1998 Subaru Outback
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Subaru › Outback › 1998
These records cover every 1998 Subaru Outback. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1998 Subaru Outback. 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 vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. due to poor welds, ignition keys can stick, shift levers/linkages can break and shift levers can move.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition can cause unexpected movement of the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash or property damage.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the automatic transmission shift lever assemblies (except the handle grip).
Owner complaints
127 complaints9 involved a crash2 involved a fire8 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service brakes
While driving in the city streets, I came to a stop and realized the car would not stop. When I took my vehicle to the mechanic he said 3 brake lines on my subaru outback 1998 had broken. I live in pennsylvania. This incident cost me $500 in repairs. I realize there IS a recall for newer models, but my older subaru outback IS having the same issue. *tr
- Service brakes · Service brakes, hydraulic
On march 19, 2013, I was returning to my place of employment after picking up my outback from bloomington acura subaru, bloomington, mn after a clutch replacement when the hydraulic brake system had a total failure resulting in a near catastrophic collision with several vehicles. this vehicle was…
On march 19, 2013, I was returning to my place of employment after picking up my outback from bloomington acura subaru, bloomington, mn after a clutch replacement when the hydraulic brake system had a total failure resulting in a near catastrophic collision with several vehicles. this vehicle was taken back to the dealer for evaluation. Dealer inspection confirmed that the right rear brake line by the fuel tank protector had excessive corrosion resulting in severe fluid release thus not allowing the hydraulic system to properly pressurize resulting in a complete failure of the brake hydraulic system. the brake lines replaced were part number 26522aa010 and 26522aa020 (right and left). on march 27, 2013, the nhtsa issued campaign number 13v110000 for subaru legacy outbacks regarding "brake lines may fail due to corrosion". this recall pertains to model year 2005 to 2009. this citizen requests, nay, insists that this recall notice be extended to include later model years. *Tr
- Latches/locks/linkages
I was driving on interstate 90 in idaho at 62 mph when the hood latch failed. The hood was secured down all the way before the incident and had not been opened in two weeks. There had been over 100 miles of highway driving over 60 mph since the hood was last opened. The hood flew up with no safety…
I was driving on interstate 90 in idaho at 62 mph when the hood latch failed. The hood was secured down all the way before the incident and had not been opened in two weeks. There had been over 100 miles of highway driving over 60 mph since the hood was last opened. The hood flew up with no safety catch or hesitation and slammed into the windshield. The windshield was shattered, the hood bent and the roof dented. The rear view mirror flew off inside. I was able to get to the side of the road and the person following me on the interstate pulled over and helped me tie it down to be able to leave the scene. We both determined it was latch failure. It had the potential to cause a serious accident as my front vision was completely blocked. *tr
- Suspension
Sounded like there was a pop in my front corner. still drove ok under 20-25 mph. faster than that the wheel shook violently. backing up there was a loud grinding noise. took to friends hose who works on cars. he said it was my front lower control arm on the driver's side. the connection…
Sounded like there was a pop in my front corner. still drove ok under 20-25 mph. faster than that the wheel shook violently. backing up there was a loud grinding noise. took to friends hose who works on cars. he said it was my front lower control arm on the driver's side. the connection between the control arm and the front (he called it handling bushing) was rusted completely in two. he found a used control arm at a junk yard and replaced it for me. we took pictures of the part that I can provide if needed. I no longer have the old part. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline · Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap
As my wife and I were filling up our 98 subaru legacy outback we noticed a smell of gas fumes on the way home as I backed the car into the driveway I noticed the smell of fuel even stonger. I went to the back and looked under the right rear and to my surprise the fuel filler neck was leaking fuel!!…
As my wife and I were filling up our 98 subaru legacy outback we noticed a smell of gas fumes on the way home as I backed the car into the driveway I noticed the smell of fuel even stonger. I went to the back and looked under the right rear and to my surprise the fuel filler neck was leaking fuel!! I placed a oil change pan underneath and to this day I still haven't fixed it. Don't know were to begin with it and I'm thinking it's a design flaw seems like there IS heavy corrosion on the very low part of the filler pipe and that's were it's leaking from. I'm going to try and have it repaired but at what cost. I think that this should be addressed to and by subaru of north america as a potentially dangerous design flaw and legal liabilty. *kb
- Fuel system, other
Fuel (gasoline) filler neck for the 1998 subaru legacy wagon rusts out. mechanic indicated very common problem with this year make and model. very poor design because the tube IS behind a plastic molding that accumulates dirt, salt, water, and rots the tubing causing a chronic leak of gasoline potentially over the exhaust system. Recall and repair IS needed. *Tr
- Electrical system
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 subaru outback. The contact stated that when any type of GMC vehicle was parked next to his vehicle the automatic door locks and alarm system would engage when the other vehicles keyless entry system was activated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 subaru outback. The contact stated that when any type of GMC vehicle was parked next to his vehicle the automatic door locks and alarm system would engage when the other vehicles keyless entry system was activated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who recommended that the vehicle be taken to an authorized dealer to be repaired. The failure mileage was 160,000. The vin was unavailable.
