Subaru Legacy 2017 recalls, problems, complaints and safety
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls issued for the Subaru Legacy 2017 and 119 complaints filed by owners. One of them carries a do-not-drive or park-outside warning until repaired. It has 64% more complaints than the average Subaru Legacy from 2016–2025 (73 per year).
These are recalls issued for this model and year, not for your specific car. A car may already be repaired or may not be included. Confirm with your VIN on NHTSA.
Own or buying a Subaru Legacy 2017? Enter its VIN to see its exact trim and engine, and confirm on NHTSA whether its recalls were repaired.
Recalls issued for the Subaru Legacy 2017
Steering
NHTSA campaign 16V716000 · 2016-10-06
What happens
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.
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.
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Steering
NHTSA campaign 16V292000 · 2016-05-11 !
NHTSA and the manufacturer advise NOT to drive this vehicle until it is repaired.
What happens
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.
Consequence
The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash.
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Complaints from other owners
119 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.
10 with a crash · 1 with a fire · 6 injuries
Most reported problems on the Subaru Legacy 2017
- Wipers: 33 (28% of complaints)
- Electrical system: 30 (25% of complaints)
- Steering: 8 (7% of complaints)
- Air bags: 6 (5% of complaints)
- Structure and body: 6 (5% of complaints)
Complaints are written by owners and NHTSA doesn't verify each one. They're useful to spot trends.
What to check before buying a Subaru Legacy 2017
- Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
- Test every wiper speed and the washer.
- Test lights, windows, locks, the screen and dashboard warning lights; have trouble codes scanned.
- The wheel should be centered going straight, with no vibration, noises when turning or stiffness.
- Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.
Safety rating (NCAP)
| Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Subaru Legacy 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Subaru Legacy recalls by year
- 2016 : 3 recalls · 147 complaints
- 2017 : 2 recalls · 119 complaints
- 2018 : 3 recalls · 117 complaints
- 2019 : 3 recalls · 123 complaints
- 2020 : 6 recalls · 121 complaints
- 2021 : 3 recalls · 31 complaints
- 2022 : 2 recalls · 34 complaints
- 2023 : 2 recalls · 10 complaints
- 2024 : 0 recalls · 17 complaints
- 2025 : 0 recalls · 6 complaints
Guides for this check
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Subaru Legacy 2017 have?
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls issued for the Subaru Legacy 2017. That doesn't mean every car has them open: confirm with the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The repair is free at the dealer.
What is the most common problem with the Subaru Legacy 2017?
In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: wipers (33 of 119 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.
Model-level information from official NHTSA sources. Confirm by VIN on NHTSA. Not a substitute for a mechanical inspection.
Last updated: October 24, 2026. Sources: NHTSA vPIC (decoding), NHTSA Recalls, NHTSA Complaints and NHTSA NCAP (5-Star Safety Ratings).