1997 Subaru Legacy: sudden loss of power

5 of the 139 complaints about the 1997 Subaru Legacy describe sudden loss of power.

owner complaints: 5
of this car's complaints: 4%
recalls: 0

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

Sudden loss of power by model year

2022
1
2021
1
2020
3
2019
1
2016
3
2015
1
2014
1
2013
1
2012
1
2011
4
2010
2
2009
1
2006
4
2005
5
2004
1
2001
1
2000
2
1999
1
1998
2
1997
5
1996
4
1995
2
1994
2
1993
3
1992
1

What owners say

Filed Feb 24, 2009 · Engine · 195,748 miles · WA

I am sure you have received other complaints regarding the 2.5l engine in 1997 subaru legacy gt's. The head gaskets are very weak, which when they blow, can cause a loss of power due to a rush of coolant flowing into the system, which kills the engine. This problem is very widespread, and subaru does not admit anything. However, in canada, subaru was sued for this same issue. There are thousands of people out there that are experiencing erratic failure with these head gaskets, and there isn't even a tsb on them. Please, help us!

Filed Dec 10, 2001 · Engine · OR

Intermittent severe hesitation - has become safety issue when sudden power loss occurs in traffic under acceleration.

Filed Dec 4, 2001 · Acceleration · OH

While attempting to make a left-hand turn, I pushed the gas pedal to the floor, and the car started moving in front of oncoming traffic before completely losing power. I pushed the accelerator to the floor again, and got the same result, almost causing a crash. I have since been able to recreate the problem by pushing the accelerator to the floor from a stop.

Filed Jan 14, 1999 · Electrical, Lights · CO

While driving at 45 MPH the alternator went out, causing the consumer to lose all power. Also, headlights went out, and steering became difficult. Manufacturer denies problem. *ak

Filed Nov 7, 1998 · Engine · MA

Engine problem 1. After each oil change, engine shows severe hesitation during acceleration at RPM's below 2500 (feels like late ignition timing), which results in loss of power - dangerous when merging into traffic. When RPM's reach 2500, the power returns to normal, and the car starts accelerating much faster, creating a possibility of running into a car in front. This behavior gradually disappears over the next 1500 miles and reappears again after the next oil change. Subaru dealers do not admit any problem. Engine problem 2. When cruising in neutral (standard 5-speed transmission), the RPM stay around 1200 - 1500 in most cases (~95%). They fall to normal 800 only after full stop. In other 5% of situations they fall to normal as you would expect them to. Again, subaru dealers do not admit any problem.