2017 Subaru Legacy Safety Report
2017 SUBARU LEGACY Safety Analysis
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2017 Subaru Legacy
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2017 Subaru Legacy. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Moderate (2) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (118) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 11 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Visibility/Wiper | Compare visibility/wiper issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2021 | Compare against the 2021 Subaru Legacy with 30 complaints and 3 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2015 | Check the 2015 Subaru Legacy before buying across this generation. |
Subaru Legacy Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Subaru Legacy years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Subaru Legacy | 111 | 3 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2016 Subaru Legacy | 143 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2019 Subaru Legacy | 118 | 3 | Use as a comparable safety baseline. |
| 2015 Subaru Legacy | 159 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2020 Subaru Legacy | 119 | 6 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2021 Subaru Legacy | 30 | 3 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2017 Subaru Legacy Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2017 Subaru Legacy, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Visibility/Wiper
30 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Visibility/Wiper issues Subaru onlyElectrical System
25 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Subaru onlyUnknown Or Other
16 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Subaru onlyAir Bags
6 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags issues Subaru onlySteering
6 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Steering issues Subaru onlyStructure
5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Structure issues Subaru onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Subaru Legacy
Reliability Score
The 2017 Subaru Legacy receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2017 Subaru Legacy
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2017 Subaru Legacy
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Subaru Legacy:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Column Recall Subaru is recalling certain model year 2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles due to a steering column issue that could lead to a loss of steering assist. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Fuel Leak A major fuel leak within the engine bay has been reported, posing a significant safety risk. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Catalytic Converter Failure The catalytic converter has been replaced twice, indicating potential issues with the exhaust system that could lead to unsafe emissions. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Key Stuck In Ignition The key frequently gets stuck in the ignition, causing inconvenience and potential safety hazards. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Subaru Legacy:
23% of reported issues involve the steering column.
15% of reported issues are related to battery failures.
10% of reported issues involve windshield replacements.
8% of reported issues are related to catalytic converter failures.
Recall Details for the 2017 Subaru Legacy
The following 2 recalls have been issued for the 2017 Subaru Legacy by NHTSA:
Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured September 21, 2016, to September 23, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the knee guard bracket may not be properly attached to the steering beam assembly.
Consequence: If the knee guard is not properly attached and the driver is not wearing a seatbelt, the knee guard may not be able to properly restrain the driver's lower body in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the knee guard welding on each vehicle's steering beam, replacing the beam as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 14, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTL-72.
Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured February 29, 2016, to May 6, 2016. The steering column on the affected vehicles may have been improperly machined, and as a result, turning the steering wheel may have no effect on the direction of the wheels.
Consequence: The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lot number on the steering column, replacing the steering column, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783 or by visiting http://www.wtd65.service-campaign.com. Subaru's number for this recall is WTD-65. Note: Until the vehicles have been inspected, owners ar...
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2017 Subaru Legacy
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2017 Subaru Legacy with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 3 complaints involved crashes. 3 reported injuries or fatalities.
Major fuel leak within engine bay
The battery has died several times and had to be replaced over the years due to a likely slow drain issue that Subaru is well aware of and was part of a class action suit against them.
I drove into the parking lot of Walgreens, then drove around and pulled into a parking spot facing the south side of the building and put my foot on the brake to stop and park. Instead of stopping, the car suddenly lurched forward violently and slammed into the brick wall of the building. My wife called 911 since I told her my chest really hurt. When the police came, I told them my foot must ha...
My 2017 Legacy is on it's 3rd windshield this year. I had impact damage on July 17th, had it replaced the first week of August, and it cracked without impact damage in October. Subaru refused to replace it under warranty and it was replaced through insurance in December. The genuine Subaru replacement windshields for 2015-2019 Legacy and Outback models appear to be defective and this should be ...
The OCS sensor is faulty and doesn’t detect a passanger and may cause the airbag not to deploy, this is common according to other Subaru owners. This is a common problem on many cars and those cars have been recalled
The catalytic converter has been replaced twice and is now needing a third replacement. The car emits gas fumes, unsafe emissions, and the fuel causes the mechanism to be extremely hot and unsafe. Over time, the car has had reduced gas flow and will stop running. The dealer has confirmed the three converters installed have been defective. The manufacturer, Subaru, was contacted to inspect th...
The mirror drivers side mirror wiggles. I. The even of a battery failure the electrical brake may fail
The key frequently gets stuck in the ignition. It takes several attempts to release the key. Turning the wheel to ensure the wheel isn’t locked and turning the ignition/car on does not help release the key from ignition.
The key constantly stuck in ignition. Sometimes 10 minutes to get out. Then won’t start ignition Key broke off in ignition … your stuck with this situation that Subaru is pretending to not know about
Electric Power Steering failure
The HOOD LATCH Failed, and hood came up at 70 mph on interstate. This has caused extensive damage.
the key gets stuck in the ignition and you have to slide the shifter back in forth till it unlocks. I'm showing recall on other Subaru but not on mine ? or at least my year of car. why is that ? everyday its takes longer and longer to get the key to release.
