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2017 Subaru Legacy Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 20263 Critical Recalls
Daniel Wilson
2017 Subaru Legacy Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2017 Subaru Legacy has 135 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve visibility/wiper and electrical system.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

7.5/ 10

Based on 135 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

VISIBILITY/WIPER

33 24.4%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

27 20%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

21 15.6%

STEERING

9 6.7%

AIR BAGS

7 5.2%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is VISIBILITY/WIPER, accounting for 24.4% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 24 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2017 Subaru Legacy

The 2017 Subaru Legacy has 135 owner complaints in this dataset. VISIBILITY/WIPER is the most common complaint category, representing about 24% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2017 Subaru Legacy are VISIBILITY/WIPER (33), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (27), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (21).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 58 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2017 Subaru Legacy?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2018 Legacy complaints2016 Legacy complaints2019 Legacy complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 24 of 24 systems

VISIBILITY/WIPER

33 Reports24% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

SUNROOF GLASS SPONTANEOUSLY BROKE WHILE DRIVING ON A TWO LANE DIVIDED HIGHWAY. THERE WERE NO OTHER VEHICLES AROUND WHEN THIS HAPPENED. THIS CAUSED GLASS TO FALL DOWN ONTO ALL THE PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE. *TR

1/15/2017

HELLO, I HAVE NOTICED AN ISSUE WITH 2017 SUBARU LEGACY WINDSHEILDS. WHEN THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE IS ABOVE 88F AND THE "AUTO" CLIMATE CONTROL IS SET TO 68C THE DIFFERENCE IN THE TEMPERATURE BETWEEN THE OUTSIDE AIR, AND THE COOLING INSIDE AIR DRAMATICALLY INCREASES THE WEAKNESS AND BRITTLENESS OF THE WINDSHEILD, SUCH THAT WHEN SOMETHING HITS IT, IT ALMOST INSTANTANEOUSLY CRACKS MORE THAN 7-8 INCHES IN LENGTH. I AM NIW HAVING MY SECOND WINDSHEILD REPLACED IN THE LAST 2 MONTHS BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. BOTH TIMES I WAS DOING ABOUT 70MI/HR ON I-94...I KNOW WINDSHEILDS CRACK WHEN SOMETHING HITS THEM, BUT THIS WAS DIFFERENT THE STRIKE WAS BARELY NOTICEABLE, SOMETHING THAT IF CONDITIONS WERE COOLER OR THE TEMPERATURE EQUALIZED, I DONT THINK THE THERMODYNAMICS WOULD BE RIGHT FOR. THANKS, CHRIS

7/6/2017

31 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

27 Reports20% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN GOING ON IN MY 2017 SUBARU LEGACY WITH ONLY 8,000 MILES & STILL UNDER WARRANTY. ON JUNE 18TH WE LEFT HOUSTON FOR SOUTH DAKOTA WITH ASSURANCE FROM THE DEALERSHIP THAT AS LONG AS THE LIGHT WAS NOT FLASHING THE CAR WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. ON THE 2ND DAY OF OUR TRIP THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYED ON CONSTANTLY & WE WERE NOT UNABLE TO USE OUR CRUISE CONTROL. WE HAD THE CAR DIAGNOSED & REPAIRED IN RAPID CITY, SD. AT COURTESY SUBARU. IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS A WIRING HARNESS. IT WOULD TAKE 1500 HOURS TO REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TORN COMPLETELY APART. I HAVE ATTACHED PHOTOS. SUBARU REPAIRED THE VEHICLE BUT SINCE THEN THE VEHICLE IS NOT THE SAME. THE USB OUTLET DOESN'T WORK ANYMORE. THE CAR LINER AND WIRING IS SHOWING IN PLACES THAT IT WASN'T BEFORE. THERE ARE SCRATCHES ON THE VEHICLE THAT WEREN'T THERE BEFORE AND LINING IN THE TRUCK ISN'T ATTACHED. I HAVE LOST ALL TRUST IN THE VEHICLE. WHAT HAPPENS IF 1 YEAR, OR ANYTIME IN THE FUTURE THE VEHICLE'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILS OR WORSE CATCHES FIRE? I CONTACTED SUBARU REQUESTING A BUY OUT OR TRADE IN OPTION. THEY HAVE REFUSED ONLY TO OFFER A 5 YEAR, 60,000 MILE WARRANTY. I DO NOT WANT THE VEHICLE & WILL SELL IT SO I ASKED THE DEALERSHIP IF RUNNING A CARFAX WOULD SHOW THE WIRING ISSUE & THEY SAID YES. THAT INFORMATION WILL LESSEN THE VALUE OF THE VEHICLE AS A TRADE IN BUT I WILL NOT SELL THIS VEHICLE TO A PRIVATE PARTY WITH THE ISSUES AND I WILL NOT KEEP IT KNOWING THAT SOMETHING ELSE COULD GO AWRY. I ONLY WANT TO BE TREATED FAIRLY BUT SUBARU WILL ONLY SAY THAT THE VEHICLE DOES NOT QUALIFY UNDER THE LEMON LAW AND REFUSES ANY REMEDIES EXCEPT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. I DO HAVE A COPY OF THE EMAIL STRING WITH SUBARU CUSTOMER SERVICE IF NEEDED.

