1999 Subaru Outback: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 111 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (24% 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 111 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Suspension · Jun 2016
“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.”Owner report · Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · Apr 2014
“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.”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2012
Show 7 more owner reports
“1999 subaru outback ltd power steering rack leak and cam seal leak which ruined timing belt. This car is a piece of junk! *tt”Owner report · Steering · May 2011
“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”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Nov 2010
“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”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2010
“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”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Aug 2009
“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.”Owner report · Suspension · May 2009
“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”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2008
“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”Owner report · Power Train · May 2008
When filing, owners marked a crash in 13 of these complaints and injuries in 18 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
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 1999 Subaru Outback reliable?
NHTSA has 111 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1999 Subaru Outback. The most complained-about area is power train (24% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1999 Subaru Outback problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 91,000 miles or less.
Does the 1999 Subaru Outback have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has 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.