles an hour when my hood popped up and hit the windshield. The windshield was cracked in many places and the hood was bent and paint chipped. I contacted Subaru the following day because my hood had not been opened for approx 2mths prior this and was concerned of a defect in part. They told me there was none and sometimes it just happens. I paid for a new windshield (I beleive about 235) and have yet to replace hood. …”
NHTSA complaint #10126205, filed 2005-06“The contact stated while driving 55 MPH on a dry highway, the hood latche failed and cracked the windshield. The contact was able to pull off of the road. The vehicle was towed to an auto body shop. Updated 12/28/06.”
NHTSA complaint #10169200, filed 2006-09, 105,000 miles“While driving on the highway at a speed of approximately 55 MPH, the hood unlatched, flew back, and contacted the windshield and forward roof. The windshield shattered, but fortunately I was able to see through the space between the dash and bottom of the hood and managed to get the car to the median. The hood and windshield were ruined, and the roof sustained considerable damage.”
NHTSA complaint #10021114, filed 2003-06Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 1% |
| 1999 | 2 | 2% |
| 1998 | 3 | 3% |
| 1997 | 6 | 4% |
| 1996 | 2 | 2% |
| 1995 | 7 | 4% |
| 1994 | 1 | 2% |
| 1993 | 1 | 1% |
| 1992 | 1 | 2% |
| 1991 | 14 | 18% |
| 1990 | 19 | 23% |
Other parts of the 1997 Subaru Legacy
31 complaintsBrakes
27 complaintsElectrical system
17 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
17 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsSteering
7 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 30, 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