7/12/2019

KEY WILL NOT REMOVE FROM IGNITION WHEN STOPPED RESULTING HAVING TO LEAVE CAR UNLOCKED NOT SURE IF PARK IS FULLY ENGAGED IN TRANSMISSION RUNS BATTERY DOWN FROM KEY BEING LEFT IN A ON POSITION THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM

7/7/2020

25 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

21 Reports16% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WINDSHEILD- THE MATERIALS USED FOR THE WINDSHIELD IN THIS VEHICLE ARE SUBSTANDARD. I LEASED THE VEHICLE ON 4/18/2017 AND IT IS NOW 10/24/2017 AND MY WINDSHEILD HAS CRACKED TWICE. THE FIRST TIME IT CRACKED I HAD IT REPLACED RIGHT AWAY. THIS TIME I DECIDED TO WAIT A WEEK OR SO TO SEE IF IT WOULD CONTINUE TO HAVE ISSUES THE WINDSHIELD HAS NOW CRACKED IN THREE DIFFERENT PLACES. I HAVE NOT CHANGED MY DRIVING HABITS AND MY PREVIOUS VEHICLES HAVE NEVER HAD THIS ISSUE. I DID SOME ONLINE RESEARCH AND SPOKE TO SOME OTHER SUBARU OWNERS AND THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH NEWER OUTBACKS AND LEGACY MODELS. IT IS UNACCEPTABLE FOR SUBARU TO SELL THESE OBVIOUSLY FAULTY WINDSHIELDS TO THE PUBLIC I HAVE MADE COMPLAINTS TO THE SUBARU DEALER AND I JUST GET THE RESPONSE THAT THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO EXCEPT REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD AT FULL RETAIL COST.

10/24/2017

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

12/16/2018

19 more complaints are available in this category.

STEERING

9 Reports7% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

AFTER PURCHASING MY VEHICLE IN NOVEMBER, MY STEERING FELT OFF IN DECEMBER. A COUPLE WEEKS LATER MY TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR SERVICE AND THERE WAS A NAIL IN MY TIRE. SUBARU REPAIRED THE TIRED. UPON LEAVING SUBARU, STEERING CONTINUED TO FEEL OFF . PULLING TO ONE SIDE CONSTANTLY. I TOOK THE CAR IN TO SUBARU AGAIN FOR A WHEEL ALIGNMENT ON JANUARY 23RD. THEY CONFIRMED IT WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT AND FIXED IT. THE CAR DROVE GREAT FOR 2 WEEKS AND AGAIN IT IS OFF. CAR IS EXTREMELY HARD TO KEEP IN THE LANE; IF IT IS WINDY IT IS EVEN WORSE. NO MATTER IF I AM GOING UNDER 30 OR ON THE HIGHWAY. THE STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT ALIGN WITH THE WHEELS AGAIN. I HAVE DRIVEN THE SAME ROUTE TO WORK EACH DAY M-F FOR 5 YEARS. THERE ARE NO POT HOLES. IT IS A SHORT COMMUTE HOWEVER I AM STARTING TO FEEL UNSAFE DRIVING. DO I TAKE IN THE CAR AGAIN? I LOVE THE CAR BUT EITHER THE TIRE IS BAD OR THE ALIGNMENT/STEERING IS BAD.

