1998 SUBARU OUTBACK
2 recalls, 165 complaints - 19 TSBs
01V216000 Jun 25, 2001
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
Defect Description
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, PE... Read more
Consequence
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.
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 AUTHORIZE... Read more
98V042000 Feb 20, 1998
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
Defect Description
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.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE UNEXPECTED MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER ASSEMBLIES (EXCEPT THE HANDLE GRIP).
Complaint Statistics
165 total complaints
13 crashes 2 fires 11 injuries 1 deaths
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 18 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 11 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 11 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM | 7 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP | 7 |
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 6 |
| AIR BAGS | 6 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 4 |
| AIR BAGS:FRONTAL | 4 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM | 4 |
SERVICE BRAKES
Jul 3, 2014
Incident date: Apr 7, 2014
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... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES
Apr 4, 2013
Incident date: Mar 19, 2013
ON MARCH 19, 2013, I WAS RETURNING TO MY PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT AFTER PICKING UP MY OUTBACK FROM BLOOMINGTON ACURA SUBARU, BLOOMINGTON, MN AFTER A CLUTCH REPLACEMENT WHEN THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEM HAD A TOTAL FAILURE RESULTING IN A NEAR CATASTROPHIC COLLISION WITH SEVERAL VEHICLES. THIS VEHICLE WAS T... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Apr 4, 2013
Incident date: Mar 19, 2013
ON MARCH 19, 2013, I WAS RETURNING TO MY PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT AFTER PICKING UP MY OUTBACK FROM BLOOMINGTON ACURA SUBARU, BLOOMINGTON, MN AFTER A CLUTCH REPLACEMENT WHEN THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEM HAD A TOTAL FAILURE RESULTING IN A NEAR CATASTROPHIC COLLISION WITH SEVERAL VEHICLES. THIS VEHICLE WAS T... Read more
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
May 18, 2012
Incident date: May 17, 2012
I WAS DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 90 IN IDAHO AT 62 MPH WHEN THE HOOD LATCH FAILED. THE HOOD WAS SECURED DOWN ALL THE WAY BEFORE THE INCIDENT AND HAD NOT BEEN OPENED IN TWO WEEKS. THERE HAD BEEN OVER 100 MILES OF HIGHWAY DRIVING OVER 60 MPH SINCE THE HOOD WAS LAST OPENED. THE HOOD FLEW UP WITH NO SAFETY C... Read more
SUSPENSION
Dec 9, 2011
Incident date: Dec 3, 2011
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 BETWEE... Read more
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Oct 10, 2011
Incident date: Aug 1, 2011
AS MY WIFE AND I WERE FILLING UP OUR 98 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK WE NOTICED A SMELL OF GAS FUMES ON THE WAY HOME AS I BACKED THE CAR INTO THE DRIVEWAY I NOTICED THE SMELL OF FUEL EVEN STONGER. I WENT TO THE BACK AND LOOKED UNDER THE RIGHT REAR AND TO MY SURPRISE THE FUEL FILLER NECK WAS LEAKING FUEL!! ... Read more
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
Oct 10, 2011
Incident date: Aug 1, 2011
AS MY WIFE AND I WERE FILLING UP OUR 98 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK WE NOTICED A SMELL OF GAS FUMES ON THE WAY HOME AS I BACKED THE CAR INTO THE DRIVEWAY I NOTICED THE SMELL OF FUEL EVEN STONGER. I WENT TO THE BACK AND LOOKED UNDER THE RIGHT REAR AND TO MY SURPRISE THE FUEL FILLER NECK WAS LEAKING FUEL!! ... Read more
