1999 Subaru Legacy
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Subaru › Legacy › 1999
These records cover every 1999 Subaru Legacy. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 1999 Subaru Legacy. Newest first.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with front coil springs originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new york, new jersey, new hampshire, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, virginia, west virginia…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Depending on the location of the fracture, a broken spring could move past the spring seat and contact a front tire. some tires have deflated due to contact with a broken spring.
Remedy
Dealers will notifiy customers to bring their vehicle to an authorize dealership to have a spring guard installed on both front struts to prevent tire puncture and replace any broken springs free of charge. owner notification began september 18, 2001. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Vehicle description: passenger and sport utility vehicles equipped with anti-lock braking system (ABS). (the 1999 2.2 liter legacy vehicles are excluded). in extremely cold weather, the brake pedal goes to the floor and the vehicle stopping distance IS increased.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition causes the vehicle stopping distance to be increased, possibly resulting in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles, also service parts supplied to subaru dealers are involved (lot numbers F01 j21d2, F01 j30d2, F02 j09d1, F02 j09d2, and F02 j20d1). the purolator oil filter cans used on these vehicles can fracture causing a vaporized oil spray and subsequent oil leak.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This vaporized oil spray can result in oil vapor ignition by the hot exhaust system resulting in a possible underhood fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace these engine oil filters.
Owner complaints
94 complaints18 involved a crash1 involved a fire12 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Suspension
Front right coil spring broke at base of strut.
- Engine
Leaking coolant and replaced radiator, thermostat and still leaking and started to overhead. found out it was head baskets and did research on recalls for this year make and model. found out on forums that there were multiple problems with both types of engines that year the single and dual…
Leaking coolant and replaced radiator, thermostat and still leaking and started to overhead. found out it was head baskets and did research on recalls for this year make and model. found out on forums that there were multiple problems with both types of engines that year the single and dual overhead cam engines and all around the same mileage, but only the single overhead cam engine had the recall. I feel there should be a recall on the dual overhead cam engine as well.
- Suspension
Wife coming home from work spring blew and went through tire came to a sudden stop had it fixed when being fixed repair shop said other side was broke to so had both repaired later found subaru had a recall on this so called them on the 1800 number they said it was vin spec and ours wasn't on…
Wife coming home from work spring blew and went through tire came to a sudden stop had it fixed when being fixed repair shop said other side was broke to so had both repaired later found subaru had a recall on this so called them on the 1800 number they said it was vin spec and ours wasn't on there I wish it met that our car wouldn't have done the same thing. They refused to give any on the repair cost, so they advertise the car IS a safe car you hand down to your children but according to the manager I spoke with a 1999 and 140 thousand miles the car was beyond their worries. The car IS in otherwise good shape. I guess from where they stand if they make it a few yrs on a bad design noone gets hurt they are off the hook . I just think this IS unsafe and it should be taken care no matter what ... *tr
- Engine · Vehicle speed control
Started noticing a problem when coming down a long, steep hill with extensive shuddering when braking. when I got into town, there was a even more shuddering when coming to a stop at a red light. I had to pull on the parking brake to stop the car. when we started up again, it pulled very hard so…
Started noticing a problem when coming down a long, steep hill with extensive shuddering when braking. when I got into town, there was a even more shuddering when coming to a stop at a red light. I had to pull on the parking brake to stop the car. when we started up again, it pulled very hard so we pulled over and when I put the car into neutral, the engine raced up above 4,000 rpm. I shut the engine off, but when it was started again, it raced again. I eased it safely home a short distance away with the uncontrolled acceleration problem continuing. *tr
- Power train
Driving in heavy traffic in the left lane of I-78, the shifter popped out of 5TH gear by itself (that IS, without any human intervention). the vehicle completely lost power immediately, as it was now in neutral. *tr
- Air bags
I was stopped at the intersection of 23RD and union in seattle on my way to work. I was going north. it was about 7:40 a.m. On tuesday, 5/20/2014. I looked in my rearview mirror and saw a car coming up behind me and it looked like it was going to fast to stop. the driver didn't even seem to…
