Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2017 Subaru Legacy
The 2017 Subaru Legacy has known steering and electrical system issues, influenced by recalls and complaints. It's crucial to verify the steering column and knee guard bracket integrity. Additionally, be vigilant about electrical system anomalies due to frequent owner complaints.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2017 Subaru Legacy has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns and 119 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, for the 1 NHTSA-tested trim.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #16V716000 Improperly Aligned Knee Guard Bracket NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V292000 Loss of Steering Ability NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Visibility/Wiper 33 complaints
- Electrical System 30 complaints
- Unknown or Other 21 complaints
- Steering 9 complaints
- Air Bags 7 complaints
- Structure 6 complaints
Of the 119 complaints on file, 10 report a crash and 1 a fire; across all 119 complaints, owners report 6 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Knee guard bracket loose
How to check: Inspect the knee guard bracket near the steering column.
Steering column machining issues
How to check: Turn the steering wheel; ensure it affects the wheels.
Frequent electrical system problems
How to check: Check for erratic electrical component behavior.
Engine performance issues
How to check: Listen for knocking or check for rough idling.
Service brake complaints
How to check: Test the brakes for responsiveness and noise.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises or rough idle.
Red flag: Persistent knocking sounds.
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Observe any dashboard warning lights.
Red flag: Any warning lights remain on.
- 03
Parking maneuvers
What to check: Check steering wheel responsiveness.
Red flag: Steering feels loose or unresponsive.
- 04
City driving
What to check: Test electrical components (windows, wipers).
Red flag: Windows or wipers malfunction.
- 05
Braking
What to check: Test brakes for smooth stopping ability.
Red flag: Brakes feel unresponsive or noisy.
- 06
Highway acceleration
What to check: Monitor engine response and noise.
Red flag: Sluggish acceleration or loud engine noise.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the steering column been repaired?
- Any recurring electrical issues?
- How often is the vehicle serviced?
- Any history of engine problems?
- Have all recalls been addressed?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Vehicle service records
- Recall repair receipts
- Vehicle title
- Previous owner records
- Warranty documentation
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2017 Subaru Legacy at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2017 Subaru Legacy? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.