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
Sep 8, 2010
Incident date: Sep 5, 2010
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 PO... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jul 30, 2010
Incident date: Dec 20, 2009
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 RECOM... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
Jun 13, 2010
Incident date: May 15, 2010
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 A... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Jun 13, 2010
Incident date: May 15, 2010
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 A... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Jun 13, 2010
Incident date: May 15, 2010
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 A... Read more
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Apr 2, 2010
Incident date: Feb 15, 2010
1998 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK WAGON AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 86,000 MILES. PURCHASED USED MANY YEARS AGO WITH ABOUT 10,000 MILES. MY SISTER'S CAR, SHE WAS DRIVING ALONE. EXPERIENCED DRIVER. ABOUT TWO MONTHS AGO SHE CAME AROUND A CORNER ON A 30 MPH ROAD NEAR HER HOME. LIGHT SNOW ON THE GROUND (AMHE... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
Feb 26, 2010
Incident date: Feb 26, 2010
1998 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5L MOTOR HEAD GASKET FAILURE. *TR
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Jul 27, 2009
Incident date: Jul 25, 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. *... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Jan 15, 2009
Incident date: Dec 15, 2008
OVERHEATING, WATER LEAKING, HEAD GASKET PROBLEM. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
Jan 15, 2009
Incident date: Dec 15, 2008
OVERHEATING, WATER LEAKING, HEAD GASKET PROBLEM. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Jan 14, 2009
Incident date: Dec 30, 2008
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 PRO... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
Jan 14, 2009
Incident date: Dec 30, 2008
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 PRO... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Dec 29, 2008
Incident date: Apr 8, 2003
BLOWN HEAD GASKET ON 1998 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK AT ~70K, JUST OUT OF WARRANTY,. THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED IN 2003, BUT GIVEN THE CONTINUATION OF COMPLAINTS FROM CURRENT SUBARU OWNERS EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM, IT SEEMS HIGHLY NEGLIGENT OF SUBARU TO DENY RESPONSIBILITY FOR ADDRESSING THIS PROBLEM. THIS... Read more
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Sep 11, 2008
Incident date: Oct 17, 2007
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 WI... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Aug 14, 2008
Incident date: Mar 15, 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 ... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Jul 8, 2008
Incident date: Apr 29, 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 V... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Aug 31, 2007
Incident date: Feb 21, 2007
WE BOUGHT A 1998 SUBARU OUTBACK IN 2004. AT APPROXIMATELY 110,000 MILES, WE EXPERIENCED A CATASTROPHIC OVERHEATING OF THE ENGINE DUE TO A FAULTY HEAD GASKET. THE OVERHEATING CAUSED APPROXIMATELY $3,000 WORTH OF DAMAGE TO THE CAR. THE HEAD GASKET, RADIATOR, THERMOSTAT, WATER PUMP, OXYGEN SENSORS AND ... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
Oct 15, 2006
Incident date: Aug 28, 2006
SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. SUBARU PLAZA P.O. BOX 6000 CHERRY HILL, NJ 08034-6000 ATTN: CUSTOMER/DEALER SERVICES RE: SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK VIN [DELETED FOR PRIVACY] TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: I AM WRITING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT A SITUATION WITH OUR OIL AT TEMP WARNING LIGHT WHICH RESULTED IN OUR P... Read more
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
Jun 23, 2006
Incident date: Jun 5, 2006
THE GAS FILL PIPE LEAKS GASOLINE. THERE IS A PLASTIC SHIELD NEXT TO IT THAT CATCHES DIRT, SAND, ETC AND THEN KEEPS THE OUTSIDE OF THE PIPE WET FOR WEEKS AFTER ANY RAINY DRIVE. THIS LED TO THE PIPE RUSTING OUT AND LEAKING GASOLINE ON THE ROAD, DRIVEWAY AND GARAGE. *NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Jun 22, 2006
Incident date: Jun 6, 2006
DRIVING A 1998 SUBARU AWD LEGACY OUTBACK. ON JUNE 6, 2006 WHILE ON A SHORT TRIP IN VEHICLE, RETURNED HOME TO SEE SMOKE (NOT STEAM) COMING FROM ENGINE BLOCK. THE VEHICLE HAD OVERHEATED, AND HAD BEEN SUFFERING OCCASIONAL LOSS OF POWER WHILE DRIVING PRIOR TO THIS TIME (APPROX 1 WEEK). DROVE APPROX .... Read more
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
May 27, 2006
Incident date: May 11, 2006
MY CHILD CARE PROVIDER WAS INVOLVED IN A SINGLE CAR ACCIDENT. SHE WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH IN WET/RAINY CONDITIONS WHEN SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR AND HIT A TREE. THIS IMPACT CAUSED THE CAR TO SPIN AND HIT A SECOND TREE. THE CAR WAS TOTALED AND SUSTAINED DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END, THE PASS... Read more
Crash
1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
Feb 27, 2006
Incident date: Jan 31, 2006
HOOD LATCH FAILURE ON 1998 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK- WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED, HOOD LATCH FAILED AND HOOD FLEW BACK INTO WINDSHIELD AND ROOF. INABILITY TO SEE ROAD AHEAD(VERY BUSY) NEARLY CAUSED ACCIDENT. WINDSHIELD AND HOOD DESTROYED, ROOF DENTED, L,R FRONT FENDERS REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. *NM
EQUIPMENT
Jan 4, 2006
Incident date: Jun 15, 2005
THE FRONT AIRBAGS ON MY 1998 SUBARU OUTBACK SPORT WENT OUT AT 76,000 MILES WITHOUT EVER DEPLOYING OR ANY OTHER INDICATORS. THE LIGHT ON THE DASH WAS THE ONLY SIGN THAT THE BAGS WERE NO LONGER WORKING. THE DEALER SAID TWO MODULES WENT OUT. THE ONE IN THE STEERING WHEEL WILL BE OVER $300 TO REPLACE... Read more
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE
Jan 4, 2006
Incident date: Jun 15, 2005
THE FRONT AIRBAGS ON MY 1998 SUBARU OUTBACK SPORT WENT OUT AT 76,000 MILES WITHOUT EVER DEPLOYING OR ANY OTHER INDICATORS. THE LIGHT ON THE DASH WAS THE ONLY SIGN THAT THE BAGS WERE NO LONGER WORKING. THE DEALER SAID TWO MODULES WENT OUT. THE ONE IN THE STEERING WHEEL WILL BE OVER $300 TO REPLACE... Read more
POWER TRAIN
Sep 15, 2005
Incident date: Sep 6, 2005
1998 SUBARU OUTBACK - STEERING BECOMES JERKY WHEN BACKING OR GOING FORWARD AT SLOW SPEEDS AND WHILE MAKING TIGHT TURNING RADIUSES. LOCAL REPAIR SHOP CALLED A LOCAL SUBARU DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT THEY HAVE SEEN SOME INCIDENTS OF THIS PROBLEM BUT KNOW OF NO FIX. IT WAS SAID THAT THE VEHICLE IS SAF... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Sep 3, 2005
Incident date: Sep 1, 2005
LATE ON THE NIGHT OF 09/01/05 MY WIFE, HER SON, DAUGHTER AND TWO (2) GRAND CHILDREN WERE TRAVELING TO OMAHA, NE FOR THE LONG LABOR DAY WEEKEND IN A 1998 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK WAGON WITH 123,000 MILES. THEY GOT AS FAR AS THE OUTSKIRTS OF KEARNEY, NE WHEN THEY NOTICED A LOSS OF POWER AND SAW HEAVY SM... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Jul 28, 2005
