1997 Subaru Outback Subaru Outback 1997

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1997 Subaru Outback repairs by problem area

Engine (32%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (11%)

Brakes and Traction Control (5%)

Suspension and Steering (47%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (0%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (5%)

Other (0%)

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Chart based on 19 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 1997 Subaru Outback.

1997 Subaru Outback repair cost distribution

$2500+ (0%)

$1000 - $2499 (13%)

$500 - $999 (27%)

$100 - $499 (33%)

< $100 (27%)

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Chart based on 15 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

1997 Subaru Outback

Engine not specified

Subaru in Maine, United States
Apr 2013 - May 2013
May 2013

180000 mi

US $300
replaced rear wheel bearings 
Subaru in California, United States
Dec 2011 - Jul 2012
Jan 2012

US $2200
Valve problem in engine. 
Subaru in New York, United States
May 2013 - Jun 2013
Jun 2013

147000 mi

US $300
Replaced rear struts. 
Subaru in New Hampshire, United States
Jul 2012 - Jul 2013
Jul 2013

266000 mi
After many good years the passenger side head gasket failed (a common problem). I was lucky? enough to purchase the twin of this for $800 and used the old windshield, O2 sensors and brand new rear rotors and calipers in the new one. 
Subaru in Virginia, United States
Sep 2015 - Apr 2016
Mar 2016

133000 mi

US $700
Cooling system failed leading to weaping head gasket. Extimated cost to rebuild: 1,200. Sold car instead. 
Subaru in Utah, United States
Nov 2011 - Mar 2012
Dec 2011

123000 mi
The car has been several times for the same problem--major rattling under the car. Sounds like something in the suspension is falling off. It's been in and out of two different shops four times--one shop for four days! VERY unsuccessful. 
Mar 2012

124000 mi

US $600
Same problem--major rattling under the car. Sounds like something in the suspension is falling off. The prior repair shop replaced struts, but not the mounts. This time we replaced the mounts too. Still rattling. 
Subaru in Virginia, United States
Aug 2011 - Dec 2011
Sep 2011

157000 mi

US $1500
Head gasket replaced, head shaved, new timing belt 
Dec 2011

157000 mi
Wheel bearing replaced. 
Subaru in New York, United States
Nov 2010 - Jan 2011
Jan 2011

281000 mi

US $150
Stering rack failed 
Subaru in Utah, United States
Apr 2010 - Jun 2010
Jun 2010

122000 mi
Some oil leaks when sold. Also problems with car overheating, but topping off the fluids helped. 
Subaru in New York, United States
Apr 2010 - Aug 2010
Aug 2010

200000 mi
Left front headlight badly fogged when sold. 

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1997 Subaru Outback 4-door

4-cylinder manual AWD

Subaru in Washington, United States
Apr 2010 - Jun 2010
Jun 2010

181000 mi
The clutch wore out fast, The carrier bearing always chirped. Something in the shifter gave out making the knob feel like dead weight. Sold it before it was looked at. 
Subaru in New Jersey, United States
Mar 2011 - Jun 2012
Sep 2011

270000 mi

US $350
wheel bearings shot, new strut needed 
Nov 2011

273000 mi
inner tie rods and right front strut 
Subaru in California, United States
Feb 2011 - Nov 2017
Mar 2011

250000 mi

US $600
front brake caliper casing corroded, causing calipers to be stuck partially in braking mode. 
Aug 2011

252000 mi

US $580
wheel bearings needed to be replaced on both front wheels engine knock sensor 
Dec 2011

254000 mi

US $220
clutch rubber hyrdraulic line broke 

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1997 Subaru Outback Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 1997 Subaru Outback problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.