1997 Subaru Outback from North America - Comments

Replaced the EGR Valve and Diaphragm. This is not a typical problem with Subarus so I guess I just got lucky. The engine makes a knocking noise when it is cold outside, and until the engine warms up. Dealer doesn't know what I'm talking about.

The brakes seem to make a creaking noise when they heat up after a lot of heavy use, such as long hill descent. Dealer doesn't know what I'm talking about.

The car starts reliably, despite any problems mentioned above. It has pretty high mileage, but I would still trust it to take cross-country. AWD has been invaluable so far this winter, and saved me from an accident once already. This is the third Subaru that my family has been involved with, although my first owned privately. Each one has been remarkable and I would gladly purchase again.

My only problems have been with the dealership, whose mechanics are idiots.

Using your brakes as a primary speed adjuster on hills can result in boiling the brake fluid and loosing your brakes all together. You should down shift when making long descents, rather than wearing out your brakes.

I have owned a 1997 Subaru Outback since the day it rolled off the line. I also have the exact same problem, a "knocking" sound in the engine when it is cold. I asked a local Subaru guru about this and he said it is very

common place among outbacks (and I assume legacy's).

There is no real fix for this problem, but is not by

any means something to worry about. More of a "nature

of the beast" sort of thing. It will not harm your

car or engine in any way. Just thought I'd add my

two cents.

I own a 1997 Subaru Outback Legacy. I like my car a lot, considering I've put about two thousand dollars into it this year. It has a ton of miles, around 160,000. I've had to replace the head gasget.. not cheap. Also I've had to replace both the rear and front shocks along with two tie rods. I guess some of that is due to the number of miles it has. Also it constantly leaks oil, and the engine does rattle. Overall for the amount of miles it has, and how well it drives through snow, I really do enjoy my Subaru.

My 1998 Forester 2.5L DOHC also Knocks when cold... Very known problem to all subarus! Car will run another 100K if you only make sure A. oli change. B. all fluids at the right level. C. Timing Belt replace every 60K. For knocking when cold I use Motor Honey $1.99 at AUTOZONE...