Vehicle Guide

2017 Subaru Legacy Problems, Reliability & Owner's Guide

Common problems with the 2017 Subaru Legacy, reliability ratings, maintenance tips, and owner reviews. Get your complete owner's guide.

Overview

The 2017 Subaru Legacy is a midsize sedan built for drivers who want all-weather confidence, a comfortable ride, and strong long-term value. It sits in the heart of the family-sedan market, competing with models like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry while standing out with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The 2017 model year is part of the sixth-generation Legacy (introduced for 2015), benefiting from a modern cabin layout, strong safety tech availability, and a practical ownership profile. It’s ideal for commuters, small families, and snow-belt drivers who prefer sedan efficiency without giving up year-round traction.

Key Features

1) STANDARD ALL-WHEEL DRIVE: Every 2017 Legacy comes with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, a key advantage for wet, icy, and unpaved-road conditions compared to many front-wheel-drive rivals. 2) ENGINE OPTIONS: Most trims use a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (around 175 hp), while the Legacy 3.6R upgrades to a 3.6-liter 6-cylinder (around 256 hp) for stronger passing power and smoother acceleration. 3) CVT AUTOMATIC: A Lineartronic CVT is standard, tuned for fuel economy and daily driving. Some trims also include manual-mode programming and paddle shifters for added control. 4) SAFETY TECH (EYESIGHT): Many 2017 Legacy models offer Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist, typically bundling adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and lane-keep assist—features that are frequently cited in “2017 Subaru Legacy reliability” searches because they can reduce crash risk and long-term repair costs. 5) PRACTICAL INTERIOR AND TRUNK: A roomy rear seat, good outward visibility, and a large trunk make it a solid choice for road trips and family duties without stepping up to an SUV.

Common Issues & Reliability

If you’re researching 2017 Subaru Legacy problems, the good news is that many owners report dependable daily service when the car is maintained on schedule. However, there are several 2017 Subaru Legacy common issues that show up in owner complaints and service discussions: 1) INFOTAINMENT/TOUCHSCREEN GLITCHES: Some owners report head unit issues such as freezing, Bluetooth dropping, slow response, or screen resets. These problems can appear relatively early (often under 50,000 miles) and may require software updates or head-unit repair/replacement depending on the root cause. 2) BATTERY DRAIN OR EARLY BATTERY FAILURE: Intermittent parasitic draw complaints and frequent battery replacements are commonly discussed across Subaru models of this era. Symptoms include slow cranking, repeated dead batteries, and voltage-related warning lights, sometimes showing up between 20,000–60,000 miles depending on driving habits and climate. 3) CVT-RELATED DRIVEABILITY CONCERNS: While many CVTs run well for high mileage, some owners note shuddering, hesitation, or unusual RPM behavior. Concerns tend to appear more often as mileage climbs (roughly 60,000–120,000 miles), and proper fluid condition plus correct service diagnosis matters. 4) OIL CONSUMPTION OR MINOR LEAKS (VARIES): A subset of owners report needing to top off oil between changes or noticing seepage over time. This isn’t universal, but it’s important to monitor oil level, especially on higher-mileage examples.

Frequently Asked Questions

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