I was stopped at the intersection of 23RD and union in seattle on my way to work. I was going north. it was about 7:40 a.m. On tuesday, 5/20/2014. I looked in my rearview mirror and saw a car coming up behind me and it looked like it was going to fast to stop. the driver didn't even seem to slow down. my car was hit pretty hard. my airbag did not deploy. as far as I can recall my head or face did not hit the steering wheel. we got out of our cars. I did not see a license plate on his car either on the front or back of his car. I think that he said that he did not have his driver license...i'm not quite sure now. his car was a orange reddish mercedes, it looked like an SUV. it had tan interior. we moved our cars to the gas station parking lot to talk about the accident. my neck felt sore and painful. I decided to go to work as I drove my side began to hurt a lot, so I went to the doctor. there are new scratches on my bumper and other than that I can't tell if there IS any other damage to the car. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system · Power train
Hesitation, surging, and bucking at mid-range engine rpms. This has been a recurrent problem despite replacement of the throttle position sensor X3. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
TL* the contact owns a 1999 subaru legacy outback. The contact stated that while refueling, the filler neck corroded and fuel emitted from the tank. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the dealer confirmed that the filler neck needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileages were 128,782.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Automatic transmission problem: hesitates going into gear. Get stuck in neutral. Shift through the gears to see if it will go into gear. then try revving engine to slip it into gear. It can suddenly catch into gear and then the car surges forward or backwards, causing a dangerous situation.…
Automatic transmission problem: hesitates going into gear. Get stuck in neutral. Shift through the gears to see if it will go into gear. then try revving engine to slip it into gear. It can suddenly catch into gear and then the car surges forward or backwards, causing a dangerous situation. According to complaint sites on the internet, this IS a common problem in 5 years of subaru vehicles. This IS not acceptable. repair shop said the seals are "going" and I will likely need a new or rebuilt transmission. subaru should acknowledge the problem and offer a free fix. The car slipped into gear in a parking lot the other day (finally) and my car surged forward, almost hitting another car. I am no longer driving this vehicle (too dangerous). *tr
- Latches/locks/linkages · Structure › Body › Hood
With no prior warning, at approx 90km/h or 55 mph south bound on hwy-11 near orillia, on, canada. The hood latch failed, causing the hood to come back and shatter the windshield. There were no injuries, and my wife maintained safe control of the vehicle onto the paved shoulder. I found other…
With no prior warning, at approx 90km/h or 55 mph south bound on hwy-11 near orillia, on, canada. The hood latch failed, causing the hood to come back and shatter the windshield. There were no injuries, and my wife maintained safe control of the vehicle onto the paved shoulder. I found other complaints of this issue on line but the local dealership disavows any knowledge of this issue. We called our insurance company and discovered they had reduced our coverage on the vehicle to liability only with out consulting us. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 subaru legacy. The contact noticed that the check engine light appeared on the warning panel. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that the gas cap caused the light to appear on the dashboard. The contact then examined the vehicle while it…
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 subaru legacy. The contact noticed that the check engine light appeared on the warning panel. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that the gas cap caused the light to appear on the dashboard. The contact then examined the vehicle while it was turned on and noticed that gasoline was leaking underneath the vehicle. The failure mileage was 169,000 and the current mileage was 172,000.
- Vehicle speed control
I have a 1999 subaru legacy. on 2 separate occasions I experience sudden acceleration. once driving on expressway. lasted a few seconds. 2ND instance stopped at stop sign, foot on brake, car accelerated. foot was on brake & then put gear in neutral. I called dealership & was told that this…
I have a 1999 subaru legacy. on 2 separate occasions I experience sudden acceleration. once driving on expressway. lasted a few seconds. 2ND instance stopped at stop sign, foot on brake, car accelerated. foot was on brake & then put gear in neutral. I called dealership & was told that this happened because heater/ac was on dual m (feet & chest) & this was normal. I have had car checked & there IS nothing wrong with it. so they say. based on service mgrs response, others have complained about the acceleration. given the events with toyota --there should be further investigation.*cw
- Fuel system, gasoline
Fuel filler pipe leaks gas when filling. *Tr
- Equipment · Seat belts
Purchased a pre-owned 1999 subaru legacy in 2008 as a gift for my 18YR daughter. within months of ownership driver side shoulder belt ripped! I contacted local subaru dealership and was told it would cost $300 to order a new shoulder belt and an additional $300 to install it! regular mechanic…