Incident date: Apr 15, 2005
CYLINDER #4 EXHAUST VALE FAILURE IN JULY OF 2004. SUBARU DEALER PRESTIGE IMPORTS PULLED HEAD AND REPLACED VALVE. THEY INSISTED THE CAUSE WAS "BAD GASOLINE." APRIL 2005 CAR IS FOUND TO HAVE HIGH LEVEL OF CO2 IN COOLING SYSTEM. SUBARU DEALER PRESTIGE IMPORTS REFUSES TO DO A LEAK DOWN TEST TO DETERMI... Read more
WHEELS:RIM
Jul 14, 2005
Incident date: Jul 1, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT STATES ONE OF THE TIRES HAS BEEN LOSING AIR. THE SERVICE MECHANIC STATES THAT HE HAS NEVER SEEN THIS PROBLEM. THE WHEEL ITSELF LOOKS LIKE IT HAS A CRACKED. IT IS RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WHEEL ON THE INNER RIM. IT HAS NOT DAMAGED THE TIRES. THE TIRE IS LOCATED ON THE PASSENGER'S ... Read more
TIRES
Jul 14, 2005
Incident date: Jul 1, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT STATES ONE OF THE TIRES HAS BEEN LOSING AIR. THE SERVICE MECHANIC STATES THAT HE HAS NEVER SEEN THIS PROBLEM. THE WHEEL ITSELF LOOKS LIKE IT HAS A CRACKED. IT IS RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WHEEL ON THE INNER RIM. IT HAS NOT DAMAGED THE TIRES. THE TIRE IS LOCATED ON THE PASSENGER'S ... Read more
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Jun 27, 2005
Incident date: May 15, 2004
THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED WITH JUST 61,000 EASY MILES. THE FAILURE WAS IN THE CLUTCH ASSEMBLY (IT WOULD NOT DECELERATE WHEN TAKING PRESSURE OFF THE GAS PEDAL). I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT THE DRIVE TRAIN WAS TECHNICALLY OUT OF WARRANTY AND THAT I WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Feb 6, 2005
Incident date: Dec 20, 2004
HEAD GASKET FAILURE IN SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK 1998. ENGINE OVERHEATED WHICH LEAD TO LEAD TO SMOKE COMING OUT UNDER THE HOOD AND SUBSEQUENT WARPING OF ENGINE HEADS. I HARD TO REPLACE GASKET HEADS BUT I AM TOLD THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THIS WOULD NOT HAPPEN AGAIN SINCE THERE IS AN APPARENT DESIGN FLAW IN... Read more
WHEELS:RIM
Jan 27, 2005
Incident date: Sep 9, 2002
THE RIM IS CAUSING THE TIRES TO LOSE AIR ABOUT ONE POUND A DAY, WHICH IS MAKING THE ABILITY TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE DIFFICULT. THE OWNER HAS TO FILL UP TIRES WITH AIR EVERY FIVE DAYS. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BY OWNER.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Jan 26, 2005
Incident date: Jan 19, 2005
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE OVERHEATED. THIS HAPPENED THREE TIMES. WHEN TAKEN TO GET SERVICED THE THIRD TIME IT WAS DETERMINED THAT IT WAS DUE TO THE HEAD GASKET.*AK *TC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Jan 3, 2005
Incident date: Dec 14, 2004
LEGACY OUTBACK WITH 2.5 L ENGINE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT WITH COOLANT BOILING OVER INTO RESEVOIR. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO REPAIR SHOP. THEY REPLACED THERMOSTAT, TESTED FOR HYDROCARBONS IN SYSTEM, PRESSURED TESTED CAP AND SYSTEM AND FLUSHED RADIATOR. CAR STILL OVERHEATED AND WAS RETURNED TO REPAIR SHOP AND TE... Read more
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
Dec 20, 2004
Incident date: Dec 18, 2004
SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK, 1998 MODEL, CENTER REAR LAP BELT BUCKLE END IS TOO LONG TO HOLD A CHILD RESTRAINT TIGHTLY ENOUGH.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
Dec 13, 2004
Incident date: Jul 6, 1998
