2017 Subaru Legacy
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1987 | 1 |
| 1988 | 1 |
| 1989 | 1 |
| 1990 | 81 |
| 1991 | 78 |
| 1992 | 55 |
| 1993 | 77 |
| 1994 | 60 |
| 1995 | 182 |
| 1996 | 123 |
| 1997 | 139 |
| 1998 | 114 |
| 1999 | 94 |
| 2000 | 94 |
| 2001 | 77 |
| 2002 | 54 |
| 2003 | 60 |
| 2004 | 49 |
| 2005 | 182 |
| 2006 | 87 |
| 2007 | 33 |
| 2008 | 65 |
| 2009 | 65 |
| 2010 | 150 |
| 2011 | 167 |
| 2012 | 90 |
| 2013 | 66 |
| 2014 | 53 |
| 2015 | 159 |
| 2016 | 145 |
| 2017 | 118 |
| 2018 | 116 |
| 2019 | 122 |
| 2020 | 121 |
| 2021 | 31 |
| 2022 | 32 |
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2024 | 15 |
| 2025 | 6 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
28% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 33 distinct reports on file.
24% of complaints: electrical system — 28 distinct reports on file.
FIRE8% of complaints: steering — 9 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
I HAD AN ACCIDENT WITH MY 2017 SUBARU LEGACY AND INITIALLY SAW A DEER TO MY LEFT AND TRIED TO STEER SLIGHTLY RIGHT. NEXT THING I KNOW THE COPS ARE THERE AND TOOK ME TO HOSPITAL. THEY SAID THE CAR WENT OVER AN EMBANKMENT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190213
6% of complaints: air bags — 7 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I HAD AN ACCIDENT WITH MY 2017 SUBARU LEGACY AND INITIALLY SAW A DEER TO MY LEFT AND TRIED TO STEER SLIGHTLY RIGHT. NEXT THING I KNOW THE COPS ARE THERE AND TOOK ME TO HOSPITAL. THEY SAID THE CAR WENT OVER AN EMBANKMENT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190213
HAD A FRONTAL IMPACT HITTING A DEER IN CENTER OF FRONT GRILL AT 45-50 MPH. DURING IMPACT STEERING WHEEL AIRBAG DEPLOYED AND ALL SIDE IMPACT AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. PASSENGER SIDE DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20170821
5% of complaints: structure — 6 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured February 29, 2016, to May 6, 2016.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lot number on the steering column, replacing the steering column, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2016.
Campaign 16V292000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured September 21, 2016, to September 23, 2016.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the knee guard welding on each vehicle's steering beam, replacing the beam as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 14, 2016.
Campaign 16V716000 — check if this car was fixed
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2017 Subaru Legacy — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for visibility/wiper issues (33 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (28 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 16V292000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V716000 (air bags, steering) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2017 Subaru Legacy reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2017 Subaru Legacy is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Subaru Legacy?
The most-reported component is visibility/wiper, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2017 Subaru Legacy have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.