1997 Subaru Legacy: check engine light

6 of the 139 complaints about the 1997 Subaru Legacy describe check engine light.

owner complaints: 6
of this car's complaints: 4%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 2 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Check engine light by model year

2021
5
2020
4
2019
1
2018
1
2017
2
2016
3
2015
4
2014
2
2013
4
2012
5
2011
7
2010
9
2009
1
2008
3
2006
30
2005
11
2004
3
2003
2
2002
4
2001
2
2000
5
1999
4
1998
5
1997
6
1996
6
1995
3
1992
1
1991
2

What owners say

Filed Dec 3, 2003 · Engine · 63,000 miles · CA · fire

Problems with vehicle blowing head gaskets.*mr while driving, the check engine light illuminated, smoke came from under the hood and the tail pipe. Vehicle was towed to a subaru dealership where it was discovered the problem was a blown head gasket. Coolant and oil sprayed all over the engine and ignited a small fire on the exhaust manifold, but it extinguished itself. Consumer had vehicle towed to her local dealer. She obtained two opinions and they both said the same thing. Extreme coolant loss but no evidence of a leak. It appeared without taking the engine apart to be a factory defect. It's either a defective head gasket, casting flaw in the metal or a head that wasn't torqued properly. Consumer would like subaru to cover the entire cost a of a engine (including labor), reimbursement for air flow and filter replacement, reimbursement for towing, cost of a rental car, and mechanic's vehicle check for a total of $1976.16 dollars.

Filed Oct 7, 2003 · Engine · CA · fire

While traveling at 70 MPH engine light illuminated and smoke came from under hood. Driver pulled over, popped hood, and noticed coolant and oil sprayed over engine. Also a couple of flames were present. Dealer said it was a blown head gasket.

Filed Feb 1, 2000 · Engine, Transmission · OR

The scratch on the glass is on both drivers side and passenger side. I was told it is from the inner door metal rubbing against the glass when windows go up and or down. The mark on the glass is about and inch wide and deep enough that it will not come off. The check engine light came on during the drive home from the lot. The cause according to the dealer was that the cam belt slipped off by one tooth. The rear wheel bearings are needing to be replaced under normal driving conditions. There is no abnormal wear and considering the low 53,000 miles - this should not need to be done. Car when cold idles rough, heat sheild rattles, dash lights in center console not working, extream corrosion under car effecting suspension and making noise when turning wheel right or left.

Filed Jan 6, 2000 · Electrical · NH

Check engine light went on - car drove without incident - light went out- light went on again, and car began to vibrate and make knocking sounds. Was taken to dealer, where they found wiring defective.

Filed Dec 17, 1998 · Engine · CT

Engine running very rough. Vehicle stalls out after going 20mph. Intermittent problem. Been to dealer 9 times for problem. Check engine comes on & only warning given.

Filed Jul 7, 1998 · Lights · MS

Brake and engine lights continually on.