1997 Subaru Legacy Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 6%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 9 complaints about the suspension of the 1997 Subaru Legacy, 6% of the 139 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 225,812 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
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“I installed mevotech strut mounts (mp903987 & mp903986) on our 1997 Subaru Legacy postal when installing new rear shock absorber/struts. The right side failed on the first day after around 60 miles. I replaced it with the original factory part that had lasted 420,000 miles. The left side failed the next day after being in service for approximately 100 miles total. I returned the other original part to service. The failures allowed the strut to push through the mount and hit on the thin retaining plate. It allowed the rear suspension to become extremely loud and loose. …”
NHTSA complaint #10545985, filed 2013-09“Engine was knocking and making a ticking noise, brakes were making a squeak/ loud noise, dealership is aware of problem. Consumer stated that the vehicle pulls to the right and steering wheel wobbles, also rim was replaced due to it being bent.”
NHTSA complaint #899069, filed 2001-11“This all-wheel drive hydroplaned in very heavy rain, enbeknownst to my wife, until the car drifted toward the median of the divided 4-lane. Traction was regained and she was propelled across and down the embankment. Thankfully, no cars were coming -- plus, the all-wheel drive got her back up the embankment and home. Shouldn't a light or sensor be required so all-wheel drive car owners know when hydroplaning occurs? How else is there to know?!? Thanks so much.”
NHTSA complaint #713500, filed 1999-10“Vehicle lot balance control during swift steering resulting in collision, violent deployment of air bag resulting in injuries to consumer (forearm and facial).”
NHTSA complaint #542567, filed 1998-11Related recalls
- 01V216000Jun 25, 2001Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with front coil springs originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware…Covers: Subaru Legacy 1995–1999, Outback 1995–1999
- 98V091000May 4, 1998Vehicle description: passenger station wagon, sedan and sport utility vehicles. Due to improper welding, fractures can occur on the support bracket of the…Covers: Subaru Legacy 1996–1997, Outback 1996–1997
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 3% |
| 2018 | 3 | 3% |
| 2017 | 2 | 2% |
| 2016 | 2 | 1% |
| 2015 | 4 | 3% |
| 2014 | 1 | 2% |
| 2012 | 4 | 4% |
| 2011 | 19 | 11% |
| 2010 | 7 | 5% |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 2 | 6% |
| 2006 | 4 | 5% |
| 2005 | 7 | 4% |
| 2004 | 1 | 2% |
| 2003 | 2 | 3% |
| 2002 | 6 | 11% |
| 2001 | 6 | 8% |
| 2000 | 13 | 14% |
| 1999 | 8 | 9% |
| 1998 | 7 | 6% |
| 1997 | 9 | 6% |
| 1996 | 8 | 7% |
| 1995 | 14 | 8% |
| 1994 | 2 | 3% |
| 1992 | 1 | 2% |
| 1991 | 5 | 6% |
| 1990 | 3 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1997 Subaru Legacy
31 complaintsBrakes
27 complaintsElectrical system
17 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
17 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsFuel system
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 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