1997 Subaru Outback Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 9%of 79 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the visibility of the 1997 Subaru Outback, 9% of the 79 complaints for this model year.
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.
“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“Windshield wiper switch and radio will stop working, and then in an hour they will work again. Fuses were checked and no problem. Dealer contacted and will have to evaluate the vehicle when it is not working. Problem still exists. .et.”
NHTSA complaint #833012, filed 1999-01“Windshield wipers would accumulate some kind of film on them when it starts to rain. This only happens on the outside of the vehicle. This causes havoc & poor visibility for the driver.”
NHTSA complaint #849722, filed 1999-10Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 6 | 7% |
| 2024 | 23 | 22% |
| 2023 | 19 | 21% |
| 2022 | 280 | 60% |
| 2021 | 107 | 36% |
| 2020 | 383 | 43% |
| 2019 | 387 | 37% |
| 2018 | 273 | 33% |
| 2017 | 233 | 25% |
| 2016 | 91 | 14% |
| 2015 | 143 | 28% |
| 2014 | 10 | 5% |
| 2013 | 14 | 5% |
| 2012 | 9 | 3% |
| 2011 | 23 | 4% |
| 2010 | 8 | 2% |
| 2009 | 9 | 8% |
| 2008 | 8 | 4% |
| 2007 | 2 | 2% |
| 2006 | 5 | 2% |
| 2005 | 8 | 3% |
| 2004 | 5 | 6% |
| 2003 | 3 | 3% |
| 2002 | 6 | 4% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
| 2000 | 6 | 3% |
| 1999 | 4 | 4% |
| 1998 | 7 | 6% |
| 1997 | 7 | 9% |
| 1996 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 1997 Subaru Outback
24 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 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 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