The 1997 Subaru Legacy has 8 recalls, the most serious being a front suspension bracket that can crack and partially or fully separate, causing loss of vehicle control.
Recalls 3 and 4 describe the same issue: on vehicles with automatic transmissions, the shift lever assembly can fail due to weak welds, causing the ignition key to stick, the shift linkage to break, or the lever to move on its own, which can result in unexpected vehicle movement. The throttle body on certain vehicles is missing a shaft bearing, which can eventually prevent the throttle valve from returning fully and leave the engine idling too high. On the electrical side, the alternator can lose its ability to charge the battery; the warning light will alert the driver, but ignoring it can lead to a loss of power to essential systems. Two related recalls address the hazard warning switch, which can bind in its housing and either stay on unintentionally or disable the turn signals when switched off.
At a glance
What can fail
The alternator may fail to charge the battery, potentially causing electrical power loss and engine stall.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the alternator with a modified version. Owners should seek immediate repair if the alternator warning lamp illuminates.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
Improper welding can cause the front suspension support bracket to crack or break, affecting the front suspension's ability to function properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the front suspension support brackets and replace them if they are cracked or broken.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The ball bearing on the sensor side of the throttle shaft may not be installed in the throttle body assembly, causing potential throttle malfunction.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the throttle body and replace the throttle assembly if the bearing is missing.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Poor welds in automatic transmission shift lever assemblies can cause ignition keys to stick, shift levers or linkages to break, and shift levers to move unexpectedly.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the automatic transmission shift lever assemblies, except for the handle grip.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The automatic transmission shift lever assembly may fail due to weak welds. This can cause the ignition key to stick, the shift lever or linkage to break, or the shift lever to move improperly.
What the fix does
The automatic shift lever assembly will be replaced with a new one from a different supplier.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The ball bearing on the sensor side of the throttle body may be missing. Without it, the throttle valve might not return fully, causing the engine to idle at higher than normal speeds.
What the fix does
The throttle body will be inspected. If the bearing is missing, the entire throttle body assembly will be replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The hazard warning flasher button can stick in its housing, causing the hazard lamps to stay on continuously or preventing the turn signals from working when the button is pressed off.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a modified hazard warning switch to prevent the button from sticking.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The hazard warning light switch housing has insufficient space, which can cause the button to bind and stick inside the housing.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a modified hazard warning switch with proper clearance.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
