1997 Subaru Outback Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 10%of 79 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 120,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 1997 Subaru Outback, 10% of the 79 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 120,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“The contact owns a 1997 Subaru Outback. The contact was driving at relatively low speeds and depressing the brake pedal in an attempt to park when the vehicle abnormally accelerated. The contact proceeded to crash into a vehicle ahead of him. There were no reported injuries. This was not the first instance of the failure. The contact was able to locate NHTSA recall campaign id number: 98v035000 (vehicle speed control) relative to the failure but was advised by the manufacturer that the recall repair was previously performed on the vehicle. The contact stated the vehicle had not been repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #10347006, filed 2010-08, 120,000 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 at a stop the vehicle surges forward two or three feet before driver can stop the vehicle. Owner has been experiencing this problem from day one of purchasing the vehicle, which was may of 1997. The dealer is not able to find a problem with the vehicle. Please describe details.”
NHTSA complaint #831722, filed 1998-12“Consumer has taken vehicle to dealers on four occasions due to erratic idling. When at stop sign the vehicle will begin to idle and creep forward with increased speed. Other times, whenever vehicle has been driven for approx. 1/2 an hour taking foot off the gas pedal, and the vehicle will drop to 40mph. Then begin speeding back up. Consumer has had this problem occurring since middle of september.”
NHTSA complaint #818824, filed 1997-11“While driving vehicle suddenly accelerates out of control which could cause a crash. The braking system does not work properly while vehicle is accelerating. Also problems with rack and pinion steering. Please provide further information.”
NHTSA complaint #849796, filed 1999-10Related recalls
- 98V035000Feb 20, 1998Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The throttle shaft ball bearing on the sensor side of the throttle body assembly was not installed in certain…Covers: Subaru Outback 1997, Legacy 1997
Vehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 10% |
| 2025 | 2 | 2% |
| 2024 | 3 | 3% |
| 2023 | 3 | 3% |
| 2022 | 4 | 1% |
| 2021 | 19 | 6% |
| 2020 | 18 | 2% |
| 2019 | 26 | 3% |
| 2018 | 21 | 3% |
| 2017 | 29 | 3% |
| 2016 | 22 | 3% |
| 2015 | 26 | 5% |
| 2014 | 14 | 7% |
| 2013 | 26 | 9% |
| 2012 | 8 | 3% |
| 2011 | 26 | 4% |
| 2010 | 13 | 4% |
| 2009 | 2 | 2% |
| 2008 | 6 | 3% |
| 2007 | 17 | 13% |
| 2006 | 98 | 35% |
| 2005 | 40 | 15% |
| 2004 | 20 | 22% |
| 2003 | 9 | 10% |
| 2002 | 12 | 8% |
| 2001 | 17 | 10% |
| 2000 | 14 | 7% |
| 1999 | 9 | 8% |
| 1998 | 13 | 10% |
| 1997 | 8 | 10% |
| 1996 | 4 | 9% |
Other parts of the 1997 Subaru Outback
24 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
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