1997 Subaru Outback Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 10%of 79 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 139,469miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1997 Subaru Outback, 10% of the 79 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 139,469 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“In 2001 I had to have my transmission replaced because the engine would not hold the car back when going down hills. I was going down a steep mountain road and had to use the brakes alone. It did not matter if it was in 1, 2 or d it was the same as neutral. It would also not shift into the top gear on the freeway. It cost over $3000 to get a Subaru rebuilt transmission put in at the dealer. It had 97k on it at the time. I just now took my car to the dealer because the car was shaking and hesitating. The dealer told me that the car needed a new transmission and it would cost $3500. …”
NHTSA complaint #10121358, filed 2005-05, 97,000 miles“The contact stated while driving 45 MPH on normal road conditions, the passenger front tire exploded. The aaa provided assistance and replaced the tire with the spare(doughnut). When the vehicle arrived to the residence, the rear differential was on fire. The fire was extinguished with water. The owners manual in page 8-11 indicated in fine print, when the spare doughnut was used a fuse had to be plugged in the fuse box to maintain an emergency light illuminated. …”
NHTSA complaint #10171269, filed 2006-10, 181,938 miles“When driving at any speed consumer noticed speedometer was not working correctly, was unable to determine the actual speed of traveling. Also, rpms slowed down, and vehicle jerked forward. Consumer has contacted the dealer. Dealer was unable to determine the cause. Please provide any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #860792, filed 2000-04“While driving about 40 MPH, the driver's hand accidently hit the button on the gear shift which caused vehicle to slow down. Driver pulled over to side of road, and noticed that the gear shift indicator was in the reverse position. After restarting, the vehicle was very sluggish. The vehicle is being serviced by the dealership.”
NHTSA complaint #823398, filed 1998-05“The dealer stated that some of those vehicles have driveshafts that are not properly balanced which causes the vehicle to vibrate at 65 MPH and up, there is also a service bulletin out on this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #781211, filed 1998-10Related recalls
- 98V042000Feb 20, 1998Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. Due to poor welds, ignition keys can stick, shift levers/linkages can break and…Covers: Subaru Outback 1997–1998, Legacy 1997–1998
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 5% |
| 2025 | 5 | 6% |
| 2024 | 6 | 6% |
| 2023 | 5 | 6% |
| 2022 | 18 | 4% |
| 2021 | 12 | 4% |
| 2020 | 48 | 5% |
| 2019 | 16 | 2% |
| 2018 | 14 | 2% |
| 2017 | 47 | 5% |
| 2016 | 45 | 7% |
| 2015 | 37 | 7% |
| 2014 | 25 | 12% |
| 2013 | 60 | 20% |
| 2012 | 108 | 37% |
| 2011 | 216 | 33% |
| 2010 | 94 | 26% |
| 2009 | 8 | 8% |
| 2008 | 12 | 5% |
| 2007 | 9 | 7% |
| 2006 | 17 | 6% |
| 2005 | 17 | 6% |
| 2004 | 10 | 11% |
| 2003 | 13 | 14% |
| 2002 | 20 | 14% |
| 2001 | 23 | 13% |
| 2000 | 42 | 20% |
| 1999 | 29 | 26% |
| 1998 | 19 | 15% |
| 1997 | 8 | 10% |
| 1996 | 5 | 11% |
Other parts of the 1997 Subaru Outback
24 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsFuel system
5 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 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