2017 Subaru Legacy: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2017 Subaru Legacy: 2 recalls, 119 owner complaints and up to 29 mpg combined.

Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Steering Vehicle recall #16V292000 · 2016 · 48,819 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Airbags, Steering Vehicle recall #16V716000 · 2016 · 54 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 6 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Visibility/Wiper (33): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Electrical (30): the most common themes are electrical failure (26), warning light on (4), rust / corrosion (4).
- Other / unknown (21): the most common themes are electrical failure (5), stalls / loses power (3).
- Steering (9): the most common themes are steering problems (5), noise or vibration (2).
The 2017 Subaru Legacy has 119 owner complaints, ranking #11 of 36 Legacy model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 88). Complaints peaked in 2022 (28 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 31,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2016 (147 complaints, 3 recalls), 2018 (117 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 25 | 34 | 29 | Regular |
| 3.6 L 6-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 28 | 23 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2017 Subaru Legacy.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2017 Subaru Legacy have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2017 Subaru Legacy. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2017 Subaru Legacy problems?
Owners have filed 119 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are visibility/wiper (33), electrical (30), other / unknown (21).
What gas mileage does the 2017 Subaru Legacy get?
EPA ratings run up to 29 mpg combined (2.5 L, Automatic (AV-S6)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2017 Subaru Legacy repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.