1997 Subaru Outback Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 6%of 79 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 150,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the fuel system of the 1997 Subaru Outback, 6% of the 79 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 150,000 miles.
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.
“Noticed a leak of fluid from passenger side by the rear wheel. Determined it was gasoline. Upon inspection found fuel leaking from the filler tube to the gas tank. Got the car to a Subaru repair shop and was told this is a common problem. There is no undercoating applied to the tube.”
NHTSA complaint #10479241, filed 2012-10, 213,500 miles“Fuel filler neck rusted causing gas to leak out onto garage floor and while driving and filling tank. Vehicle was brought into dealership for repair to replace the rusted fuel filler neck. From research and comments from dealership, this is a very common problem with this make of vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10240707, filed 2008-09, 70,000 miles“Vehicle fuel fill tube rotted resulting in a fuel leak. There was a puddle of gas in the garage. The consumer was told that if the tank was kept on 1/2 to 3/4 full, the leak would cease. The mechanic had just fixed the same problem on a Subaru, a week prior and had since repeated that task at least 4 times. The consumer requested that Subaru cover the costs incurred. Also the wiper blades were replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10037833, filed 2003-08“Consumer noticed spots on the driveway. Vehicle was taken to dealer who determined that o rings were leaking and had to be replaced, also the front crank seal needed replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #8003163, filed 2002-01Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 4% |
| 2024 | 2 | 2% |
| 2023 | 2 | 2% |
| 2022 | 6 | 1% |
| 2021 | 10 | 3% |
| 2020 | 15 | 2% |
| 2019 | 32 | 3% |
| 2018 | 46 | 6% |
| 2017 | 16 | 2% |
| 2016 | 13 | 2% |
| 2015 | 18 | 4% |
| 2014 | 13 | 6% |
| 2013 | 15 | 5% |
| 2012 | 4 | 1% |
| 2011 | 16 | 2% |
| 2010 | 5 | 1% |
| 2009 | 7 | 7% |
| 2008 | 3 | 1% |
| 2007 | 6 | 5% |
| 2006 | 40 | 14% |
| 2005 | 19 | 7% |
| 2004 | 6 | 7% |
| 2003 | 4 | 4% |
| 2002 | 32 | 22% |
| 2001 | 32 | 19% |
| 2000 | 12 | 6% |
| 1999 | 4 | 4% |
| 1998 | 4 | 3% |
| 1997 | 5 | 6% |
| 1996 | 2 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1997 Subaru Outback
24 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
5 complaintsElectrical system
4 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 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