- 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
1999 Subaru Outback Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 111 complaints about the 1999 Subaru Outback with NHTSA, most often about the transmission & drivetrain (29) and the engine & cooling (23). Those complaints describe 13 crashes, 1 fire and 18 injuries. It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in June 2001 for the coil springs. For comparison, the 1998 has 127 and the 2000 has 207.
NHTSA data checked
BFewer problems than a typical Outback year, for its age
#77 most complained-about 1999 vehicle
- Complaints
- 111
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 13
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 18
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1999 Subaru Outback problems
Share of all 111 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1999 Subaru Outback recalls 1
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
What owners say
Be the first Outback owner to share.
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
111 complaints about the 1999 Subaru Outback
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 5.
The vehicle is using its power to make the car think it is in neutral and does not start properly. It will start if you pull the fuse out and then put it back in to put it in drive. Also, lending way to problems with the transmission system. Effecting mileage on the counter. Car was stationery upon occurrence. The car itself is good it runs pretty well yet, to put it in drive it burns transmission fluid because it is always telling the car it is in neutral.
Front coil spring broke in half while vehicle was stationary - almost puncturing tire, and rendering vehicle immobile - the broken end of the coil was wedged into the tire sidewall. If this had happened while vehicle was moving, it would have caused a blowout and possible accident. Subaru has a recall for coil springs, but said the vehicle was not covered because it was outside the vin range - but was clearly still affected by the problem.
1999 Subaru legacy outback. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle began to roll backward while trying to remove keys. *Smd the consumer stated she parked the vehicle, placed it in park, and left the keys in the ignition, so she could check out the new halogen bulbs that had been installed. When she returned to remove the key, with the door being open, the vehicle began to roll backwards, and the opened door pushed her to the ground. The consumer stated she carefully checked and made sure, the vehicle was...
Read the full complaint
securely in park, before she exited to check the lights, and did not touch anything when she returned. She was subsequently, taken to the hospital by ambulance suffering from severe head, back and neck injuries and spent 2 days in the hospital. The vehicle rolled into two other parked cars and caused damage to both. Updated 05/20/14 updated 06/19/14
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 subaru outback. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond to acceleration attempts. The contact stated that she had to constantly change the gear from reverse to drive in order for it to work. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection but they could not determine the cause of failure. The manufacturer was notified but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 42,000.
1999 Subaru outback ltd power steering rack leak and cam seal leak which ruined timing belt. This car is a piece of junk! *Tt
99 Subaru legacy outback /w automatic transmission. The automatic transmission dos not engage when placed from p to d, or disengage from gear when vehicle stop. I was on a slight hill stopped. Car disengaged from gear and I could not move. In d - when I released brake the car rolled backwards causing contact with the car behind me. *Tr
My daughter was driving on the highway about 65 mph, the hood flew open smashed the windshield, she crossed a lane of traffic went into the ditch, hit her head on the steering wheel and received a mild concussion. *Tr
We experienced an incident in which a front suspension coil spring failed. Parking our 1999 subaru legacy outback, the vehicle was perfectly fine. In the morning the vehicle had a flat driver's side tire. Jacking the car, it was difficult to remove the flat tire and wheel. The reason it was hard to remove was that a sharp long piece of the front coil spring has broken away, and punctured the sidewall of the tire. When the tire and wheel were finally removed, the broken coil spring could be seen sitting atop...