ENGINE OVERHEATING STARTED 10 MONTHS AGO ON LONG TRIPS ONLY. OVERHEATING WAS COMMON WHEN ENGINE WAS UNDER HEAVIER THAN NORMAL LOADS FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME(CLIMBING HILSS, ETC.). FLUID IN RADIATOR WAS EVENTUALLY DEPLENTED LEADING TO SHARP RISE IN ENGINE TEMPERATURE. LATELY THIS HAS BEEN WORSE AS... Read more
AIR BAGS
Dec 11, 2004
Incident date: Sep 20, 2004
DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE. VEHICLE STRUCK STATIONARY OBJECT AT APROX. 15 MPH. AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. SIGNIFICANT FRONT END AND UNDERCARRIAGE DAMAGE. *JB
Crash
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
Nov 19, 2004
Incident date: Nov 19, 2004
DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW REGULATOR FAILED. ONLY ROLLS WINDOW DOWN 2" THEN SKIPS AND WON'T ROLL BACK UP. HAS FAILED REPEATEDLY FOR 2 YEARS.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Nov 4, 2004
Incident date: Oct 30, 2004
TOOK MY SUBARU TO DEALER FOR 60,000 MILE CHECK. HE ADVISED ME THAT MY HEAD GASKET WAS ABOUT TO FAIL AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. HE ALSO INFORMED ME THAT FAILURE OF THE HEAD GASKET IN 1998 OUTBACKS WAS COMMON. THIS REPAIR IS VERY COSTLY (ABOUT $1500), AND FAILING TO MAKE IT COULD CAUSE CATASTROPHIC DA... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Nov 4, 2004
Incident date: Sep 22, 2004
COMPLAINT RECEIVED VIA E-MAIL. THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WAS IN THE HOT RANGE WHILE DRIVING. THE COOLING SYSTEM CHECKED OUT OKAY, BUT WAS TOLD THAT THE CAR WAS LOW ON COOLANT. THE CONSUMER REFILLED COOLANT, WENT OUT OF COUNTRY, AND 2 WEEKS LATER ENCOUNTERED THE SAME PROBLEM. A MONTH LATER, WHILE DRI... Read more
PARKING BRAKE
Nov 2, 2004
Incident date: Oct 5, 2004
ON OCTOBER 6, 2004, I WAS COASTING INTO A PARKING SPACE IN MY 1998 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK. MY HEADLIGHTS WERE FACING A CURB, SIDEWALK, AND CEMENT BRICK BUILDING, AND I TOUCHED THE BRAKES TO PREVENT BUMPING THE CURB. AS SOON AS MY FOOT HIT THE BRAKE, THE CAR VROOMED AS IF THE THROTTLE HAD BEEN FULLY... Read more
Crash
1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Nov 2, 2004
Incident date: Oct 5, 2004
ON OCTOBER 6, 2004, I WAS COASTING INTO A PARKING SPACE IN MY 1998 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK. MY HEADLIGHTS WERE FACING A CURB, SIDEWALK, AND CEMENT BRICK BUILDING, AND I TOUCHED THE BRAKES TO PREVENT BUMPING THE CURB. AS SOON AS MY FOOT HIT THE BRAKE, THE CAR VROOMED AS IF THE THROTTLE HAD BEEN FULLY... Read more
Crash
1 injured
POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)
Oct 25, 2004
Incident date: Oct 25, 2004
ALL WHEEL DRIVE BINDING TIRES. 2 SETS OF 4 TIRES EACH (NEW MICHELIN AGILITY) WORN TO STEEL B/C OF "BINDING" -- 2 YEARS IN A ROW. SUBARU CURRENTLY HAVING AWD REPAIRED.*AK
Showing 50 of 165 complaints.
Technical Service Bulletins, 1998 SUBARU OUTBACK
19 manufacturer communications from 13 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.
Most Affected Components
| Component | Bulletins |
|---|---|
| 350000 EQUIPMENT | 10 |
| 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 3 |
| 020000 SUSPENSION | 1 |
| 036100 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE | 1 |
| 121000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS | 1 |
| 190000 TIRES | 1 |
| 030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 1 |
| 060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 1 |
12-249-23R
Jul 11, 2023
350000 EQUIPMENT
This bulletin announces the recommended cleaning procedures to followed when encountering vehicles with long time exposure to pollen on painted surfaces on vehicles imported from Japan. This bulletin does not apply to SIA built vehicles.
