1997 Subaru Legacy engine and engine cooling problems
31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine and engine cooling on the 1997 Subaru Legacy — 22% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“1997 subaru legacy 2.5 l engine. 118,000 miles. Chronic overheating. Many dollars spent only to find that these cars are notorious for blowing head gaskets. Sure enough, that's the trouble. *tr”
filed Nov 24, 2009
“I am sure you have received other complaints regarding the 2.5l engine in 1997 subaru legacy gt's. The head gaskets are very weak, which when they blow, can cause a loss of power due to a rush of coolant flowing into the system, which kills the engine. This problem is very widespread, and subaru…”
filed Feb 24, 2009
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
This bulletin is to advise of SOAâ s revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
09-51-08R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 7, 2021
Engine and Engine Cooling problems in other Legacy years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 Legacy | 1 | 3% |
| 2016 Legacy | 1 | 1% |
| 2015 Legacy | 1 | 1% |
| 2013 Legacy | 2 | 3% |
| 2011 Legacy | 6 | 4% |
| 2010 Legacy | 4 | 3% |
| 2009 Legacy | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 Legacy | 2 | 6% |
| 2006 Legacy | 4 | 5% |
| 2005 Legacy | 29 | 16% |
| 2004 Legacy | 2 | 4% |
| 2003 Legacy | 9 | 15% |
Other reported problem areas on the 1997 Subaru Legacy
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.