The 2017 Subaru Legacy is associated with 118 official NHTSA owner defect complaints and 2 safety recall campaigns in the federal safety database. The most frequently reported component area is Visibility & Wipers, accounting for 30 reports (25% of total complaints). EPA testing covers 2 certified vehicle configurations spanning 2.5l 4-cyl and 3.6l 6-cyl configurations. Gasoline and hybrid variants deliver 23 to 29 MPG combined.
Key Data Findings
- • NHTSA Owner Complaints: 118 reports
- • Safety Recall Campaigns: 2 campaigns
- • Top Reported Defect Area: Visibility & Wipers (30 / 25%)
- • Safety Incident Signals: 10 crash / 1 fire / 6 injury reports
- • NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5 / 5 Stars
- • EPA Efficiency: 23–29 MPG (2 variants)
Data Note: Compiled directly from official NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, and EPA FuelEconomy.gov databases.
| Variant | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Highway | Combined | EV Range | Est. Annual Fuel Cost |
| Legacy AWD | 2.5L 4-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S6) | 25 MPG | 34 MPG | 29 MPG | — | $2,100 / yr |
| Legacy AWD | 3.6L 6-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S6) | 20 MPG | 28 MPG | 23 MPG | — | $2,650 / yr |
Data Boundary Note: EPA specifications are shown by certified vehicle configuration. NHTSA complaints and recall totals are recorded at the model-year level across all configurations.
| Tested Drivetrain / Cab Variant | Overall Rating | Frontal Crash | Side Crash | Rollover Rating | Rollover Risk |
| 4 DR AWD | | | | | 10.100000000000001% |
Active Driver Assistance Systems (NHTSA Recorded): Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is documented as Optional and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is documented as Optional in official NHTSA records for tested 2017 Subaru Legacy models.
View complete 2017 Subaru Legacy crash test & safety breakdown →
Top Reported Problem Categories
Ranked by total consumer complaint submissions recorded by NHTSA
Data Attribution & Context: Complaints are self-reported by vehicle owners to NHTSA and represent unverified consumer submissions. Complaint volume does not equal a statistically controlled failure rate and is not adjusted for total vehicles sold or cumulative mileage driven.
View all 2017 Subaru Legacy problems & component breakdown (29 categories) →
Affected Component: STEERING:COLUMN
Defect 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.
Free 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.
Affected Component: STEERING:COLUMN
Defect 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.
Free 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.
View all 2017 Subaru Legacy recalls & campaign history (2 campaigns) →