- The problem
- 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, and wisconsin, and in the district of columbia. The front coil springs were produced with poor paint quality which, after continued exposure to corrosive salt, can result in breakage of the spring.
- The 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.
- The fix
- 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 safety record
1998 Subaru Legacy Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 116 complaints about the 1998 Subaru Legacy with NHTSA, most often about the engine & cooling (29) and the brakes (14). Those complaints describe 17 crashes, 2 fires and 12 injuries. It is covered by 5 recalls, the latest in June 2001 for the coil springs. For comparison, the 1997 has 143 and the 1999 has 97.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical Legacy year, for its age
#66 most complained-about 1998 vehicle
- Complaints
- 116
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes
- 17
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 12
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1998 Subaru Legacy problems
Share of all 116 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1998 Subaru Legacy recalls 5
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- This is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Some of these vehicles have an alternator problem that can result in a loss of charging capability.
- The risk
- If the alternator fails, the alternator warning telltale will alert the driver to the problem, giving ample opportunity to seek repair before a loss of battery power, which, if the warning were ignored, could ultimately result in a loss of vehicle power (engine stall).
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the alternator with a modified alternator. Owners will also be cautioned that, should the alternator telltale warning lamp illuminate, they must seek immediate repair to avoid the eventual loss of electrical power, which could result in an engine stall.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- This condition causes the vehicle stopping distance to be increased, possibly resulting in a crash.
- The fix
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- This vaporized oil spray can result in oil vapor ignition by the hot exhaust system resulting in a possible underhood fire.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace these engine oil filters.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- This condition can cause unexpected movement of the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash or property damage.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the automatic transmission shift lever assemblies (except the handle grip).
What owners say
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116 complaints about the 1998 Subaru Legacy
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 5.
The contact owns a 1998 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, there was a delayed failure in the braking system. The contact notified the local dealer regarding the failure and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 99V040000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) for which the vehicle was included. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts not being available. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 307,000.
The weld that attached the front right strut assembly to the body completely failed. The wheel collapsed into the wheel well. This happened while I beginning to make a right turn. The vehicle was not moving more than 3-4 mph. For some months before the weld failed there was vibration during braking that we could not diagnose. I ended up replacing the brake pads, rotors, brake cylinders on both front wheels to no avail. I have pictures of the collapsed wheel. I don't know how to upload the picture. I can send it to an email address if you wish.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 subaru legacy. While the brake pedal was depressed, the contact stated that the brake pedal felt spongy. The contact heard a rattling noise but could not determine the origin. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the brake discs, brake rotors, and idler arms on both sides of the vehicle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The failure mileage was 150,000. Updated 08/24/17*lj the consumer stated the vehicles should not have been sold given it's brake condition. Updated 08/25/2017*js
June 26 2017 I went to have my front brake pads replaced, because they felt spongy and difficult to stop the vehicle. The mechanic told me I needed to replace the brake pads, rotors, and outer tie rods on both ends. All these parts were dangerously worn preexisting conditions before I purchased the vehicle in december 2016. The brake repair was done at: 424 west henderson street, cleburne, texas 76033. 817 645 7848. On june 26, 2017 I purchased the vehicle from brad deery honda in iowa used, as is. Since then I...