01-167-08R
Aug 23, 2022
350000 EQUIPMENT
This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
15-302-22
Aug 23, 2022
350000 EQUIPMENT
This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
15-302-22
Aug 23, 2022
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
15-192-22R
Mar 18, 2022
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic essential information during diagnosis and repair of the Infotainment concerns. (Applicable to all models with Harman or Denso CP1 Infotainment).
01-167-08R
Jun 17, 2021
350000 EQUIPMENT
This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models
01-167-08R
Jun 17, 2021
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models
09-51-08R
Jun 7, 2021
350000 EQUIPMENT
This bulletin is to advise of SOAa??s revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
09-51-08R
Jun 7, 2021
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
This bulletin is to advise of SOAa??s revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
14-22-16R
Feb 1, 2021
350000 EQUIPMENT
To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate Special Service Tool.
14-22-16R
Aug 4, 2020
350000 EQUIPMENT
Special Service Tools Cross Reference List.
01-181-20
Apr 30, 2020
350000 EQUIPMENT
All Models (Vehicle Cleaning- COVID-19Best Practices)
06-68-19R
Jul 11, 2019
030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
This Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips. This will prevent the pad from dragging due to corrosion buildup which may result in uneven o
Subaru Tech Tips
May 21, 2019
350000 EQUIPMENT
Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newletter.
14-22-16R
May 6, 2019
350000 EQUIPMENT
To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate Special Service Tool.
SB-05-50-10R
Feb 3, 2011
190000 TIRES
SUBARU: THERE IS A STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS DUE TO AN IMPORPER WHEEL BALANCE. *RM
07
Jul 1, 2007
121000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
HEADLIGHT BULB SOCKET REPAIRS. *KB
063103
Dec 8, 2004
036100 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
REPLACEMENT OF THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) FOR ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) REPAIR. *TT UPDATE. *TT
010102
Jan 1, 2002
020000 SUSPENSION
INFORMATION REGARDING FRONT SPRING GUARD BULLETIN UPDATE. *YD
SUBARU OUTBACK - All Years Overview
Complete safety history for the SUBARU OUTBACK across all model years (1995, 2023).
199
Total Recalls
12,297
Total Complaints
0
Investigations
635
Reported Crashes
144
Reported Fires
9
Reported Deaths
SUBARU OUTBACK - Year by Year
Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 11 | View |
| 2025 | 0 | 108 | View |
| 2024 | 0 | 131 | View |
| 2023 | 2 | 122 | View |
| 2022 | 4 | 543 | View |
| 2021 | 4 | 408 | View |
| 2020 | 6 | 1,128 | View |
| 2019 | 3 | 1,284 | View |
| 2018 | 3 | 986 | View |
| 2017 | 4 | 1,106 | View |
| 2016 | 4 | 770 | View |
| 2015 | 5 | 642 | View |
| 2014 | 10 | 276 | View |
| 2013 | 12 | 406 | View |
| 2012 | 16 | 367 | View |
| 2011 | 16 | 855 | View |
| 2010 | 18 | 466 | View |
| 2009 | 13 | 142 | View |
| 2008 | 8 | 281 | View |
| 2007 | 8 | 182 | View |
| 2006 | 7 | 404 | View |
| 2005 | 9 | 354 | View |
| 2004 | 11 | 108 | View |
| 2003 | 15 | 116 | View |
| 2002 | 5 | 172 | View |
| 2001 | 4 | 207 | View |
| 2000 | 2 | 247 | View |
| 1999 | 1 | 150 | View |
| 1998 (current) | 2 | 165 | |
| 1997 | 4 | 94 | View |
| 1996 | 2 | 57 | View |
| 1995 | 1 | 3 | View |