1997 Subaru Legacy Transmission and drivetrain Problems

“While the vehicle was running in the park position, the consumer was unable to shift the gears in any direction. Vehicle was not drivable. The cause was due to poor ground to the shifter solenoid. This would not acuate to allow the shifter in gear. The consumer was told by several mechanics that this was a common problem in this make/model.”

“The contact owns a 1997 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that the vehicle became stuck in park. The failure was recurring. The vehicle had been taken to an authorized dealer, who lubricated the automatic transmission shifter but to no avail. The failure recurred each time the vehicle was driven. The vehicle was taken back for further diagnosis and it was advised that the part required for the repair was no longer available. The authorized dealer advised the contact to purchase the shift lock module and an authorized dealer would repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. …”

“While traveling on a steep hill gear will move to another gear as if vehicle is coasting. Engine does not hold car when going down hills or stopping, had to decend a steep mountain road using only brakes, when slowing vehicle acts if though it is in neutral when in 0,3,2,1. New transmission cost $3000.”

“Crank seal leak is a fire risk. Oil drips along oil pan and onto y section of exhaust where it burns. This is a common problem with subarus with 50k miles. Although torque converter bind is not directly a safety issue, it is too common among subarus with > 50k miles.”

“While driving, vehicle completely shuts down without warning, cause unknown. Malfunction could possibly be occurring within speedodmeter. Consumer stated the dealer found the source of the problem was actually the cause of the vehicle shutting down.”