1997 Subaru Legacy Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 6%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 9 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 1997 Subaru Legacy, 6% of the 139 complaints for this model year. 4 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is 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.
“While attempting to make a left-hand turn, I pushed the gas pedal to the floor, and the car started moving in front of oncoming traffic before completely losing power. I pushed the accelerator to the floor again, and got the same result, almost causing a crash. I have since been able to recreate the problem by pushing the accelerator to the floor from a stop.”
NHTSA complaint #755261, filed 2001-12“In april 2001 while sitting at a red signal with vehicle in drive (automatic transmission). The vehicle engine revved up to very high RPM's causing me to put both feet on the brakes. The vehicle kept moving foreward even with extreme pressure on the pedals. I moved the lever into nuetral and it continued at higher revolution, I returned the shifter to drive and the vehicle kept crepping into the cross traffic. I could not hold it. I shifted again nuetral and back and it quit just as suddenly as it started. …”
NHTSA complaint #744618, filed 2001-04“1997 Subaru Legacy outback with sudden acceleration problems. Consumer states that the vehicle made a loud noise and the brake pedal went to the floor and vehicle surged without warning and hit the vehicle in front of the consumer. The consumer stated both vehicles had minimal damage. The dealer replaced the fast idle air control valve. The consumer doesn't believe that the sudden acceleration problem has been rectified. The consumer didn't state if a police report was filed.”
NHTSA complaint #10218307, filed 2008-02“When cruise control is set at 65 MPH, going up an incline and making a turn vehicle suddenly accelerated, lost control of vehicle and hit a wall. Driver injured. Vehicle totaled”
NHTSA complaint #8005304, filed 2002-03“Intermittently while approaching a stop, the vehicle will start to idle up to 90mph with the brakes applied. Needs to shut off the vehicle in order to stop the idling. Been to dealer, cannot determine problem. Cause unknown.”
NHTSA complaint #830183, filed 1998-11Related recalls
- 98V035000Feb 20, 1998Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The throttle shaft ball bearing on the sensor side of the throttle body assembly was not installed in certain…Covers: Subaru Legacy 1997, Outback 1997
Vehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 17% |
| 2022 | 2 | 6% |
| 2021 | 1 | 3% |
| 2020 | 4 | 3% |
| 2019 | 4 | 3% |
| 2018 | 3 | 3% |
| 2017 | 2 | 2% |
| 2016 | 9 | 6% |
| 2015 | 14 | 9% |
| 2014 | 3 | 6% |
| 2013 | 4 | 6% |
| 2012 | 4 | 4% |
| 2011 | 5 | 3% |
| 2010 | 8 | 5% |
| 2008 | 5 | 8% |
| 2006 | 30 | 34% |
| 2005 | 15 | 8% |
| 2004 | 5 | 10% |
| 2003 | 5 | 8% |
| 2002 | 4 | 7% |
| 2001 | 9 | 12% |
| 2000 | 10 | 11% |
| 1999 | 12 | 13% |
| 1998 | 10 | 9% |
| 1997 | 9 | 6% |
| 1996 | 7 | 6% |
| 1995 | 3 | 2% |
| 1994 | 2 | 3% |
| 1993 | 4 | 5% |
| 1992 | 2 | 4% |
| 1991 | 5 | 6% |
| 1990 | 5 | 6% |
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 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 31, 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