1999 Subaru Legacy: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 94 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (19% 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 94 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2017
“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”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Dec 2014
“Driving in heavy traffic in the left lane of I-78, the shifter popped out of 5th gear by itself (that is, without any human intervention). The vehicle completely lost power immediately, as it was now in neutral. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2014
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“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 subaru legacy outback. The contact stated that while refueling, the filler neck corroded and fuel emitted from the tank. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the dealer confirmed that the filler neck needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileages were 128,782.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Feb 2012
“With no prior warning, at approx 90km/h or 55 mph south bound on hwy-11 near orillia, on, canada. The hood latch failed, causing the hood to come back and shatter the windshield. There were no injuries, and my wife maintained safe control of the vehicle onto the paved shoulder. I found other complaints of this issue on line but the local dealership disavows any knowledge of this issue. We called our insurance company and discovered they had reduced our coverage on the vehicle to liability only with out consulting us. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Jan 2011
“Hesitation, surging, and bucking at mid-range engine rpms. This has been a recurrent problem despite replacement of the throttle position sensor x3. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · May 2010
“I have a 1999 subaru legacy. On 2 separate occasions I experience sudden acceleration. Once driving on expressway. Lasted a few seconds. 2nd instance stopped at stop sign, foot on brake, car accelerated. Foot was on brake & then put gear in neutral. I called dealership & was told that this happened because heater/ac was on dual m (feet & chest) & this was normal. I have had car checked & there is nothing wrong with it. So they say. Based on service mgrs response, others have complained about the acceleration. Given the events with toyota --there should be further investigation.*cw”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Oct 2009
“Tl*the contact owns a 1999 subaru legacy. The contact noticed that the check engine light appeared on the warning panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that the gas cap caused the light to appear on the dashboard. The contact then examined the vehicle while it was turned on and noticed that gasoline was leaking underneath the vehicle. The failure mileage was 169,000 and the current mileage was 172,000.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Sep 2009
“Tl*the contact owns a 1999 subaru outback. While backing out of the driveway at approximately 5 mph, the contact heard a clunking and rubbing noise. The contact exited the vehicle and discovered that the front passenger side coil spring failed and punctured the tire. The current and failure mileages were 160,000. Updated 06/09/08 *bf the consumer was told his vehicle identifaction number was not included in the recall # 01v216000. Updated”Owner report · Suspension · May 2008
“Tl*the contact owns a 1999 subaru legacy. The contact was concerned that his vehicle may experience the failure mentioned in NHTSA campaign id number 01v216000 (suspension:front springs:coil springs). There had been no failure to date. The current mileage was 138,000.”Owner report · Suspension · May 2008
When filing, owners marked a crash in 18 of these complaints and injuries in 12 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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.
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 1999 Subaru Legacy reliable?
NHTSA has 94 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1999 Subaru Legacy. The most complained-about area is power train (19% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1999 Subaru Legacy problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 101,000 miles or less.
Does the 1999 Subaru Legacy have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder. 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.