1997 Subaru Legacy service brakes, hydraulic problems
27 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the service brakes, hydraulic on the 1997 Subaru Legacy — 19% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“In cold weather (zero or below), the brake pedal on my 1997 subaru legacy sedan becomes hard, and when I put it any gear, forward or reverse, the idle speed will cause the car to move and the brakes will not stop the car-I have to shift into neutral. I have learned that pumping the brake pedal…”
filed May 3, 2008
“Right front brake has failed to operate properly on at least four occasions. The brakes have gotten very hot and could possibly cause a fire or cause the brakes to lock up. The dual piston design results in one piston doing most of the work so the other piston becomes stiff and does not release. We…”
filed Aug 16, 2005
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
This Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips. This will prevent the pad from dragging due to corrosion buildup which…
06-68-19R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 11, 2019
Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems in other Legacy years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 Legacy | 1 | 1% |
| 2010 Legacy | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 Legacy | 3 | 5% |
| 2008 Legacy | 1 | 2% |
| 2006 Legacy | 2 | 2% |
| 2005 Legacy | 8 | 4% |
| 2004 Legacy | 2 | 4% |
| 2003 Legacy | 1 | 2% |
| 2002 Legacy | 6 | 11% |
| 2001 Legacy | 6 | 8% |
| 2000 Legacy | 7 | 7% |
| 1999 Legacy | 12 | 13% |
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.