Our 1997 Subaru shares the common problem documented at forums.vmag.com/suvsubaru0200/messages/5096.html : namely, as with other Subaru Outbacks and foresters, it will spontaneously shift out of first gear into neutral -- completely by itself. It has been to the southern Oregon Subaru dealer in medford, Oregon twice and the dealer has refused to correct the problem both times (even though it is both a major safety issue as well as an in-warranty covered defect). It was reported to the southern Oregon Subaru dealer within approximately the first year of ownership when we had positively identified that it was not merely a problem with incorrect placement of the shift lever during shifting. Following the dealer's initial refusal to correct the problem, subsequent contact with Subaru of America resulted in the assignment of case number 201743. According to soa, the dealer allegedly was contacted. Nevertheless, on the second attempt to have the problem corrected, the dealer again refused. This appears to be a well-documented problem characteristic of Subaru Outback and forester vehicles (see the web site cited and related comments.) it appears that Subaru is unwilling to correct this problem unless required to by nhsta. Please protect myself and other Subaru owners by making this a mandatory safety recall. Thank you. No safety defect listed in summary.

- White City, OR, USA

I have previously owned a 1993 Subaru legacy wagon and it was a rewarding experience, with little trouble. Perhaps, my ruby red Subaru should be painted lemon yellow? please, stay tuned. M.a.roth

- Saratoga, WY, USA