1997 Subaru Outback Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 6%of 79 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 129,250miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 1997 Subaru Outback, 6% of the 79 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 129,250 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.
“Driving along I-495 southbound in massachusetts just before exit for I-90. Speed was 65 MPH. Hood latch failed causing the hood to come up without warning. The windshield was smashed, the roof was dented, and the hood was bent with the hinges partially deformed and cracked. The hood hadn't been opened or touched in several weeks/>2000 miles. Passenger and I were luckily unharmed, I was able to close the hood again, and drove home at 50 on the highway, 25 on regular roads. Windshield was replaced the following week, hood still damaged. …”
NHTSA complaint #10279223, filed 2009-08, 176,000 miles“The hood flew open while driving 65 MPH, the hood cracked the front windshield, dented the hood and bent the hinges. The consumer believed the problem was due to a faulty hood latch. The dealer and manufacturer were both notified.”
NHTSA complaint #10101466, filed 2004-11, 82,500 miles“While driving down route. 495 at 65 MPH during the 6:30-6:45 a.m. Rush hour, (primarily large trucks barreling down the highway), the hood of my car popped open, shattering my windshield, denting and causing the hood to have to be replaced, denting the roof, and causing the rear view mirror to fall off. With the grace of god, I was able to safely maneuver the vehicle off the highway. The minor injuries I sustained were to my upper back and left side of my neck. These injuries are not disabling, but painful and annoying. …”
NHTSA complaint #10014435, filed 2003-04“When driving rear tailgate come unlatched. Tailgate did not stay fully latched. Also, note tailgate has not come fully opened. Consumer has yet to contact dealer. Please provide any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #883784, filed 2001-03Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2024 | 3 | 3% |
| 2023 | 3 | 3% |
| 2022 | 1 | 0% |
| 2020 | 2 | 0% |
| 2019 | 4 | 0% |
| 2018 | 1 | 0% |
| 2017 | 1 | 0% |
| 2016 | 1 | 0% |
| 2013 | 2 | 1% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 1 | 0% |
| 2007 | 1 | 1% |
| 2004 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
| 2000 | 2 | 1% |
| 1999 | 5 | 5% |
| 1998 | 3 | 2% |
| 1997 | 5 | 6% |
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 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 29, 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