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BG · Wagon

1997 Subaru Legacy

Common problems & what to know before you buy

Before you message the seller, know the documented failure patterns, repair cost exposure, and risk level for the 1997 Subaru Legacy.

Recall campaigns
6
Owner complaints
146, mostly engine and engine cooling
Safety record

Recalls on the 1997 Subaru Legacy

Recall·00I002000

Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator

THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT.

Recall·01V216000

Suspension: coil springs

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FRONT COIL SPRINGS ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF…

Recall·97V210000

Exterior lighting: switch

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.

3 more in the guide, with whether each one was done on the car you're looking at.

Source: NHTSA

Owner complaints

What 146 owners reported

Engine and engine cooling29
Service brakes24
Electrical system15
Power train12

Source: NHTSA

Specifications

1997 Subaru Legacy at a glance

Trims
BrightonGTLLSi
Engine
2.2L Flat-4, 2.5L Flat-4
Transmission
Automatic 4-spd, Manual 5-spd
Drivetrain
AWD
Fuel
Gasoline
Body style
Wagon
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Other Subaru Legacy years

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What are the common problems with the 1997 Subaru Legacy?

Owners have filed 146 complaints about the 1997 Subaru Legacy with NHTSA, most often about the engine and engine cooling. There are 6 recall campaigns covering this model year. Squeezed's free research-backed buyer guide cross-references these against documented failure patterns and mileage-stage risks, sorted by severity, in about a minute.

Is the 1997 Subaru Legacy reliable?

Reliability depends heavily on the specific configuration and how the car was maintained. Start with the 6 open recall campaigns on this model year and confirm the work was completed. Generate a Squeezed buyer guide for this exact vehicle to see a reliability snapshot, repair-cost exposure, and the questions to ask the seller before you buy.

Should I still get a pre-purchase inspection on a 1997 Subaru Legacy?

Always. A Squeezed buyer guide is the triage step before the inspection: it shows you the documented failure patterns and what to check so you can decide which 1997 Subaru Legacy listings are even worth a mechanic's time, then walk into the PPI knowing exactly what to look for.

Squeezed is a buyer guide based on public data and industry patterns, not a mechanical inspection. Always get a professional pre-purchase inspection before you buy.