1997 Subaru Legacy Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 2%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 3 complaints about the visibility of the 1997 Subaru Legacy, 2% 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.
“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 2001-11“Oil leak from crank case seal drips back onto exhust manafold during normal driving. Once car has stopped and is at idle the oil burns off the manafold and large amounts of smoke pour from under the hood and under the car. If ventilation system left on then smoke enters the passenger compartment. Number 2: the car shudders when turns left or right at low speeds (5mph). Number 3: the metal guides for the side window (drivers side) have scratched the glass and it can't be repaired must replace. Number 4: car started to sputter or miss after 61000 miles. It occurs only after the engine warms up.”
NHTSA complaint #756894, filed 2002-01“The scratch on the glass is on both drivers side and passenger side. I was told it is from the inner door metal rubbing against the glass when windows go up and or down. The mark on the glass is about and inch wide and deep enough that it will not come off. The check engine light came on during the drive home from the lot. The cause according to the dealer was that the cam belt slipped off by one tooth. The rear wheel bearings are needing to be replaced under normal driving conditions. There is no abnormal wear and considering the low 53,000 miles - this should not need to be done. …”
NHTSA complaint #718161, filed 2000-02Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 4 | 24% |
| 2023 | 2 | 20% |
| 2022 | 17 | 50% |
| 2021 | 6 | 19% |
| 2020 | 66 | 55% |
| 2019 | 51 | 41% |
| 2018 | 32 | 27% |
| 2017 | 35 | 29% |
| 2016 | 18 | 12% |
| 2015 | 41 | 26% |
| 2014 | 6 | 11% |
| 2013 | 1 | 2% |
| 2012 | 4 | 4% |
| 2011 | 2 | 1% |
| 2010 | 4 | 3% |
| 2009 | 4 | 6% |
| 2008 | 3 | 5% |
| 2007 | 3 | 9% |
| 2006 | 1 | 1% |
| 2005 | 17 | 9% |
| 2004 | 1 | 2% |
| 2003 | 2 | 3% |
| 2002 | 2 | 4% |
| 2001 | 5 | 6% |
| 2000 | 3 | 3% |
| 1999 | 1 | 1% |
| 1998 | 4 | 4% |
| 1997 | 3 | 2% |
| 1996 | 4 | 3% |
| 1995 | 7 | 4% |
| 1993 | 6 | 8% |
| 1992 | 5 | 9% |
| 1991 | 6 | 8% |
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 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