1997 Subaru Outback Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 4%of 79 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 138,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the body and structure of the 1997 Subaru Outback, 4% of the 79 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 138,000 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.
“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“Hood opening accidentally while driving. I was driving on a heavily rainy day when the hood opened up and slammed the windshield. The windshield was completely broken and the hood was severely damaged including the body of the car just above the windshield. I had not opened the hood leading up to the event. Luckily I didn't get into a accident when the incident happened. I subsequently called Subaru about it and advised me that the incident hadn't, to the best of their knowledge, in other 1997 Subaru Outback wagons. I was not directed to file a complaint with your agency, thus I let it pass. …”
NHTSA complaint #10227673, filed 2008-05, 100,000 miles“The location of the cup holder right above of radio, caused liquids to seep into the stereo system. The radio began to malfunction and smoke started to pour out of the dash. The dealer is aware of this problem. The radio has been replaced 4 times.”
NHTSA complaint #831330, filed 1998-11Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 5% |
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2024 | 2 | 2% |
| 2023 | 2 | 2% |
| 2022 | 7 | 2% |
| 2021 | 7 | 2% |
| 2020 | 21 | 2% |
| 2019 | 27 | 3% |
| 2018 | 15 | 2% |
| 2017 | 26 | 3% |
| 2016 | 19 | 3% |
| 2015 | 33 | 6% |
| 2014 | 11 | 5% |
| 2013 | 11 | 4% |
| 2012 | 5 | 2% |
| 2011 | 11 | 2% |
| 2010 | 14 | 4% |
| 2009 | 5 | 5% |
| 2008 | 6 | 3% |
| 2007 | 5 | 4% |
| 2006 | 2 | 1% |
| 2005 | 7 | 3% |
| 2003 | 5 | 5% |
| 2002 | 10 | 7% |
| 2001 | 15 | 9% |
| 2000 | 13 | 6% |
| 1999 | 4 | 4% |
| 1998 | 2 | 2% |
| 1997 | 3 | 4% |
| 1996 | 3 | 7% |
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 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsEquipment
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