1998 Subaru Outback: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 127 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (31% of complaints); the 1996 model year looks more trouble-free.
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 127 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“While driving in the city streets, I came to a stop and realized the car would not stop. When I took my vehicle to the mechanic he said 3 brake lines on my subaru outback 1998 had broken. I live in pennsylvania. This incident cost me $500 in repairs. I realize there is a recall for newer models, but my older subaru outback is having the same issue. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Apr 2014
“Sounded like there was a pop in my front corner. Still drove ok under 20-25 mph. Faster than that the wheel shook violently. Backing up there was a loud grinding noise. Took to friends hose who works on cars. He said it was my front lower control arm on the driver's side. The connection between the control arm and the front (he called it handling bushing) was rusted completely in two. He found a used control arm at a junk yard and replaced it for me. We took pictures of the part that I can provide if needed. I no longer have the old part. *tr”Owner report · Suspension · Dec 2011
“Fuel (gasoline) filler neck for the 1998 subaru legacy wagon rusts out. Mechanic indicated very common problem with this year make and model. Very poor design 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, Other · Sep 2010
Show 7 more owner reports
“Engine overheating every half mile with engine reservoir overflowing. After $1300 of replacing thermostat, timing belt, belt tensioner, water pump, flushing the cooling system, and compression tests, I was told I had a blown head gasket. I was told the replacement would cost an additional $2,200 at least. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2010
“Tl*the contact owns a 1998 subaru outback. The contact stated that when any type of gmc vehicle was parked next to his vehicle the automatic door locks and alarm system would engage when the other vehicles keyless entry system was activated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who recommended that the vehicle be taken to an authorized dealer to be repaired. The failure mileage was 160,000. The VIN was unavailable.”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2009
“Driving on highway ~60 mph. Hood latch released spontaneously. Hood flew back, shattering windshield. I started to lose control, as I couldn't see, but recovered and, peering through small area under hood was able to get off onto the shoulder before we got killed because of this unexpected defect. *tr”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Jul 2009
“Engine began to overheat only when being driven, does not overheat when idling. I have replaced the thermostat, water pump, and timing belt but it still overheats. While doing research on the internet, I found the carsurvey.org site with many references to this being a known issue, a head gasket problem. Based on the number of similar complaints, subaru has a design problem that should have been recalled or at least a warning of some type send out. What can be done about this issue? *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2008
“Complaint is for subaru of america. I own a 98 subaru legacy outback and the cooling system malfunctioned and the head gaskets blew. I looked online and there are hundreds of owners on a multitude of sites who are experiencing or have experienced this exact problem. Clearly the problem is with the vehicle and not any owner's operation of the vehicle, and therefore the corporation who has caused its customers expense should bear the burden financially for fixing this problem. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2008
“Multiple problems with engine 1. Seal leak at approximately 48,000 miles, burning oil smell, corrected at replacement of timing belt at scheduled 105k--not detected by dealer while under warranty (60k warranty). 2. Failure of head gasket at 110k 3. Failure of 2 cam seals at 158k 4. Failure of additional (remaining) 2 cam seals at 165k (mechanic initially indicated this was rare and unfortunately, dure to cost, did not recommend replacing all 4 cam seals--bad choice--$600 parts and labor each occurrence #3 and #4. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2008
“Tl*the contact owns a 1998 subaru outback. Since october of 2007, the contact smelled fuel inside the passenger compartment. He took the vehicle to the dealer for a diagnosis and they stated that the failure was due to the fuel metal nose. The nose corroded and caused fuel to leak. The dealer will replace the nose metal at the cost of $278. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was out of warranty; therefore, they would not assist with the repair. The failure mileage was 122,000 and current mileage was 124,000.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Oct 2007
When filing, owners marked a crash in 9 of these complaints and injuries in 8 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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 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 Outback 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 Outback reliable?
NHTSA has 127 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1998 Subaru Outback. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (31% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1998 Subaru Outback problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 92,243 miles or less.
Does the 1998 Subaru Outback have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning suspension:front:springs:coil springs. 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.