Read the full complaint
the front strut. The remainder of the coil spring had a long sharp point that had shot down over the spring seat on the strut and was protruding into the wheel well area where it had damaged the tire. Also, many pieces of black paint which had been coating the coil spring could be seen now lying on the ground. The coil spring itself was rusted over the entire spring surface of the spring. The broken piece of the coil spring which was separated from the rest of the spring was pulled off of the strut and put into the car. The remainder of the broken coil spring was then able to be lifted up and suspended above the strut coil spring seat in order to drive the car to a subaru dealer. The subaru dealer checked my vehicle vin# telling me that there were no recalls on this vehicle for any failed coil springs. I referenced a recall notice I had found online which detailed the exact failure in which I had experienced, a broken coil spring, caused by defecting paint coating the spring, leading to rusting of the spring and breakage, also occasionally puncturing tires in the process. I was told a call would be place to the subaru rep to inquire about such a recall. I received notice that no such recall existed and no warranty coverage existed for the failed coil spring and tire puncture. I can only imagine how such a failure at highway speed and the subsequent damage to vehicle and driver and passenger might ensue. *Tr
99 Subaru outback hit in rear bags did not deploy minor neck and lower back bruises. Also, another front wheel bearing failure after 50,000 miles. *Tr
Fuel filler tube corrosion causes leak of fuel and fuel vapor. Check engine light illuminates code p0440 (evap emissions malfunction). Fuel filler tube and valve assembly parts cost is $200. Labor $275. Common problem on subarus that should be investigated and recalled due to fuel vapor leakage poses an environmental safety hazard. *Tr
Head gasket failed on 1999 subaru at 38,000. Car was maintained religiously. Subaru recall was never sent to me. I was told my car was the 'wrong phase engine' to be covered under warranty. Car had overheated 3 months earlier. Subaru flushed the system and added 'special coolant lubricant'. This was worthless. I was told it would cost $2000+, even though my family has purchased 4 subaru's from the same dealer. After a lot of screaming and yelling, they replaced both gaskets, radiator, thermostat and water...
Read the full complaint
pump. I ended up paying $250. Dealer, (wakefield surbaru, wakefield ma.) Helped convinced subaru corporate to foot most of the expense. Later when subaru oil filters failed (leaks) and after more screaming and yelling with this dealer ship, (after they said I was making up the leak problem) I've changed dealerships who has a more professional service center. *Tr
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 subaru outback. The vehicle has goodyear regatta 2 tires, size 205/70/15. While driving approximately 30 mph, the vehicle began vibrating. The vibrations worsened as the speed increased. In addition, the contact heard a loud noise outside of the vehicle. There were no prior warnings. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for inspection and he stated that the front driver's and passenger tires exhibited excessive road force variations. A road force balancing measurement...
Read the full complaint
was performed on the defective tires; however, the four tires mounted on the vehicle exhibited uniform wear and tread life. The tires were temporarily rotated to the rear of the vehicle. The technician recommended replacing the defective tires. The contact is in the process of replacing all four tires. The failure mileage was 125,355 and current mileage was 127,305. Updated 8/10/09 *cn updated 08/13/09.*Jb
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 subaru outback. While driving in reverse at an unknown speed, the passenger side coil spring failed and punctured the front passenger side tire. The contact did not realize the failure until the tire was changed. The vin was not included in nhtsa campaign id number (01v216000). The current and failure mileages were 171,798.
Engine and engine cooling: blown head gaskets 1999 subaru legacy outback dohc. *Tr
1999 Subaru legacy outback speedometer/odometer failure. Intermittant problem. Informed by dealer that this is a common problem with 1999 subaru's. Dealer informs customer that problem is electronic circuit board issue. Speedometer replaced by dealer at cost of $315. Subaru part number 85020ac330. Consumer has old, failed unit. This is not and should not be a "wear" type item. This type of failure is subaru manufacturer's defect. *Tr
Speedometer periodically does not work. I have found this is common problem in these models and it is not easy to get it replaced. Knowing the speed when driving is very important. I am petrified most of the time that chp is going to pull me over on highway. It typically goes out in highway driving. I just bought this, but it is obvious prior owner had issues with it as many other people online with same year model. It should be recalled. Also, none of the bells, buzzers, alarm gizmos associated with opening the door and putting on seatbelts is working. I think this is all related. *Tr
My 1999 subaru outback wagon issued a cel with a 440 code. In finding the source of the problem, I discovered that the gas fill pipe below the gas cap has rotted out and has developed, holes leading to raw gas spillage and failure of the emissions system. The design of the cover around the outside of this pipe caused the accumulation of dirt and debris over the years that has rusted the pipe from the outside in. This is a poor design that allows the dirt to collect here. There is nothing in the manual that indicates any cleaning of this area is required to prevent this from occurring. *Tr
Head gasket failed at 125k miles. I spent $1725 getting the head gasket & cylinder bolts replaced. The head gasket is now failing again 9 mos & 12k miles later. I have always meticulously maintained this car. *Tr
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 subaru outback. While driving 40 mph, the contact crashed into the guardrail. The air bags failed to deploy and he went through the windshield. The insurance company stated that the vehicle was destroyed. The current and failure mileages were 39,000.
