Two problems related to engine failure have been reported for the 1997 Subaru Legacy. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
I have now replaced my Subaru 97 engine 5 times, and each time the new/used engine failed. Each engine had between 60 and 80,000 miles on it. In most of these cases, the engine blew a headgasket.
Defective engine valves/pistons, causing total engine failure.