2/13/2017

THE STEERING HAS NO RESISTANCE TO INPUT FROM THE ROAD OR CROSSWIND, HEAVY/SLUSHY SNOW, ETC. YOU HAVE TO STEER INTO A CROSSWIND AND AS SOON AS THE WIND IS GONE, THE CAR VEERS. THIS HAPPENS WITH THE WIND GIVEN OFF WHILE PASSING THE FRONT OF A SEMI TRUCK OR OTHER LARGE COMMERCIAL TRUCK. THE STEERING IS VERY EASY FOR THE DRIVER BUT HAS NO "FEEL". IT NEEDS MORE WEIGHT TO RESIST OUTSIDE FORCES. I'VE HAD IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY ALIGNED IT BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. THEY SAY IT IS INHERENT TO THE DESIGN OF THE CAR. THIS OCCURS REGULARLY. IT ALSO SEEMS TO PERPETUALLY UNDERSTEER GOING INTO SWEEPING CURVES ON A HIGHWAY OR STATE ROUTE. YOU START STEERING BUT ENTER THE CURVE STRAIGHT BEFORE THE STEERING STARTS TO WORK. IT RESULTS IN A JERKY EXPERIENCE.

2/10/2018

7 more complaints are available in this category.

AIR BAGS

7 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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. CANNOT GET ANSWER AS TO WHY...SIDE IMPACT AIRBAGS DEPLOYED?? SUBARU DEALER SAID THEY WILL ONLY DEPLOY WHEN YOU HAVE A ROLL OVER OR SIDE IMPACT. MECHANIC STATED THAT NONE OF THE SENSORS WERE EFFECTED AND NONE OF THE AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED.

8/21/2017

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. IT HAD MASSIVE DAMAGE AND AFTER TWO MONTHS IN SHOP, STILL PULLS TO THE RIGHT. I NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL ON THIS CAR BUT IT WAS SENDING ME MESSAGES THROUGH STARLINK SAYING THERE WAS A POWER STEERING PROBLEM. I WILL TRY TO ATTACH THAT SCREEN SHOT. ALSO THE DEALER THAT SOLD US THE CAR HAS BEEN NO HELP AT ALL. THE CAR WAS DRIVING AND IN MOTION. NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED EITHER.

2/13/2019

5 more complaints are available in this category.

STRUCTURE:BODY

6 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THIS CAR HAVE VERY ANNOYING WIND NOISE COMING FROM TOP OF BOTH SIDE WINDOW (AROUND B PILLAR) WHEN SPEED OVER 40MPH. AND I WENT TO DEALER TWICE TRY TO FIX THIS ISSUE, BUT THEY SAID TSB 12-185-15R CAN ONLY APPLY TO 15-16 YEAR MODELS, NOT FOR 17 YEAR MODEL. BUT THIS IS EXACTLY SAME PROBLEM ON THE EXACT SAME CAR.. THIS ISSUE WILL CAUSE DISTRACTED WHEN DRIVING IN HIGH SPEED!!!

11/30/2017

GAS CAP DOESN'T OPEN. I DECIDED TO BUY THIS CAR LAST YEAR BECAUSE ANOTHER LEGACY CAR HAD THE SAME REPAIR SHOWING ON ITS CARFAX. AND NOW I HAVE THE PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. THE REP SAID TODAY THAT THEY HAD ANOTHER CAR TO REPAIR FOR THE SAME ISSUE.

5/9/2019

4 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE

5 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL AND COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE ENGINE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND IT OPERATED NORMALLY; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE LATER OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE DEALER PERFORMED DIAGNOSTIC AND FUEL TESTING, WHICH PRODUCED A CODE OF P1603 AND A GOOD FUEL READING; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO USE A DIFFERENT FUEL STATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 800.