- Engine and engine cooling · Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Engine overheating every half mile with engine reservoir overflowing. after $1300 of replacing thermostat, timing belt, belt tensioner, water pump, flushing the cooling system, and compression tests, I was told I had a blown head gasket. I was told the replacement would cost an additional $2,200 at least. *Tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
1998 subaru legacy outback wagon automatic transmission 86,000 miles. Purchased used many years ago with about 10,000 miles. my sister's car, she was driving alone. Experienced driver. about two months ago she came around a corner on a 30 mph road near her home. Light snow on the ground…
1998 subaru legacy outback wagon automatic transmission 86,000 miles. Purchased used many years ago with about 10,000 miles. my sister's car, she was driving alone. Experienced driver. about two months ago she came around a corner on a 30 mph road near her home. Light snow on the ground (amherst, massachusetts) she could not control the car, and it slid around. She phoned me and was very upset at losing control. Commented that the car had not felt quite right. I suggested loose lug nuts, badly inflated (almost new) tires, bent rim, defective tire, alignment. all checked out fine. Then I mentioned suspension. She took it to her mechanic who replaced both rear struts. car still unpredictable. Returned to mechanic who then test drove car and decided that it was a problem similar to that of his parents' similar car: power was not being proportioned properly to the four wheels. He replaced existing transmission / transaxle / differential lubricant with some more specialized lubricant. (Amalie ama 1607881297 dextron lll atf) at this time my sister IS trying this out to see if it does the trick. since this defect affects the safety of the vehicle I thought that you should know. I drove older 4WD audis, owned military 4WD trucks, and cars with limited slip differentials. I was always aware of the need for specific lubricants. I do not think that the average car owner should be. was there a secret advisory or recall?
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
1998 subaru outback 2.5L motor head gasket failure. *Tr
- Latches/locks/linkages
Driving on highway ~60 mph. Hood latch released spontaneously. Hood flew back, shattering windshield. I started to lose control, as I couldn't see, but recovered and, peering through small area under hood was able to get off onto the shoulder before we got killed because of this unexpected defect. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling · Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Overheating, water leaking, head gasket problem. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Engine began to overheat only when being driven, does not overheat when idling. I have replaced the thermostat, water pump, and timing belt but it still overheats. While doing research on the internet, I found the carsurvey.org site with many references to this being a known issue, a head gasket…
Engine began to overheat only when being driven, does not overheat when idling. I have replaced the thermostat, water pump, and timing belt but it still overheats. While doing research on the internet, I found the carsurvey.org site with many references to this being a known issue, a head gasket problem. Based on the number of similar complaints, subaru has a design problem that should have been recalled or at least a warning of some type send out. What can be done about this issue? *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Blown head gasket on 1998 subaru legacy outback at ~70K, just out of warranty,. this problem occurred in 2003, but given the continuation of complaints from current subaru owners experiencing this problem, it seems highly negligent of subaru to deny responsibility for addressing this problem.…
Blown head gasket on 1998 subaru legacy outback at ~70K, just out of warranty,. this problem occurred in 2003, but given the continuation of complaints from current subaru owners experiencing this problem, it seems highly negligent of subaru to deny responsibility for addressing this problem. this IS a major problem on subaru's dating from 1997 forward. repair cost in excess of $2,500. this problem continues to arise on subaru engines, yet the company has done nothing to reimburse owners for cost. *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 subaru outback. since october of 2007, the contact smelled fuel inside the passenger compartment. he took the vehicle to the dealer for a diagnosis and they stated that the failure was due to the fuel metal nose. the nose corroded and caused fuel to leak. the dealer…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 subaru outback. since october of 2007, the contact smelled fuel inside the passenger compartment. he took the vehicle to the dealer for a diagnosis and they stated that the failure was due to the fuel metal nose. the nose corroded and caused fuel to leak. the dealer will replace the nose metal at the cost of $278. the manufacturer stated that the vehicle was out of warranty; therefore, they would not assist with the repair. the failure mileage was 122,000 and current mileage was 124,000.