Jan 2021 my battery died. So I called AAA and they were able to replace it. Then last year I received a notice of a problem with batteries. I submitted a claim with the SUBARU BATTERY SETTLEMENT. I submitted my receipts. They denied my claim stating that I did not use a Subaru authorized dealer AND that I did not notify Subaru 10 days PRIOR to the new battery. I am at a loss to understand how this...
On May 16, 2023 I was driving a friend home. We were stopped at a red light and felt an impact. My friend said, "You've been hit." I went out to check. No one had hit the car. It had lurched forward while my foot was on the brake. On 6/1/23 I pulled out of a driveway, car was in drive, foot on brake, paused to set GPS, car lurched forward. I brought to the dealer. They said they drove it fo...
The car had been going on several local stops. Car was in the middle of a main thoroughfare ready to turn on to interstate ramp when the car completely stopped functioning. Battery light came on briefly before the vehicle became completely non-responsive. Among other things non-functioning, Emergency lights would not work, electric park brake would not engage. Could not get out of car to flee ...
Hood released and blew open while doing 50 mph. After checking oil level, I closed and verified hood was latched, which it was. Driving about 2miles down road, hood blew up causing instant panic and stopping. After pulling over, I found that the hood would no longer latch. I had to use a hammer to bend the latch forward enough to have it latch again.
When i brought car in for an oil change. cam carrier leak, was reported to me that there was a cam carrier leak. When i look online there are countless reports of this. Seems like there could be something faulty with the engine. Subaru offered to cover the repair as a 1 time curtesy. But if there is an issue with the design of an engine then this should be looked at further. The rear brushings ar...
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a loud popping noise was heard, and then a crack formed from the bottom of the windshield without impact. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the windshield needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that while driving at an undisc...
When running on a highway and you press down on the accelerator hard to merge onto a highway or go around a vehicle to move out of the way of vehicles quickly coming up behind you, the engine takes over and speeds up on its own. It has occurred three times on a newly purchased used car and it will increase speed up to 100mph. You have to press intermittently on the brakes to pull over to the shou...
Vehicle's batter discharges to the point where the vehicle has to be jumped or battery charged up. The vehilce had two batteries replaced in a span of 6 months and after the last repalcement I checked the batter about one month later and found the battery dead, 11.7 volts, I recharged the battery and made an appointment with the Subaru dealer in Santa Fe, NM. They checked the battery, which I co...
Showing 20 of 118 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2017 Subaru Legacy
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module
Opened 2021-09-17
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 20...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Subaru Legacy
Has the 2017 SUBARU LEGACY been recalled?
Yes, the 2017 SUBARU LEGACY has 2 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2017 SUBARU LEGACY have?
The 2017 SUBARU LEGACY has 118 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 10 involved crashes. 6 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2017 SUBARU LEGACY?
The 2017 SUBARU LEGACY received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 5/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 SUBARU LEGACY?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2017 SUBARU LEGACY involve visibility/wiper (30 complaints), electrical system (25 complaints), unknown or other (16 complaints). Other affected components include air bags, steering, structure.
How many crash reports does the 2017 SUBARU LEGACY have?
There are 10 crash reports associated with the 2017 SUBARU LEGACY out of 118 total complaints (8.5% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2017 SUBARU LEGACY have?
There are 1 fire reports for the 2017 SUBARU LEGACY out of 118 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2017 SUBARU LEGACY?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2017 SUBARU LEGACY.
How many injuries are reported for the 2017 SUBARU LEGACY?
6 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2017 SUBARU LEGACY. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2017 SUBARU LEGACY?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 SUBARU LEGACY is acceptable with caveats. It has 118 complaints, 2 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2017 SUBARU LEGACY?
The components with the most failures on the 2017 SUBARU LEGACY are: 1. VISIBILITY/WIPER (30 complaints), 2. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (25 complaints), 3. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (16 complaints), 4. AIR BAGS (6 complaints), 5. STEERING (6 complaints). VISIBILITY/WIPER is the single most-reported problem area with 30 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2017 SUBARU LEGACY?
Be cautious of potential steering and electrical system issues. Regular maintenance is crucial to avoid safety hazards. The 2017 SUBARU LEGACY has 118 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2017 SUBARU LEGACY?
The 2017 SUBARU LEGACY receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 118 owner complaints, 2 recalls, and 11 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Steering Column Recall and Fuel Leak.
What are the known issues with the 2017 SUBARU LEGACY?
Known issues with the 2017 SUBARU LEGACY include: Steering Column Recall, Fuel Leak, Catalytic Converter Failure, Key Stuck in Ignition. These are based on patterns found across 118 NHTSA complaints. 2 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2017 Subaru Legacy?
Yes, there are recalls related to the steering column that could lead to a loss of steering assist.
What are the common electrical system issues with the 2017 Subaru Legacy?
Common issues include battery failures and electrical system malfunctions.
Have there been any major safety concerns with the 2017 Subaru Legacy?
Yes, there have been reports of major fuel leaks and steering column issues that could pose safety risks.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of potential steering and electrical system issues. Regular maintenance is crucial to avoid safety hazards.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Subaru Legacy
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Subaru Legacy. The data includes 118 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 10 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 6 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2017 Subaru Legacy an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 5 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16