4/24/2017

WHEN I GO TO PARK MY 2017 SUBARU LEGACY, I PUT MY CAR IN PARK AND THE KEY WILL NOT TURN. IT GETS STUCK AND THE ENGINE WILL NOT TURN OFF. CONSEQUENTLY, I AM NOT ABLE TO TURN OFF MY CAR AND TAKE MY KEY OUT. THE DEALER TOLD ME TO BACK UP MY CAR AND THRUST MY GEAR SHIFTER INTO PARK. THEN I WAS ABLE TO TURN THE KEY OFF. HOWEVER, THE SITUATION CONTINUES TO HAPPEN EVERY TIME THAT I DRIVE THE CAR. IT IS CLEARLY AN ISSUE WITH THE ENGINE/CAR AS THIS NEVER HAPPENED PRIOR. I WAS TOLD THAT SUBARU'S FREQUENTLY HAVE DEFECTIVE SOLENOIDS THAT HOLDS THE KEY IN WHEN THE CAR IS RUNNING MIGHT BE DEFECTIVE. I HAVE NOT YET SEEN A RECALL.

10/22/2019

3 more complaints are available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

4 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TWO WEEK OLD VEHICLE WITH 980 MILES. THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED SINCE DELIVERY. THE BRAKES ARE SOFT AND GO ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR WITH NO FURTHER PEDAL TRAVEL AFTER COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. THIS IS REPEATABLE AND OCCURS EVERY TIME YOU COME TO A COMPLETE STOP AT A LIGHT OR STOP SIGN AND MAINTAIN THE PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE PEDAL WILL SLOWLY SINK TO THE FLOOR IF PRESSURE IS MAINTAINED. SUBARU OF AMERICA IS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE AND IS UNABLE TO FIX PROBLEM AT THIS TIME. THEY HAVE ASSIGNED A CASE NUMBER TO MY ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE AND ARE WORKING ON IT. THIS ISSUE APPARENTLY AFFECTS OTHER 2017 SUBARU VEHICLES. ONE DEALER TECHNICIAN, AFTER VERBALLY STATING THEY FELT WHAT I FELT WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL, FOUND THAT OTHER 2017S DID THE SAME THING SO WROTE "NO PROBLEM FOUND" ON THE WORK ORDER. ANOTHER SUBARU DEALER ALSO WITNESSED THE PROBLEM AND WROTE ON THE WORK ORDER THAT THE BRAKES FELT NORMAL UNTIL COMING TO A FULL STOP AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. THEY THEN STATED TWO OTHER 2017S ON THE LOT DID THE SAME THING. I CONSIDER THIS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE.

8/25/2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY ON A HILL AND WHEN HE STARTED TO EXIT THE VEHICLE IT STARTED TO ROLL BACKWARDS DOWN THE DRIVEWAY. THE CONTACT HAD TO QUICKLY TURN THE STEERING WHEEL IN TO A BACKWARDS U TURN TO TURN THE VEHICLE BACK INTO HIS YARD. THE CONTACT AVOIDED THE VEHICLE CRASHING INTO THE NEIGHBOR'S YARD. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND DRIVE IT BACK IN TO THE DRIVEWAY AND PUT ON THE PARKING BRAKES. HE ALSO PLACED STONES BEHIND THE TWO REAR WHEELS TO HELP PREVENT ANOTHER BACKWARD ROLL. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED. THE VIN TOOL DID NOT SHOW ANY RECALLS. THE CONTACT HAD THE DRIVER'S SIDE FENDER AND DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR REPAIRED SINCE THEY WERE DAMAGED DURING THE INCIDENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000.

11/9/2020

2 more complaints are available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

3 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL AND COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE ENGINE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND IT OPERATED NORMALLY; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE LATER OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE DEALER PERFORMED DIAGNOSTIC AND FUEL TESTING, WHICH PRODUCED A CODE OF P1603 AND A GOOD FUEL READING; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO USE A DIFFERENT FUEL STATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 800.