- Engine and engine cooling
Multiple problems with engine 1. seal leak at approximately 48,000 miles, burning oil smell, corrected at replacement of timing belt at scheduled 105k--not detected by dealer while under warranty (60K warranty). 2. failure of head gasket at 110K 3. Failure of 2 cam seals at 158K 4. Failure of…
Multiple problems with engine 1. seal leak at approximately 48,000 miles, burning oil smell, corrected at replacement of timing belt at scheduled 105k--not detected by dealer while under warranty (60K warranty). 2. failure of head gasket at 110K 3. Failure of 2 cam seals at 158K 4. Failure of additional (remaining) 2 cam seals at 165K (mechanic initially indicated this was rare and unfortunately, dure to cost, did not recommend replacing all 4 cam seals--bad choice--$600 parts and labor each occurrence #3 and #4. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Complaint IS for subaru of america. I own a 98 subaru legacy outback and the cooling system malfunctioned and the head gaskets blew. I looked online and there are hundreds of owners on a multitude of sites who are experiencing or have experienced this exact problem. Clearly the problem IS with the…
Complaint IS for subaru of america. I own a 98 subaru legacy outback and the cooling system malfunctioned and the head gaskets blew. I looked online and there are hundreds of owners on a multitude of sites who are experiencing or have experienced this exact problem. Clearly the problem IS with the vehicle and not any owner's operation of the vehicle, and therefore the corporation who has caused its customers expense should bear the burden financially for fixing this problem. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
We bought a 1998 subaru outback in 2004. At approximately 110,000 miles, we experienced a catastrophic overheating of the engine due to a faulty head gasket. The overheating caused approximately $3,000 worth of damage to the car. The head gasket, radiator, thermostat, water pump, oxygen sensors and…
We bought a 1998 subaru outback in 2004. At approximately 110,000 miles, we experienced a catastrophic overheating of the engine due to a faulty head gasket. The overheating caused approximately $3,000 worth of damage to the car. The head gasket, radiator, thermostat, water pump, oxygen sensors and (2) catalytic converters all had to be replaced. We have since learned that this IS a common problem for subarus of this vintage. There are hundreds of anecdotal reports of people having this exact problem on the internet, and our mechanic tells us he fixes at least one of these problems per week at his shop. Clearly, this IS a defective product. *Jb
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Subaru of america, inc. subaru plaza p.o. Box 6000 cherry hill, nj 08034-6000 attn: customer/dealer services re: subaru legacy outback vin [deleted for privacy] to whom it may concern: I am writing to complain about a situation with our oil at temp warning light which resulted in our…
Subaru of america, inc. subaru plaza p.o. Box 6000 cherry hill, nj 08034-6000 attn: customer/dealer services re: subaru legacy outback vin [deleted for privacy] to whom it may concern: I am writing to complain about a situation with our oil at temp warning light which resulted in our paying $130 for a false positive warning about the automatic transmission. after the warning light appeared, I took the vehicle to carlsen subaru. They performed the diagnosis and found no problems with the automatic transmission. In fact, they said that there was a known problem where a battery change could cause a ''false positive'' warning about the automatic transmission. considering that this IS a known problem that subaru IS aware of, and has not notified customers of, I am requesting a refund by subaru for the full $130. I have two concerns about this problem: 1. The obvious safety concern '' wondering if there really IS a problem that the diagnosis could not pinpoint 2. The concern that subaru has a known problem that cost me $130 sincerely, [deleted for privacy] cc: nhtsa complaints
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap
The gas fill pipe leaks gasoline. there IS a plastic shield next to it that catches dirt, sand, etc and then keeps the outside of the pipe wet for weeks after any rainy drive. this led to the pipe rusting out and leaking gasoline on the road, driveway and garage. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Driving a 1998 subaru AWD legacy outback. on june 6, 2006 while on a short trip in vehicle, returned home to see smoke (not steam) coming from engine block. the vehicle had overheated, and had been suffering occasional loss of power while driving prior to this time (approx 1 week). drove approx…