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have had to have numerous expensive repairs. There should be laws to protect consumers from dealerships that sell vehicles that are unsafe and falling apart, and refusing to help pay repair bills. Used vehicles do not qualify for help under the lemon laws. Please let me know if there is something I can do to get help with my repair bills on my vehicle for unsafe preexisting mechanical conditions. [[redacted]] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6). *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 subaru legacy. While attempting to drive, the transmission began to smoke and then unexpectedly failed. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 155,025. Updated 05/31/17*lj *as
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 subaru legacy. The contact stated that while he inspected the vehicle, he noticed that the rear brake lines were corroded due to defective steel metal. The contact believed that if the vehicle was equipped with brake master cylinders for the rear and front, the vehicle could be safer. The vehicle had only one master cylinder for the corroded rear brakes. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 120,000. Updatd12/14/12*lj the consumer stated the problem that there are no brakes on the vehicle when a rea brake like breaks. Updated 12/17/2012 *js
Cpsc#i1220374a. 1998 Legacy subaru. Consumer stated the air bags failed to deploy in a frontal collision. *Ln
Vehicle involved in a frontal collision with a fire hydrant. There was substantial damage to the vehicle and the hydrant did break away as designed. Air bag did not deploy. *Tr
Fuel (gasoline) filler neck for the 1998 subaru legacy wagon rusts out 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
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 subaru legacy. While pulling into a parking space with her foot on the brake pedal, the vehicle suddenly accelerated and she was unable to stop the vehicle which caused it to crash into a building. Two passengers were injured. The insurance company stated that the vehicle was destroyed. The mileage was not available.
Defective frame on 1998 subaru legacy. *Nj the consumer stated the brakes and tie rods were replaced. And a alignment was done as well. While driving, the vehicle began to make a rumbling sound, as well a stronger pull to the right when braking. The consumer was able to pull over and upon inspecting the vehicle, he noticed the front left cross-member was severed in the center. *Jb
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 subaru legacy wagon. The driver-side cross member that connects the wheel assembly to the main frame had corroded. The steering wheel also makes a clanging noise when turning and sometimes does not respond. The manufacturer was notified, and he was advised that the warranty expired and there were no recalls on his vehicle. The vehicle was not drivable and it requires a tow truck to be taken to the dealer for repairs. All repairs will be at the owners expense. The failure mileage was 254,000.
In 2004 my hood latch failed emergency latch and hood flew up and crashed my windshield. Subaru said they fixed latch but yesterday 3/3/09 for a second time my hood came up smashing my windshield violently I am injured again and traumatized and subaru northtown collision never told me of this problem and I was almost killed. This is so very dangerous and needs to be brought to people's attention. *Tr
Fuel (gasoline) filler neck for the 1998 subaru legacy sw rusts out 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
It seems after 5 minutes of investigation that there is thousands of 1997 to 2002 subaru owners who are have the problem with over heating and head gasket replacement. Subaru refuses to acknowledge an issue or design flaw and is making the customer bare the cost of repairing a faulty head gasket problem. Even replacing the head gasket does not insure that the problem will be dealt with and no further trouble will be had. *Tr
The fuel filler neck on this vehicle was completely rotted (rusted pipe, plus associated hoses were rotted) and required replacement. *Tr
Poorly designed gas filler neck/pipe has corroded and is leaking gasoline. This is a major safety and environmental hazard with potentially grave consequences. *Tr
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 subaru legacy. While driving 45 mph, the contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a guardrail. None of the air bags deployed. During the crash, the contact was forced through the windshield. The insurance company stated that they had no findings regarding the crash. There were no warning lights present. The vehicle was destroyed. A police report was filed. The current and failure mileages were 39,000.
1 X overheated on a hot day, heading up a hill. Noticed high temp and turned on heater, waited for car to cool, added h2o. 2 Months later, driving on a hot day with ac on, sudden clicking, check engine light, lost power, smoke, stopped. Towed to garage that specializes in subaru and they found hole in head gasket. Repairs to cost $3k and this is something they see 2x a week with subaru vehicles. Found a web site where dozens of people complain of the same issue over the years. Subaru apparently has a recall on 1999-2002 vehicles, but not others with the same issue. Subaru should be paying for the parts on this widespread and known issue! *Tr
My 98 subaru legacy outback 2.5 Liter, 144k miles was sporadically overheating while driving on the highway through a snow/rain storm. The temperature gauge would go up, and the cabin heater would start producing cool air. I pulled over and let it cool down, filled the radiator back up with water (it had overflowed) and drove slowly home. When I took it to the mechanic, he suggested when hearing the symptoms that it was a blown head gasket, and that this subaru engine was notorious for this. He even...