4/24/2017

When running on a highway and you press down on the accelerator hard to merge onto a highway or go around a vehicle to move out of the way of vehicles quickly coming up behind you, the engine takes over and speeds up on its own. It has occurred three times on a newly purchased used car and it will increase speed up to 100mph. You have to press intermittently on the brakes to pull over to the shoulder and turn off the car for five minutes for the car to reset. If you try to just break, you get a burning smell. I see two class action lawsuits on similar acceleration issues for 2015 to 2017 Outback/Legacy series.

3/27/2023

1 more complaint is available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

3 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY ON A HILL AND WHEN HE STARTED TO EXIT THE VEHICLE IT STARTED TO ROLL BACKWARDS DOWN THE DRIVEWAY. THE CONTACT HAD TO QUICKLY TURN THE STEERING WHEEL IN TO A BACKWARDS U TURN TO TURN THE VEHICLE BACK INTO HIS YARD. THE CONTACT AVOIDED THE VEHICLE CRASHING INTO THE NEIGHBOR'S YARD. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND DRIVE IT BACK IN TO THE DRIVEWAY AND PUT ON THE PARKING BRAKES. HE ALSO PLACED STONES BEHIND THE TWO REAR WHEELS TO HELP PREVENT ANOTHER BACKWARD ROLL. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED. THE VIN TOOL DID NOT SHOW ANY RECALLS. THE CONTACT HAD THE DRIVER'S SIDE FENDER AND DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR REPAIRED SINCE THEY WERE DAMAGED DURING THE INCIDENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000.

11/9/2020

Driving to work in the morning I began slowing down for a red light. When the vehicle get to ten miles an hour there was a loud bang and felt like the car downshifting. I stopped and checked nothing was abnormal , no warning lights or and signs of damage or failure and the vehicle continued to function normally. So I proceeded to work roughly 20 miles. About 30 minutes later as I was on the off ramp and at about the same speed of 10 miles per hour the vehicle had multiple loud bangs followed but screaching and metal grinding. I was at my job so I pulled into the parking lot as to not get stuck in the road. The vehicle made one more louder bang and all the warning light illuminated and the vehicle lost all ability to drive. Underneath was a puddle off oil. This vehicle has 89,000 miles and to have thus happen to the transmission for no apparent reason was a shock and disappointment. I felt my heart drop as this morning could have ended alot worse while I was on the road and express way surrounded by other motorist. Transmission should not disintegrate or complete fail at this mileage unless they are defective. This was not what was expected in safety and durability from this manufacturer.

1/27/2023

1 more complaint is available in this category.

WHEELS

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

AFTER PURCHASING MY VEHICLE IN NOVEMBER, MY STEERING FELT OFF IN DECEMBER. A COUPLE WEEKS LATER MY TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR SERVICE AND THERE WAS A NAIL IN MY TIRE. SUBARU REPAIRED THE TIRED. UPON LEAVING SUBARU, STEERING CONTINUED TO FEEL OFF . PULLING TO ONE SIDE CONSTANTLY. I TOOK THE CAR IN TO SUBARU AGAIN FOR A WHEEL ALIGNMENT ON JANUARY 23RD. THEY CONFIRMED IT WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT AND FIXED IT. THE CAR DROVE GREAT FOR 2 WEEKS AND AGAIN IT IS OFF. CAR IS EXTREMELY HARD TO KEEP IN THE LANE; IF IT IS WINDY IT IS EVEN WORSE. NO MATTER IF I AM GOING UNDER 30 OR ON THE HIGHWAY. THE STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT ALIGN WITH THE WHEELS AGAIN. I HAVE DRIVEN THE SAME ROUTE TO WORK EACH DAY M-F FOR 5 YEARS. THERE ARE NO POT HOLES. IT IS A SHORT COMMUTE HOWEVER I AM STARTING TO FEEL UNSAFE DRIVING. DO I TAKE IN THE CAR AGAIN? I LOVE THE CAR BUT EITHER THE TIRE IS BAD OR THE ALIGNMENT/STEERING IS BAD.