Purchased a pre-owned 1999 subaru legacy in 2008 as a gift for my 18YR daughter. within months of ownership driver side shoulder belt ripped! I contacted local subaru dealership and was told it would cost $300 to order a new shoulder belt and an additional $300 to install it! regular mechanic won't install anything but a genuine subaru belt due to liability however I am a widow and cannot afford $300 for a part that has always lasted the lifetime of any vehicle that I have ever owned. given the mandatory nature of this part IS there anything that can be done to help me? I am less than impressed by subaru's response and obvious comfort with taking such a huge profit for a part that provides basic safety and must be warn by law! *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
I recently bought a used 1999 subaru legacy wagon. The previous owner told me there was an oil leak that resulted from the oil filter fracturing. This caused smoke to come from oil burning on the hot exhaust manifold. After owning the car for a few days, I had the oil changed and noticed that the…
I recently bought a used 1999 subaru legacy wagon. The previous owner told me there was an oil leak that resulted from the oil filter fracturing. This caused smoke to come from oil burning on the hot exhaust manifold. After owning the car for a few days, I had the oil changed and noticed that the vehicle still smokes around the exhaust manifold after driving it. I can also hear oil dripping from the filter onto the manifold. While online reviewing my car insurance, I noticed that this very problem IS a recall defect. I followed instructions and called subaru about this. The representative named patricia said that there was no recalls for this vehicle and quickly ended the conversation. I know this IS an issue with this vehicle and need this addressed. My wife and baby ride in this car. the recall # IS -98v127000. Thank you. *Tr
- Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springs
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 subaru outback. while backing out of the driveway at approximately 5 mph, the contact heard a clunking and rubbing noise. the contact exited the vehicle and discovered that the front passenger side coil spring failed and punctured the tire. the current and failure…
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 subaru outback. while backing out of the driveway at approximately 5 mph, the contact heard a clunking and rubbing noise. the contact exited the vehicle and discovered that the front passenger side coil spring failed and punctured the tire. the current and failure mileages were 160,000. updated 06/09/08 *bf the consumer was told his vehicle identifaction number was not included in the recall # 01v216000. Updated
- Suspension › Front
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 subaru legacy. the contact was concerned that his vehicle may experience the failure mentioned in nhtsa campaign ID number 01v216000 (suspension:front springs:coil springs). there had been no failure to date. the current mileage was 138,000.
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
The speedometer and odometer started working intermittently about four month ago. The dealer says the speedometer will have to be replaced at a cost of approximately $430+ (parts and labor). The vehicle IS only 8years old with less than 110,000 miles. Several other consumers submitted identical complaints. *tr
- Vehicle speed control
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 subaru legacy. while driving 2 mph, the contact released the accelerator pedal. before the brake could be applied, the vehicle lunged forward and crashed into a building. the vehicle was towed to the insurance company. both the vehicle and building were damaged. a…
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 subaru legacy. while driving 2 mph, the contact released the accelerator pedal. before the brake could be applied, the vehicle lunged forward and crashed into a building. the vehicle was towed to the insurance company. both the vehicle and building were damaged. a police report was filed. the cause of the failure had not been determined. the mileage was low on the vehicle because the odometer was replaced at 50,000 miles. the current and failure mileages were 16,000.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 subaru legacy. the contact stated that the transmission will shift into neutral without warning. there IS a 15-20 second delay when shifting the vehicle from park to drive. the vehicle was diagnosed as needing a new transmission. the purchase date was unknown. the…
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 subaru legacy. the contact stated that the transmission will shift into neutral without warning. there IS a 15-20 second delay when shifting the vehicle from park to drive. the vehicle was diagnosed as needing a new transmission. the purchase date was unknown. the current mileage IS 86,000 and failure mileage was 83,000. the consumer stated lou thomas suburu informed him the transmission could be repaired for $3400 close to the value of the car, but the consumer never had the car fixed at that repair shop. The consumer shopped at other transmission shops one informed could rebuild the transmission but would results may not be good. The consumer purchased a transmission from the salvage yard had it installed and found that it was infact defective. The consumer stated the vehicle has not been fixed to satisfaction and been parked ever since. Updated 07/06/07 *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Car overheated randomly. Have replaced radiator, water pump, 3 thermostats, head gaskets, and had heads machined at shop. Still overheated and died frequently. had it to mechanic multiple times. Each time they say it was fixed. Being towed back to repair shop today because it won't even start now. *ak
- Fuel system, gasoline
