1997 Subaru Legacy Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 5%of 139 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 225,812miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Subaru Legacy, 5% of the 139 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 225,812 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“1997 Subaru Legacy outback. Came out to my parked vehicle with the right front tire flat due to part of the suspension spring being snapped and sticking into inside of the tire. Spring was intact when I parked it. Frightening to think if that had happened while driving on the highway of which I was the day before this happened.”
NHTSA complaint #11013111, filed 2017-08, 225,812 miles“While driving with cruise engaged,attempted to brake and to disengage cruise control, there was no response, cruise continued, upon pressing harder on brake pedal, vehicle wheels locked up, went into skid, hit barrier at approx. 65mph, not fixed.”
NHTSA complaint #807473, filed 1997-01“While driving at 45 MPH the alternator went out, causing the consumer to lose all power. Also, headlights went out, and steering became difficult. Manufacturer denies problem.”
NHTSA complaint #833538, filed 1999-01“Steering assembly failed. Upon steering vehicle into right lane, vehicle steered back into left lane. Lost control and hit guardrail, bounced off and hit left median divider.”
NHTSA complaint #523326, filed 1997-12Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 17% |
| 2022 | 1 | 3% |
| 2020 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 3 | 2% |
| 2018 | 4 | 3% |
| 2017 | 9 | 8% |
| 2016 | 16 | 11% |
| 2015 | 1 | 1% |
| 2014 | 2 | 4% |
| 2013 | 4 | 6% |
| 2012 | 7 | 8% |
| 2011 | 16 | 10% |
| 2010 | 12 | 8% |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 1 | 3% |
| 2006 | 2 | 2% |
| 2005 | 3 | 2% |
| 2003 | 1 | 2% |
| 2001 | 1 | 1% |
| 2000 | 3 | 3% |
| 1999 | 2 | 2% |
| 1998 | 8 | 7% |
| 1997 | 7 | 5% |
| 1996 | 3 | 2% |
| 1995 | 5 | 3% |
| 1994 | 4 | 7% |
| 1993 | 2 | 3% |
| 1992 | 1 | 2% |
| 1990 | 1 | 1% |
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 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 28, 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