2/13/2017

I NOTICED 1 OF THE ORIGINAL TIRES THAT CAME ON MY NEW SUBARU LEGACY HAD A SIDEWALL BULGE. WHEN LOOKING AT THE WHEEL YOU COULD NOT SEE ANY MAKES TO INDICATE I HIT A POT HOLE OR CURB. ABOUT A MONTH LATER I NOTICED ANOTHER TIRE HAD THE SAME ISSUE. THE DEALERSHIP LOOKED AT THE FIRST TIRE AND OFFERED TO REPLACE IT FOR FREE SINCE IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY WHEN I REPORTED IT. UNFORTUNATELY WHEN I SAW THE SECOND TIRE THE WARRANTY HAD LAPSED. WHILE WAITING FOR THE TIRES TO COME IN I DID NOTICE ONE OF THE BULGES HAD DOUBLED IN SIZE. IN THE TIME I SAW IT FOR THE FIRST TIME AND REPLACING IT I PUT NO MORE THAN 300 MILES ON THE CAR.

6/26/2018

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT RELEASED HER FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UP A HILL AND CRASHED INTO A WALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 300.

5/18/2017

When running on a highway and you press down on the accelerator hard to merge onto a highway or go around a vehicle to move out of the way of vehicles quickly coming up behind you, the engine takes over and speeds up on its own. It has occurred three times on a newly purchased used car and it will increase speed up to 100mph. You have to press intermittently on the brakes to pull over to the shoulder and turn off the car for five minutes for the car to reset. If you try to just break, you get a burning smell. I see two class action lawsuits on similar acceleration issues for 2015 to 2017 Outback/Legacy series.

3/27/2023

SUSPENSION

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

Vehicle is difficult to control, especially when driving on uneven roads, or when it is windy. It takes a lot of effort to keep the car in one lane. The ride is rough, and you can hear and feel every little bump in the road. More than a rough ride, this will oftentimes throw my vehicle off path which feels like the car is not in my control momentarily. For instance, it will follow the direction of any cracks/grooves in the road, despite both my hands being on the wheel. This deviation requires immediate correction or risk collision. A passing vehicle moving at a high rate of speed will also push my car off track, which is obviously dangerous on the freeway.

1/25/2022

When i brought car in for an oil change. cam carrier leak, was reported to me that there was a cam carrier leak. When i look online there are countless reports of this. Seems like there could be something faulty with the engine. Subaru offered to cover the repair as a 1 time curtesy. But if there is an issue with the design of an engine then this should be looked at further. The rear brushings are also failing don't think this should happen so quickly, maybe faulty brushings. no warning lights.

5/23/2023

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

SUNROOF GLASS SPONTANEOUSLY BROKE WHILE DRIVING ON A TWO LANE DIVIDED HIGHWAY. THERE WERE NO OTHER VEHICLES AROUND WHEN THIS HAPPENED. THIS CAUSED GLASS TO FALL DOWN ONTO ALL THE PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE. *TR

1/15/2017

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, A CRACK FORMED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO GARCIA SUBARU NORTH (6401 SAN MATEO BLVD NE, ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87109) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CRACK WAS CAUSED BY A ROCK STRIKING THE WINDSHIELD. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT A ROCK SHOULD NOT HAVE CAUSED SUCH SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE WINDSHIELD. THE WINDSHIELD WAS NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000.

6/29/2020

LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

WHEN DRIVING MY VEHICLE FROM LAS VEGAS NV TO MESQUITE NV THE BSD/RCTA AUTOMATICALLY DISABLED ITSELF OUT OF NOWHERE. I HAVE LOW MILEAGE ON MY VEHICLE AND MY VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT SO I TOOK IT TO SUBARU DEALERSHIP WHERE I GET ALL MY MAINTENANCE DONE AND THEY HAVE NO CLUE WHY ALL OF THE SUDDEN THE SENSOR MALFUNCTIONED AND IT WAS AT NO FAULT TO MY OWN THEY SAID BUT SINCE THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER IN WARRANTY SO I WILL HAVE TO PAY A PRETTY PENNY AND I JUST FEEL THAT SHOULD BE THE MANUFACTURER DO TO THE FACT THAT THIS IS A SAFETY FEATURE ON THEIR VEHICLES AND IT WAS NOT MY FAULT IT MALFUNCTIONED IT WAS THEIR SYSTEM.*DT*JB

