- 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.
Engine & cooling
1999 Subaru Legacy Engine problems
Owners have filed 13 complaints about the 1999 Subaru Legacy's engine & cooling with NHTSA - 13% of all its complaints, most recently on December 12, 2017. They describe 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.
- Complaints
- 13
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Engine recalls for the 1999 Subaru Legacy
Engine complaints
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.
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
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...
Read the full complaint
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
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
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
Car hesitates to accelerate until 2500 rpm, then jumps.
Complained several times to dealer that car had no power, poor gas mileage, hesitation upon starting out, motor fell apart at 66,000 miles on interstate. Car, although a new motor, continues to have no power, poor gas mileage, hesitation upon starting out. What's going to keep the motor from blowing up again, and maybe we be killed. O2 and pt sensors continues to blow. Sunroof will not open;advised a new one would be $975. Sunroof complaint at 13,680 miles.
Engine check light came on. Dealer said I had a burned cylinder. This was at 108,000 miles. A second mechanic confirmed that misfiring in cylinder no. 4 Was occurring and further stated that compression in all four cylinders was below specificiations. He further stated that the defect occurred during manufacturing and was not a result of anything I did or did not do to the car. Subaru of american contacted and offered $1,000 toward a new car, but said otherwise it was my problem because the car was out of warranty.*Ak
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Vehicle leaks oil, and the oil flaws all over engine. Dealership is aware of problem. *Ak
Car has pulled to the right since purchase. Purchased vehicle late sept., 1998. Ac did not work very well, but weather was cool and it was not a pressing issue. The following spring/summer, took in for repairs to dealer in evansville. Ac still worked intermittently. Accident 5/19/99 where I rear-ended a van at approx. 20 Mph., Airbags did not deploy. Ac still only working intermittently. On 9/17/99, after driving the car approximately 25 miles at 65 mph, I noticed the temp gauge was above the "h" and pulled...
Read the full complaint
over. The car died and never restarted. Overheated to the extent that after engine died, smoke billowed out the exhaust/tail pipe and over 3 hours after the car was shut off, radiator fluid still boiled over when added. Dealer unable to provide explanation for overheating or ac problems. Subaru regional representative has refused to return my calls for questions about the repairs.
Repeated cold engine hesitation; hazardous when turning onto busy street.
Engine failure due to cracked #2 piston; cross member was mis-manufactured-camber could not be adjusted to spec.
Subaru Legacy engine complaints by year
Legacy engine problems, every yearSource: 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