Two problems related to wiring have been reported for the 1997 Subaru Legacy. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Car was sometimes difficult to start, other times it would stall/hesitate when in motion on city street. Discovered to be caused by aged/worn fuel pump causing overcurrent draw that fails to blow fuse causing meltdown in wiring harness connector where pigtail from pump connects to the chassis side of the wiring harness. Heat/spark potential is created in close proximity to fuel tank that has many reported cases of fuel filler neck rusting off and leaking fuel. A quick google search reveals that a number of people, with photos, have experienced this failure. Photo provided is from internet but the result is the same.
Check engine light went on - car drove without incident - light went out- light went on again, and car began to vibrate and make knocking sounds. Was taken to dealer, where they found wiring defective.