12/16/2020

BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

WHEN DRIVING MY VEHICLE FROM LAS VEGAS NV TO MESQUITE NV THE BSD/RCTA AUTOMATICALLY DISABLED ITSELF OUT OF NOWHERE. I HAVE LOW MILEAGE ON MY VEHICLE AND MY VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT SO I TOOK IT TO SUBARU DEALERSHIP WHERE I GET ALL MY MAINTENANCE DONE AND THEY HAVE NO CLUE WHY ALL OF THE SUDDEN THE SENSOR MALFUNCTIONED AND IT WAS AT NO FAULT TO MY OWN THEY SAID BUT SINCE THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER IN WARRANTY SO I WILL HAVE TO PAY A PRETTY PENNY AND I JUST FEEL THAT SHOULD BE THE MANUFACTURER DO TO THE FACT THAT THIS IS A SAFETY FEATURE ON THEIR VEHICLES AND IT WAS NOT MY FAULT IT MALFUNCTIONED IT WAS THEIR SYSTEM.*DT*JB

12/16/2020

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

A 2017 Subaru Legacy was stopped on a hill, on the shoulder of a two lane service road. The driver, who was the car owner, placed the gear selector in park, left the motor idling, exited the vehicle, closed the driver side door, loaded several logs into the trunk, and slammed the trunk. The passenger remained in the vehicle, seated in the passenger seat. The motor idled for about 10 minutes after the driver exited the vehicle. No alarms sounded to alert the driver or passenger that the car was not left as intended—motor running and in park. The vehicle remained completely stationary for about 10 minutes until the passenger reached over and pushed the ignition button to turn off the engine. At this time, the vehicle started to roll forwards down the hill. The passenger was not able to climb over the center console into the driver seat, but found she was was able to steer the vehicle. The passenger steered the vehicle by reaching over from the passenger seat. The passenger steered the vehicle onto the service road and away from a group of people standing on the shoulder in front of the car down-hill from the vehicle. She steered the vehicle through an open chain-link gate. The service road ends at the bottom of the hill in a T with a public road— Glenallen Avenue. The car crossed the public road that momentarily was without traffic. The car continued onto the shoulder on the far side of Glenallen Avenue where it finally was stopped by crashing into a tree. The air bags deployed. The passenger sustained a fractured left hand, a fracture of the right shoulder and sprained right foot. The passenger pushed the ignition again and the gear selector in case the engine was still running, because she feared a potential explosion. Her injuries required medical attention, and she was taken by ambulance to a local hospital. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a towing lot. The car manufacturer was contacted. The insurance company determined that the vehicle was destroyed and not able to be repaired. The approx

3/9/2022

TIRES:BEAD

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TIRE SIZE - 225/50R19. MY 2017 SUBARU LEGACY HAS APPROXIMATELY 17,000 MILES. AS I HAND WASH MY CAR I NOTICED THAT ALL 4 TIRES HAVE SIGNIFICANT CRACKS ON THE SIDEWALL. I'M CONCERNED ABOUT DRIVING MY CAR ON THE HIGHWAY AND I OFTEN PICK-UP OUR 3 GRANDCHILDREN FROM SCHOOL WHICH ALSO CONCERNS ME. THESE ARE MY OBSERVATIONS BUT I'VE ALSO READ A FEW SIMILAR ISSUES ON THE GOODYEAR WEBSITE BUT THEY REFERRED TO THE PROBLEM AS DRY ROT? THANK GOD NO ACCIDENTS OR FLATS BUT I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE TIRES LOSING AIR. I JUST WANT PIECE OF MIND AND I WILL GO TO A GOODYEAR TIRE DEALER SOON TO GET THEIR OPINION. HOPE TO HEAR BACK FROM YOU SHORTLY. THANK YOU!