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suggested a class action suit. After he checked it out, it was indeed a blown head gasket. After some web research on car forums, I found several other people with exactly the same problem with this particular engine. *Nm
Inquiring how a government initiated recall the year of a car or replacement parts works, injured in a 1998 legacy wagon. *Kb the consumer tried to recover the original head rest from the vehicle, but was told it was no longer available and it would be replaced with a much safer model. The consumer learned that the manufacturer unofficially replaced the seats and head rests of her make and model beginning with the 1999. *Jb *nm
The speedometer on my 1999 subaru legacy l sedan stops working at random intervals. My mechanic tells me that this is connected to the also faulty transmission and is not just a minor speed sensor problem. Subaru denies any knowledge of these problems but I have researched and found many, many 1999 subaru owners with the exact same problems. The 1999's had a new transmission that is very flawed and was changed again before the 2000 release because of so many problems. This is the second 1999 subaru legacy I have...
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bought in the past 3 months with this very same problem (i assumed the first was a fluke and the dealer took the car back). The car has 96,000 miles and should not need a complete transmission overhaul at this point. I believe that subaru is very aware of these faults but doesn't want to face the repercussions of a campaign or recall. I implore you to look into this. These faulty transmissions and their associated failures(speedometer, etc) are a danger to all owners. It is irresponsible of subaru to release an entire model year that has so many expensive problems to fix. *Nm
Gasoline fuel filler pipe leaking and causes dangerous gasoline fumes to fill car and surrounding area creating a fire and explosion hazard. This is on a 1998 subaru outback. *Nm
My car (subaru legacy limited) was stopped and hit from behind. *Jb
Dealership service technician indicated the rear axle was coming loose from the rear differential, recommended replacement. Dealership replaced rear axle seals. Dealership indicated problem was caused by vehicle being suspended by differential and resulting downward strain on axles. This has not occured while we have owned this car (approx. 3 Years). The front axle seals were replaced in a recall on 7/18/03. *Nm
Subaru Legacy: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 58 | 5 | C |
| 2001 | 80 | 8 | C |
| 2000 | 94 | 4 | C |
| 1999 | 97 | 3 | D |
| 1998 | 116 | 5 | D |
| 1997 | 143 | 6 | D |
| 1996 | 129 | 4 | D |
| 1995 | 186 | 2 | F |
| 1994 | 61 | 0 | C |
1998 Subaru Legacy vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 Subaru Legacy | 116 | 5 | D | |
| 1998 Honda Accord | 1,215 | 19 | F | Compare |
| 1998 Toyota Camry | 610 | 3 | D | Compare |
| 1998 Volkswagen Passat | 330 | 5 | F | Compare |
| 1998 Nissan Altima | 125 | 4 | B | Compare |
| 1998 Dodge Avenger | 58 | 6 | B | Compare |
| 1998 Hyundai Sonata | 50 | 1 | A | Compare |
| 1998 Chevrolet Malibu | 0 | 5 | C | Compare |
| 1998 Subaru Outback | 127 | 2 | B | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1998 Subaru Legacy
Does the 1998 Subaru Legacy have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 1998 Subaru Legacy: coil springs (June 2001); alternator / generator / regulator (May 2000); master cylinder (March 1999); engine (June 1998) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Subaru Legacy?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the engine & cooling (29), brakes (14), transmission & drivetrain (14).
How many complaints has the 1998 Subaru Legacy had?
116 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on August 15, 1997 and the latest on March 29, 2022. Of these, 17 describe a crash and 2 a fire, and together they report 12 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1998 Subaru Legacy a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 34 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Subaru Legacy year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Subaru Legacy years have the most complaints?
1995 (186), 2005 (184), 2011 (167). See every Subaru Legacy year compared.
What should I do if my 1998 Subaru Legacy has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data