Driving a 1998 subaru AWD legacy outback. on june 6, 2006 while on a short trip in vehicle, returned home to see smoke (not steam) coming from engine block. the vehicle had overheated, and had been suffering occasional loss of power while driving prior to this time (approx 1 week). drove approx .5 mi to dealer next day to get checked out along with 90,000 mile service (mileage on vehicle was 91,058). dealer called to inform that he had found leaking head gaskets with leaks at the valve covers and hydrocarbons in the cooling system. informed that head gasket would need to be replaced and the head resurfaced (potential replacement of block but this was not needed nor was a valve job) and that we should also replace water pump, timing belt, and engine shield as long as the engine IS out. my research on the web indicates that this problem IS epidemic, local mechanics I've spoken with say that this IS a very common issue and that subaru america will not step up to the plate. I called subaru, with my complaint and while admitting no responsibility offered $500 credit toward repairs which eventually came to more than $3000. Replaced parts include head gasket, head resurfacing, seals, water pump, hoses, thermostat, timing belt and tensioner, separator plate. when I called again to ask them to step up on this issue they failed to offer additional help. as I understand it a blown head gasket can lead to a cracked engine block which could indeed lead to a very serious problem. a simple web search on this issue found dozens of similar complaints of this very serious and expensive problem. *nm
- Air bags › Frontal
My child care provider was involved in a single car accident. she was driving approximately 40 mph in wet/rainy conditions when she lost control of the car and hit a tree. this impact caused the car to spin and hit a second tree. the car was totaled and sustained damage to the front end, the…
My child care provider was involved in a single car accident. she was driving approximately 40 mph in wet/rainy conditions when she lost control of the car and hit a tree. this impact caused the car to spin and hit a second tree. the car was totaled and sustained damage to the front end, the passenger door and the driver side door. the most damage was to the front end and the driver side. the air bags failed to deploy and she was knocked unconscious sustaining a severe head injury. *jb
- Structure › Body › Hood › Hinge and attachments
Hood latch failure on 1998 subaru legacy outback- while traveling at highway speed, hood latch failed and hood flew back into windshield and roof. Inability to see road ahead(very busy) nearly caused accident. Windshield and hood destroyed, roof dented, l,r front fenders required replacement. *nm
- Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module · Equipment
The front airbags on my 1998 subaru outback sport went out at 76,000 miles without ever deploying or any other indicators. the light on the dash was the only sign that the bags were no longer working. the dealer said two modules went out. the one in the steering wheel will be over $300 to…
The front airbags on my 1998 subaru outback sport went out at 76,000 miles without ever deploying or any other indicators. the light on the dash was the only sign that the bags were no longer working. the dealer said two modules went out. the one in the steering wheel will be over $300 to replace and the one in the floor over $700. I can't believe that safety features don't have a lifetime warranty. I will never be able to afford to have them fixed! *Jb
- Power train
1998 subaru outback - steering becomes jerky when backing or going forward at slow speeds and while making tight turning radiuses. local repair shop called a local subaru dealer and they said that they have seen some incidents of this problem but know of no fix. it was said that the vehicle IS…
1998 subaru outback - steering becomes jerky when backing or going forward at slow speeds and while making tight turning radiuses. local repair shop called a local subaru dealer and they said that they have seen some incidents of this problem but know of no fix. it was said that the vehicle IS safe to drive. the suspected problem IS thought due to uneven regulation of the wheel speed in the all wheel drive regulator as one turns sharply. in a sharp turn the wheels on the inner curve of the travel of path need to travel at a slower rpm than the wheels of that are on the outer curve of the path of the vehicle. this jerky motion even if not unsafe devalues the car for any possible resale value thus compromising my investment in it. the jerky motion of the wheels when turning as in parking or backing out of the parking stall IS noticeable and somewhat disconcerting to the point of my thinking that it may be less safe than I a currently led to believe by the car repair shop and the local subaru dealer that advised. I think this problem warrants further investigation to see if others are being effected and if there IS any evidence of damage or failure due to the problem. thanks. sincerely, [xxx]. *nm information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
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.
- 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.
- 10002989Replacement of the electronic control unit (ecu) for anti-lock brake system (ABS) repair. Update.
- 627826Information regarding front spring guard bulletin update.
Every Subaru Outback model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.