5/7/2022

TIRES:SIDEWALL

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TIRE SIZE - 225/50R19. MY 2017 SUBARU LEGACY HAS APPROXIMATELY 17,000 MILES. AS I HAND WASH MY CAR I NOTICED THAT ALL 4 TIRES HAVE SIGNIFICANT CRACKS ON THE SIDEWALL. I'M CONCERNED ABOUT DRIVING MY CAR ON THE HIGHWAY AND I OFTEN PICK-UP OUR 3 GRANDCHILDREN FROM SCHOOL WHICH ALSO CONCERNS ME. THESE ARE MY OBSERVATIONS BUT I'VE ALSO READ A FEW SIMILAR ISSUES ON THE GOODYEAR WEBSITE BUT THEY REFERRED TO THE PROBLEM AS DRY ROT? THANK GOD NO ACCIDENTS OR FLATS BUT I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE TIRES LOSING AIR. I JUST WANT PIECE OF MIND AND I WILL GO TO A GOODYEAR TIRE DEALER SOON TO GET THEIR OPINION. HOPE TO HEAR BACK FROM YOU SHORTLY. THANK YOU!

5/7/2022

TIRES:TREAD/BELT

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TIRE SIZE - 225/50R19. MY 2017 SUBARU LEGACY HAS APPROXIMATELY 17,000 MILES. AS I HAND WASH MY CAR I NOTICED THAT ALL 4 TIRES HAVE SIGNIFICANT CRACKS ON THE SIDEWALL. I'M CONCERNED ABOUT DRIVING MY CAR ON THE HIGHWAY AND I OFTEN PICK-UP OUR 3 GRANDCHILDREN FROM SCHOOL WHICH ALSO CONCERNS ME. THESE ARE MY OBSERVATIONS BUT I'VE ALSO READ A FEW SIMILAR ISSUES ON THE GOODYEAR WEBSITE BUT THEY REFERRED TO THE PROBLEM AS DRY ROT? THANK GOD NO ACCIDENTS OR FLATS BUT I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE TIRES LOSING AIR. I JUST WANT PIECE OF MIND AND I WILL GO TO A GOODYEAR TIRE DEALER SOON TO GET THEIR OPINION. HOPE TO HEAR BACK FROM YOU SHORTLY. THANK YOU!

5/7/2022

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated while attempting to remove the key from the ignition, the key remained stuck in the ignition. The contact restarted the vehicle, shifted to reverse and back to park, and was able to remove the key from the ignition. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but the vehicle was not diagnosed. The mechanic stated that sometimes the key might get rusted, causing it to be difficult to remove from the ignition. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

9/23/2022

VISIBILITY

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a loud popping noise was heard, and then a crack formed from the bottom of the windshield without impact. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the windshield needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the windshield needed to be replaced another time. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that the failure reoccurred after she started the vehicle. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V712000 (Visibility); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was advised to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was unknown.

4/19/2023

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The car had been going on several local stops. Car was in the middle of a main thoroughfare ready to turn on to interstate ramp when the car completely stopped functioning. Battery light came on briefly before the vehicle became completely non-responsive. Among other things non-functioning, Emergency lights would not work, electric park brake would not engage. Could not get out of car to flee danger as car would freely roll and no way to stop except to hold brake with foot pressed. Ultimately car was chocked and jumped by AAA tow truck. Technician said battery was dead but alternator was working when he started it up. After 3 days of diagnostics, Subaru dealer cannot find a fault which let the new auto battery simply drain to nothing state and thus make the car non-responsive. Thank the good Lord this did not happen after turning on to the interstate.

6/18/2023

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2017 Subaru Legacy?

The most reported complaint category for the 2017 Subaru Legacy is VISIBILITY/WIPER, with 33 owner reports. That is about 24% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include VISIBILITY/WIPER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER.

Are complaints about the 2017 Subaru Legacy a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 58 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2017 Subaru Legacy?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2017 Subaru Legacy severe?

58 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Subaru Legacy: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
135
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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