1998 Subaru Legacy: problems, recalls and reliability
5 recalls and 114 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (22% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jun 2001
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 114 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Feb 2022
“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”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jun 2017
“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.”Owner report · Suspension · Mar 2017
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“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”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2017
“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”Owner report · Service Brakes · Oct 2012
“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”Owner report · Air Bags · Oct 2010
“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”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jul 2010
“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”Owner report · Steering · Dec 2009
“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.”Owner report · Structure · Dec 2009
“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.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Mar 2009
When filing, owners marked a crash in 17 of these complaints and injuries in 12 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 5 campaigns
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.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER.
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.
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, 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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THESE ENGINE OIL FILTERS.
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER ASSEMBLIES (EXCEPT THE HANDLE GRIP).
How other years compare
Check your exact Legacy by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1998 Subaru Legacy reliable?
NHTSA has 114 owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns on record for the 1998 Subaru Legacy. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (22% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1998 Subaru Legacy problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 108,048 miles or less.
Does the 1998 Subaru Legacy have open recalls?
5 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning electrical system:alternator/generator/regulator. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.