Dt*: the contact stated the check engine light IS constantly illuminated. the vehicle was taken to dealer for diagnostic test; the code was P133 flow air meter. there IS nhtsa technical service bulletin # wwg90, regarding the fuel system air flow meter sensor. the vehicle has the same problem as indicated in the technical service bulletin. the manufacturer was alerted.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Dt: the contact states there IS a nhtsa recall campaign ID #98v127000 concerning the engine. This consumer experienced the same symptoms as indicated in the recall, but his vehicle identification number was not included in the recall. There have been no repairs to the vehicle. *jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Dt: consumer has a 1999 subaru legacy and complained about a transmission problem. when the consumer started the vehicle and put into drive it idled and then went into drive. when coming to a complete stop, the vehicle went into a mode. the consumer had to rev the engine and it would kick…
Dt: consumer has a 1999 subaru legacy and complained about a transmission problem. when the consumer started the vehicle and put into drive it idled and then went into drive. when coming to a complete stop, the vehicle went into a mode. the consumer had to rev the engine and it would kick in. the consumer took the vehicle to the dealership and was told there was a problem with the seal and the transmission had to be replaced. consumer felt it was too soon to replace the transmission at 61,000. the consumer noticed the problem approximately three months ago. *ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap
Engine warning light came on. dealer did analysis and states that fuel filler 'pipe' IS corroded and needs to be replaced. costly. fuel system should not corrode. fire hazard??????? Car IS 6 yrs old and 67,000 careful miles.*ak
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10240110This bulletin announces the recommended cleaning procedures to followed when encountering vehicles with long time exposure to pollen on painted surfaces on vehicles imported from Japan. This bulletin does not apply to SIA built vehicles.
- 10234260Repair Procedure for High-Pitched Sound from Extension Housing Area Using Latest Generation Production Parts
- 10219492This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 10219491This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
- 10209915This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic essential information during diagnosis and repair of the Infotainment concerns. (Applicable to all models with Harman or Denso CP1 Infotainment).
- 10198758This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models
- 10198749This bulletin is to advise of SOAs revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
- 10187315To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate Special Service Tool.
- 10179378Special Service Tools Cross Reference List.
- 10174543All Models (Vehicle Cleaning- COVID-19Best Practices)
- 10163525This Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips. This will prevent the pad from dragging due to corrosion buildup which may result in uneven or premature wear of the replacement brake pads. This additional instruction applies to all models with brake pads using the upper and lower pad clips and has been added to the brake pad installation procedures found in the related Service Manuals.
- 10161824Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newletter.
- 10161813To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate Special Service Tool.
- 10037968Subaru: there IS a steering wheel vibration at highway speeds due to an imporper wheel balance.
- 10022343Headlight bulb socket repairs.
- 10019343Rubbing mark on timing belt. Subaru.
- 10002989Replacement of the electronic control unit (ecu) for anti-lock brake system (ABS) repair. Update.
- 10001726Clutch pedal sticking.
- 10001352Transmission control unit (tcu) code 45 and all-wheel drive harsh engagement.
- 10001351Floor mat hook repair.
- 10000642New procedure for replacing rear wheel bearings.
- 633865Subject regarding air flow meter sensor.
- 632240Subject regading air flow meter sensing unit availability.
- 631081Subject regarding popping out of fifth gear condition.
- 627826Information regarding front spring guard bulletin update.
- 626926Information regarding seat belt latch slides to the lower seat belt anchor. Updated
- 625877Subject on regarding steering knocking/rattle noise when turning.
- 614000Some vehicles may exhibit a check engine light indicator illiminated and code p0705 stored in the emission control unit (ecu).
- 613408Customer complaint that the a/t temperature light flashing and code 38 found in the tcm.
- 610541Some customers may comment about the a/t temperature light flashing and code 38 found in the tcm.
- 610540Subject regarding air intake chamber box breakage.
- 610539Some customers may complain of slight hesitation on acceleration.
- 610111This bulletin mentions if you have a 1999my or later vehicles with the new (second generation) 4EAT and are diagnosing a code for a duty solenoid, check the transmission oil pan for any dents.
- 610108Information on the cruise control replacement kit.
- 606645Subject regarding brake master cylinder safety recall campaign on some vehicles with ABS.
- 605778Information on installing rear differential protector .
- 602660Subject on transmission control module shift logic.
- 602168Installation instructions for addendum foglamp kit.
- 601454Subject on vehicle emission control information ( veci ) label.
Every Subaru Legacy model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.