1997 Subaru Outback
This year had at least 30% fewer 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
- 79
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Engine and engine cooling
Campaigns on file for 1997
None on file
35% of complaints
Complaints per year
1997: 79 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 2 |
| 1996 | 46 |
| 1997 | 79 |
| 1998 | 127 |
| 1999 | 111 |
| 2000 | 207 |
| 2001 | 171 |
| 2002 | 143 |
| 2003 | 93 |
| 2004 | 90 |
| 2005 | 273 |
| 2006 | 277 |
| 2007 | 130 |
| 2008 | 226 |
| 2009 | 106 |
| 2010 | 360 |
| 2011 | 652 |
| 2012 | 295 |
| 2013 | 297 |
| 2014 | 208 |
| 2015 | 509 |
| 2016 | 642 |
| 2017 | 921 |
| 2018 | 816 |
| 2019 | 1,035 |
| 2020 | 903 |
| 2021 | 299 |
| 2022 | 465 |
| 2023 | 89 |
| 2024 | 105 |
| 2025 | 82 |
| 2026 | 21 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine and engine cooling
35% · 28 reportsMost commonly citing engine and cooling system.
Service brakes
11% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Vehicle speed control
10% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing cruise control and linkages.
Power train
10% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
Visibility
9% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing windshield wiper/washer and windshield.
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
1998-04-27Vehicle speed control98V035000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The throttle shaft ball bearing on the sensor side of the throttle body assembly was not installed in certain throttle bodies.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the throttle body and replace the throttle assembly if the bearing is missing.
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R
1998-06-15Power train98V042000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. Due to poor welds, ignition keys can stick, shift levers/linkages can break and shift levers can move.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the automatic transmission shift lever assemblies (Except the handle grip).
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R
1998-06-29Suspension98V091000 Vehicle description: passenger station wagon, sedan and sport utility vehicles. Due to improper welding, fractures can occur on the support bracket of the front transverse link.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace if necessary the front suspension support brackets.
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R
2001-09-18Suspension01V216000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with front coil springs originally sold in or currently registered in the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine…
Remedy: Dealers will notifiy customers to bring their vehicle to an authorize dealership to have a spring guard installed on both front struts to prevent tire puncture and replace any broken springs free of…
Buy-smart checklist
1997 Subaru Outback — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 28 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 9 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 8 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 98V035000 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 98V042000 · Power train
- Recall 98V091000 · Suspension
- Recall 01V216000 · Suspension
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1997 Subaru Outback reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Subaru Outback is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1997 Subaru Outback?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1997 Subaru Outback have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.