This page covers 2 recalls, 118 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2017 Subaru Legacy.
23–29 mpg combined
8.1–10.2 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
For the 2017 Subaru Legacy, the heaviest complaint volume centers on visibility and wiper issues, followed closely by the electrical system. On the visibility side, owners most commonly describe windshields cracking without any apparent impact, some report going through multiple windshield replacements in a single year, with cracks appearing shortly after installation. Wiper performance problems also come up repeatedly. Electrical complaints cover a range of symptoms including malfunctioning components and erratic behavior, though no single electrical failure dominates the reports. Steering draws a smaller but notable cluster of complaints, with owners describing unexpected behavior or loss of control during low-speed maneuvers. A few isolated reports mention catalytic converter failures with repeated replacements needed, and a single report raises a concern about the passenger seat occupant sensor not detecting a passenger.
118
Total Complaints
10
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
6
With Injuries
By System
The 2017 Subaru Legacy has two recalls, the more serious being a steering column defect where turning the steering wheel may have no effect on the direction of the wheels, which can cause a crash.
The second recall involves the driver's knee airbag bracket, which may not be securely fastened to the steering beam. If the bracket is loose and the driver is not wearing a seatbelt, the knee airbag may fail to properly restrain the driver's lower body in a crash, raising the risk of injury.
At a glance
What can fail
The knee guard bracket may not be properly attached to the steering beam assembly, potentially causing it to separate.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the knee guard welding on the steering beam and replace the beam if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
At a glance
What can fail
The steering column may have been improperly machined, causing the steering wheel to have no effect on wheel direction when turned.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the steering column lot number and replace it if necessary, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
