One problem related to manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe has been reported for the 1997 Subaru Outback. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
1997 Subaru Outback blown head gasket. The vehicle lost internal heat and the engine temperature read hot. The consumer pulled over and checked under the hood and did not notice any loss of steam, however, the reservoir bottle was empty and fluid had spilled all over the engine. The consumer was aware of six other vehicle that had experienced the same problem.