1997 Subaru Outback Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 5%of 79 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 electrical system of the 1997 Subaru Outback, 5% of the 79 complaints for this model year. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“I have a '1997 legacy Outback Subaru. I have had the vehicle for 3 years. Today, june 21, I stopped on my way to bar harbor, maine for a cup of coffee. I placed the coffee cup in the cup holder and got back on the highway. Shortly after this, I thought I smelled burning, but thought it must be coming from outside. I then stopped at a bank to take care of a transaction, and as I was leaving the bank, I again smelled a faint burning odor. Luckily, not far down the road, I passed my Subaru dealership, for a short distance past the dealership I heard a crackling coming from my car radio. …”
NHTSA complaint #10078564, filed 2004-06“After alternator replaced, noticed the following sequences of electrical outages: rear power outlet, seat heater switches, radio dial illumination light, key-in-ignition alarm, door ajar lighting, seatbelt off lighting.”
NHTSA complaint #10074651, filed 2004-06“Engine will stall intermittently during normal operation of vehicle while traveling at any speed. Dealership has examined vehicle and replaced sensor valve two times and computer. Please provide any additional information / documentation.”
NHTSA complaint #899867, filed 2001-12“When driving the vehicle there are various electrical malfunctions, resulting in the windshield wiper becoming inoperative, also heater. Consumer also noticed a fume odor in the vehicle. Consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer unable to determine the problem. Please provide any other details.”
NHTSA complaint #819718, filed 1997-12Related service bulletins
- 10219491Aug 23, 2022This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
- 10209915Mar 18, 2022This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic essential information during diagnosis and repair of the Infotainment concerns. (Applicable to all…
- 10198758Jun 17, 2021This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 29% |
| 2025 | 13 | 16% |
| 2024 | 16 | 15% |
| 2023 | 17 | 19% |
| 2022 | 52 | 11% |
| 2021 | 76 | 26% |
| 2020 | 259 | 29% |
| 2019 | 364 | 35% |
| 2018 | 267 | 33% |
| 2017 | 392 | 43% |
| 2016 | 309 | 48% |
| 2015 | 127 | 25% |
| 2014 | 32 | 15% |
| 2013 | 23 | 8% |
| 2012 | 37 | 13% |
| 2011 | 67 | 10% |
| 2010 | 33 | 9% |
| 2009 | 23 | 22% |
| 2008 | 34 | 15% |
| 2007 | 20 | 15% |
| 2006 | 42 | 15% |
| 2005 | 28 | 10% |
| 2004 | 8 | 9% |
| 2003 | 7 | 8% |
| 2002 | 4 | 3% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
| 2000 | 8 | 4% |
| 1999 | 8 | 7% |
| 1998 | 6 | 5% |
| 1997 | 4 | 5% |
| 1996 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 1997 Subaru Outback
24 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
5 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsWheels
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Subaru Outback
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