1997 Subaru Legacy Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 3%of 139 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the body and structure of the 1997 Subaru Legacy, 3% of the 139 complaints for this model year.
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.
“Gasoline filler tube on Subaru Legacy models (1994 & 1997) rust out and cause very serious danger from possible fire/explosion due to leaking fuel. This appears to be a very common problem for Subaru owners and costly ($350+) to repair. This part was replaced on both a 1994 and a 1997 Subaru Legacy and the repair shop indicated that this is a common problem that they have dealt with quite often. I feel the problem is very dangerous and should be addressed by the manufacturer.”
NHTSA complaint #10303534, filed 2010-02“1) all 4 rims have a tendency to collect road silt and water inside. This imbalances the car and may explain some of the brake problems. Perhaps airflow under the vehicle should be studied. 2) pads and springs located on frame where the rear gate closes against the body are rusted tight. 3) dash lights for HVAC have failed at about 30,000 miles. 4) gas gauge does not descend accuratly.”
NHTSA complaint #754517, filed 2001-11“7) all 4 rims have a tendency to collect road silt and water inside. This imbalances the car and may explain some of the brake problems. Perhaps airflow under the vehicle should be studied. 8) left rear passenger window does not go up all the way any longer. 84,000 miles. 9) pads and springs located on frame where the rear gate closes against the body are rusted tight. 10) dash lights for HVAC have failed at about 30,000 miles. 11) gas gauge does not descend accuratly.”
NHTSA complaint #754516, filed 2001-11Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 3% |
| 2021 | 1 | 3% |
| 2020 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 1 | 1% |
| 2018 | 4 | 3% |
| 2017 | 6 | 5% |
| 2016 | 6 | 4% |
| 2015 | 10 | 6% |
| 2014 | 7 | 13% |
| 2013 | 5 | 8% |
| 2012 | 1 | 1% |
| 2011 | 5 | 3% |
| 2010 | 7 | 5% |
| 2009 | 5 | 8% |
| 2007 | 2 | 6% |
| 2005 | 4 | 2% |
| 2004 | 1 | 2% |
| 2003 | 3 | 5% |
| 2002 | 2 | 4% |
| 2001 | 3 | 4% |
| 2000 | 8 | 9% |
| 1999 | 4 | 4% |
| 1998 | 7 | 6% |
| 1997 | 4 | 3% |
| 1996 | 1 | 1% |
| 1995 | 6 | 3% |
| 1994 | 2 | 3% |
| 1993 | 2 | 3% |
| 1992 | 7 | 13% |
| 1991 | 13 | 17% |
| 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 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
6 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsSeat belts
5 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