Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Subaru Legacy owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Brakes did not work when driver braked to avoid accident on road ahead. Driver had to swerve off road into ditch, sliding down slope and impacting culvert and causing extensive damage to car. Car towed away. Car repaired at springfield va Subaru dealer, and completely checked out. Several weeks later, car brought in to dealer to address brake concerns (shuddering, noise), dealer said brakes were OK. Car brought in again for continuing brake concerns, dealer then said all 4 brakes needed replacement at cost of about $800. We contacted Subaru customer service regarding this, they refused to communicate a reply to us until only after repeated calling. They told us they would refuse to provide any refund on the brake work (we thought the repair excessive in cost). My concern is there is a brake flaw with the Subaru Legacy outback that is not being acknowledged by Subaru. …
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 while the car is at idle in n or p will usually help, at -20 degrees, I have to let the car idle for 5 to 10 minutes and then try it. The dealer indicated that this is not uncommon, but that there is no easy fix for this. This has happened every winter since I bought the car in 2001.
While driving on the highway at 45mph another vehicle pulled out in front. Consumer hit brakes on dry pavement and wheels locked up/vehicle skidded. Contact dealer,was not able to help. When going downhill and some what slippery surface, such as snow, the brakes would lock up and the vehicle kept on sliding down the hill. Replaced the brake rotors, front brakes only, and tires still having the same problem.
When traveling at any speed and upon attemting to make a normal stop on wet pavement or in cold weather conditions, brake pedal traveled to the floorboard, causing extended stopping distance, and resulting in an accident. Consumer has contacted dealer. Dealer wa sunable to determine the cause of the problem. Please provide any further details.
Vehicle lurches forward after brakes are applied. Vehicle jumps forward a few feet before stopping completely. Happens when vehicle is stopped. Last incident resulted to impact with another car in parking lot. Dealer could not find fault on two occasions. Says it May be due to air conditioner coming on.
While driving, at approx 65mph, experienced. ABS failure when attempting to disengage cruise control by appyling brakes there was no response, subsequently when applied more pressure to brake pedal, wheels locked, causing vehicle to hit barrier.
While driving with cruise engaged,attempted to brake and to disengage cruise control, there was no response, cruise continued, upon pressing harder on brake pedal, vehicle wheels locked up, went into skid, hit barrier at approx. 65mph, not fixed.
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 have had the brakes grab and become extremely hot to the point that we are now on our fourth set of calipers with just over 36,000 miles on the car. Our mechanic advises this problem is quite common on Subaru's for at least the 1996 through 1998 model years. We have had the brakes replaced three times but do not have the old parts available.
7) all 4 rims have a tendency to collect road silt and water inside. This imbalances the car and May explain some of the brake problems. Perhaps airflow under the vehicle should be studied. 8) left rear passenger window does not go up all the way any longer. 84,000 miles. 9) pads and springs located on frame where the rear gate closes against the body are rusted tight. 10) dash lights for HVAC have failed at about 30,000 miles. 11) gas gauge does not descend accuratly.
1) all 4 rims have a tendency to collect road silt and water inside. This imbalances the car and May explain some of the brake problems. Perhaps airflow under the vehicle should be studied. 2) pads and springs located on frame where the rear gate closes against the body are rusted tight. 3) dash lights for HVAC have failed at about 30,000 miles. 4) gas gauge does not descend accuratly.
Brake complaints in other Legacy years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1997 Subaru Legacy?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Subaru Legacy, 19% of the model year's 139 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Subaru Legacy brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1997 Subaru Legacy, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1997 Subaru Legacy brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.