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NHTSA vehicle safety data

2017 Subaru Legacy Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2017 Subaru Legacy has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns and 119 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Subaru dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2017 Subaru Legacy, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2017 Subaru Legacy owner complaints

Owners have filed 119 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Subaru Legacy, describing incidents dated August 23, 2016 to September 4, 2026.

Most-cited components

  • Visibility/Wiper 35 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).

Newest complaints

  • ODI #11762314 · Filed

    Since the battery replacement settlement I've had 3 batteries die from my car being off, the latest battery replacement was 3/2026. I can't tell what my milage is since the battery is so dead that none of the displays turn on when I hit the start button

  • ODI #11718100 · Filed

    Major fuel leak within engine bay

  • ODI #11713928 · Filed

    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.

Read all 119 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2017 Subaru Legacy in 1 investigation. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Improperly Aligned Knee Guard Bracket

NHTSA #16V716000 · Steering — Column · NHTSA notice

Reported October 6, 2016 · Subaru of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 54 vehicles

Repair completion: 100% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Subaru campaign WTL-72 · Owners notified November 14, 2016 · Vehicles built September 21, 2016 – September 23, 2016 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Loss of Steering Ability

NHTSA #16V292000 · Steering — Column · NHTSA notice

Reported May 11, 2016 · Subaru of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 48,819 vehicles

Repair completion: 99.82% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Subaru campaign WTD-65 · Owners notified May 13, 2016 · Vehicles built April 18, 2016 – April 29, 2016 (per NHTSA)

DO NOT DRIVE — this recall carries a "do not drive" advisory. Contact a Subaru dealer immediately.

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer 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 are advised not to drive their vehicles.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Other Subaru Legacy model years

Check your 2017 Subaru Legacy VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Subaru Legacy at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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