Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Subaru Outback owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Head gasket failure. Purchased in 2/07 (est. Date) began to fail at least in 1/05 (1x). Then weekly in 7/05. But May have been signs of problem as early as 1997/1998. Result of problem is unexpected and rapid bubbling over and overheating placing occupants in potentially dangerous situation. For example, almost stranded in blizzard in 1/05. Had to pull over on high speed highways in summer 05 due to rapid red lining and risk of engine fire. Subaru picked up 1/2 cost although not in warranty for us and has done 1/2 to full for others who complained. One of the 2.5l engines has been subject to recall. The 2.5l engine in our car has not been recalled but we believe that the problems are as frequent (and worse) and the car should be recalled. This is not an isolated incident. Local mechanic said he sees frequently on Subaru Outback. …
'97 Subaru Outback wagon impeccably maintained 85,000 mi is overheating. Began as intermittent problem approx 5 months ago. Flushed radiator, repl cap, pressure tested radiator. Driving down hill on mountain road in morning cold, overheats after about 6 miles. Repl thermostat, water pump, timing belt. Subaru dealer repair mechanic says head gasket. Googled problem online before replacing thermostat. Blogs from Outback owners with same symptoms say head gasket. An incredible number of blogs describing the same problem and statements that Subaru has never taken responsibility for this flaw which has affected so many Outback owners. This is a crime.
Outback 1997: 108,000. Car overheated suddenly on a short trip. Replaced thermostat and flushed/filled radiator at local Firestone. Two days later, car overheats. In both cases, radiator fluid ejected onto engine. Took car to dealer who identified the now very common "blown head gasket". Repairs made at a cost to me of $1400! This is a defect in these automobiles that needs to be taken care of by Subaru. What does it take for this problem to be addressed? I was fortunate to not have burned my engine, others have not been. Time to take action!!
The now infamous "blown head gasket" in phase I 2.5l engines is the focus of my complaint. Subaru of America has at least recognized the phaseii 2.5l engines in 1998 models and newer, but only because of a different metal was the "problem". The overwhelming number of cases in the phase I 2.5l (1998 and prior) engine is an obvious indicator of design flaw in the actual shape of the product itself. A recall investigation is a definite must. Just another unhappy Subaru customer.
This is the standard Subaru 2.5l head gasket failure problem. I add this to the database to increase the pressure on Subaru of America to address this problem properly. For more information see: http://mysite.verizon.net/vze730qe/guestlog.html the symptoms are as follows. Car engine began overheating -- large temperature spikes and then would return to normal. Engine oil appeared in coolant reservoir. Coolant spews onto engine. Loss of power in some gears.
1997 Subaru Outback 2.5 dohc engine 1) car was suddenly leaking anti-freeze, brought it in to shop asap 2) head gasket busted, ruined the engine 3) needed to replace most of engine, including block checked other sites, this seems to be a hugely common problem with Subaru 2.5 dohc engines and they aren't doing anything about it.
Spark plug popped out of head while driving, engine died. Spark plug unable to be reinserted resulting in a head replacement. Very expensive! Only 135000 miles regular mechanic said that he has seen 4 of these cases in this model in the last 3 months. No acknowledgement form dealer about mechanical defect.
Noticed oil leaking from engine. Had to have front crank seal replaced. Also needed to get timing belt replaced as oil leaked into timing belt cover. Cost $368 to get fixed. Leakage began when car was just a few years old. That should not have happened as car had not been in accident or abused.
1997 Subaru Outback blown head gasket. The vehicle lost internal heat and the engine temperature read hot. The consumer pulled over and checked under the hood and did not notice any loss of steam, however, the reservoir bottle was empty and fluid had spilled all over the engine. The consumer was aware of six other vehicle that had experienced the same problem.
Local Subaru dealer has sold these parts several times recently. It appears to be a known problem. When this fails the pully system of the engine falls apart, literally, resulting in the loss of electrical power, power steering, brake warning... This would have been dangerous had we not been on a back road with no traffic.
Engine complaints in other Outback years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1997 Subaru Outback?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1997 Subaru Outback, 30% of the model year's 79 complaints. The component named most often is engine (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Subaru Outback engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1997 Subaru Outback, though it has 4 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 Outback engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 108,000 miles.
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.