Speedometer fails spontaneously, intermittently and frequently. Indicated speed drops to zero. Returns spontaneously after 10 seconds to 15 minutes. Not vehicle speed sensor (vss) or wiring/connector related. Service technician found speedometer circuit board delaminated, causing components to separate from circuit board. Stated this appeared to be caused by oem sealant used on the circuit boards as seen in other subarus and many honda vehicles. Speedometer is an obvious safety and legal liability component, which provides critical feedback to vehicle operator. Many other failures reported on internet. Recall should be issued if further investigation confirms defect frequency. *Jb
Collision at approx 40 mph, significant damage to rt front quarter and bumper. Air bag did not deploy, seat belt did not restrain driver. *Nm
The hood flew open while I was driving 65 mph. This car had not recently had its oil changed or its hood opened. The hood needs to be replaced, as well as the rear view mirror. *Nm
There was nothing abnormal that precluded the failure. The speedometer completely stopped working while driving and now only intermittently works. Fortunately, there has been no incidents because of this failure. However, it could lead to excessive speed which may lead to vehicle accidents and injuries. Nothing has been done to correct this issue. A call to subaru of america yielded no information. However, online research has shown that this is occurring quite frequently among this make and model year. A new part will likely have to be ordered.*Jb
My driver side seat belt locked me in and I had to crawl out from under it. It cannot be released. *Jb
At 1 p.M. On 23 apr '06, my husband was driving our 1999 subaru legacy outback at about 50 mph. We had just entered a curve when the car's hood latch failed and allowed the hood to fly up and slam into the windshield and roof. That completely blocked our forward view and we entered the oncoming lane. Fortunately, no one was coming in the opposite direction. We were able to slow down and make our way on to the shoulder. We were covered with glass particles but thank god neither one of us was injured. I am now very...
Read the full complaint
nervous when I drive the car. The hood was last opened about two weeks before the accident but the car had been driven for over 200 miles and some of that was on the interstate. There was no warning. We had to pay over $2300 to repair windshield, hood and miscellaneous damage in the motor compartment. *Nm
Subaru Outback: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 95 | 15 | B |
| 2002 | 147 | 5 | B |
| 2001 | 170 | 4 | B |
| 2000 | 207 | 2 | C |
| 1999 | 111 | 1 | B |
| 1998 | 127 | 2 | B |
| 1997 | 79 | 4 | A |
| 1996 | 46 | 2 | A |
| 1995 | 2 | 1 | A |
1999 Subaru Outback vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 Subaru Outback | 111 | 1 | B | |
| 1999 Dodge Durango | 2,012 | 5 | F | Compare |
| 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 2,004 | 10 | D | Compare |
| 1999 Chevrolet Blazer | 442 | 0 | F | Compare |
| 1999 Toyota 4RUNNER | 332 | 2 | F | Compare |
| 1999 Nissan Pathfinder | 113 | 5 | F | Compare |
| 1999 Ford Explorer | 0 | 15 | B | Compare |
| 1999 Honda Passport | 0 | 3 | B | Compare |
| 1999 Subaru Forester | 134 | 1 | 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 1999 Subaru Outback
Does the 1999 Subaru Outback have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 1999 Subaru Outback: coil springs (June 2001). 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 1999 Subaru Outback?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the transmission & drivetrain (29), engine & cooling (23), suspension (13).
How many complaints has the 1999 Subaru Outback had?
111 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on November 20, 1998 and the latest on July 15, 2016. Of these, 13 describe a crash and 1 a fire, and together they report 18 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1999 Subaru Outback a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 70 out of 100 (grade B: fewer problems than a typical Subaru Outback 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 Outback years have the most complaints?
2019 (1,036), 2017 (921), 2020 (906). See every Subaru Outback year compared.
What should I do if my 1999 Subaru Outback 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