1998 Subaru Legacy

114 federal complaints (155 component records) · 4 recall campaigns on file · 26 service bulletins · 5 Canadian recalls
See all 39 model years of the Subaru Legacy →
Engine
2.2L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
21 city / 29 hwy
Federal complaints
114
Recall campaigns
4
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Engine & cooling
30
Power train
16
Brakes
14
Air bags
11
Speed control
10
Electrical system
10
Steering
8
Fuel system
8
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 20 complaints01 years old: 7 complaints2 years old: 11 complaints3 years old: 5 complaints4 years old: 6 complaints5 years old: 5 complaints56 years old: 11 complaints7 years old: 4 complaints8 years old: 3 complaints9 years old: 2 complaints10 years old: 4 complaints1011 years old: 4 complaints12 years old: 2 complaints13 years old: 0 complaints14 years old: 2 complaints15 years old: 0 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 4 complaints20+ years old: 1 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 91 of 114 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 0 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 4 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 1 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 3 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 6 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 4 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 5 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 5 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 0 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 1 complaints200,000+ miles: 3 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 32 of 114 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Engine & cooling

30 complaint records1 fire report
"COOLANT LEAKED FROM THE ENGINE HEAD GASKET. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THEY REPLACED THE GASKET HEAD/GAS, AND HOLES. *AK *JB..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Power train

16 complaint records1 fire report
"UPON STARTING VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY JUMPED OUT OF GEAR INTO REVERSE. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →

Brakes

14 complaint records4 crash reports
"WHILE DRIVING 50MPH HAD GRADUALLY APPLIED THE BRAKES, AND ABS BRAKES LOCKED UP WHEN ENTERING RAMP EXIT. VEHICLE SKIDDED OUT OF CONTROL AND HIT A CONCRETE WALL. VEHICLE WAS DECLARED TOTALED. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
01V216000SuspensionVEHICLE 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,...Normally free
99V040000Service Brakes, HydraulicVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS). (THE 1999 2.2 LITER LEGACY VEHICLES ARE EXCLUDED).Normally free
98V127000Engine And Engine CoolingVEHICLE 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).Normally free
98V042000Power TrainVEHICLE 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.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2001183
2001-07-03
Other12,569Certain passenger vehicles equipped with front coil springs.The front coil springs were produced with poor paint quality which, after continued exposure to corrosive salt, can result in breakage of the spring.
2000069
2000-03-17
Other46,003Certain vehicle do not comply with Regulation 6 - Statement of Compliance. Compliance label was not expressed in both official languages in regard to vehicle classification.
1999043
1999-03-17
Brakes16,710On certain vehicles equipped with anti-lock brakes (ABS), the brake master cylinder secondary circuit may not function in extremely cold weather due to brake fluid bypassing the fluid supply valve, which remains open.
1998176
1998-09-08
Engine2,207THE ORIGINAL OIL FILTER CANS ON THESE VEHICLES MAY FATIGUE AND FRACTURE CAUSING AN INITIAL VAPORIZED OIL SPRAY AND SUBSEQUENT OIL LEAK.
1998030
1998-02-19
Powertrain1,393THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER ASSEMBLIES ON THESE VEHICLES MAY FAIL DUE TO POOR WELDS WITHIN THE ASSEMBLY. THIS CAN RESULT IN STUCK IGNITION KEYS, BROKEN SHIFT LEVERS/LINKAGES AND IMPROPER MOVEMENT OF SHIFT LEVERS.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
12-249-23R
Jul 2023
EquipmentThis 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.
15-302-22
Aug 2022
EquipmentThis bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
01-167-08R
Aug 2022
EquipmentThis bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
15-192-22R
Mar 2022
Electrical SystemThis 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 2021
Electrical SystemThis bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models
Show 21 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
09-51-08R
Jun 2021
EquipmentThis bulletin is to advise of SOA’s revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
14-22-16R
Feb 2021
EquipmentTo 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 2020
EquipmentSpecial Service Tools Cross Reference List.
01-181-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentAll Models (Vehicle Cleaning- COVID-19Best Practices)
06-68-19R
Jul 2019
Service BrakesThis Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips.
Subaru Tech Tips
May 2019
EquipmentSubaru Service and Technical Support Line Newletter.
14-22-16R
May 2019
EquipmentTo 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 2011
TiresSUBARU: THERE IS A STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS DUE TO AN IMPORPER WHEEL BALANCE. *RM
07
Jul 2007
Exterior LightingHEADLIGHT BULB SOCKET REPAIRS. *KB
02
Feb 2006
Engine And Engine CoolingRUBBING MARK ON TIMING BELT. SUBARU. *TT
170601
Apr 2005
Seat BeltsINFORMATION REGARDING SEAT BELT LATCH SLIDES TO THE LOWER SEAT BELT ANCHOR. *YH UPDATED *EH
063103
Dec 2004
Service BrakesREPLACEMENT OF THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) FOR ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) REPAIR. *TT UPDATE. *TT
035203
May 2003
Power TrainCLUTCH PEDAL STICKING. *TT
035002
Dec 2002
SuspensionNEW PROCEDURE FOR REPLACING REAR WHEEL BEARINGS. *TT
010102
Jan 2002
SuspensionINFORMATION REGARDING FRONT SPRING GUARD BULLETIN UPDATE. *YD
040901
Aug 2001
SteeringSUBJECT ON REGARDING STEERING KNOCKING/RATTLE NOISE WHEN TURNING. *ET
WXW81
Oct 2000
Electrical SystemSOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF ALTERNATOR CHARGING DUE TO A BROKEN BRUSH WIRE. *TT
034899
Jul 1999
Power TrainVEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS MAY EXHIBIT FIRST GEAR POPPING OUT WHILE DRIVING. *TT
040599
Apr 1999
Service BrakesSUBJECT REGARDING BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN ON SOME VEHICLES WITH ABS. *TT
115398
Jan 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingCUSTOMER MAY COMPLAIN OF A SLIGHT ENGINE HESITATION ON VEHICLES WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS 2.5L AND 2.2L ENGINES. TT
010898
Aug 1998
Power TrainINFORMATION ON INSTALLING REAR DIFFERENTIAL PROTECTOR . *TT

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  2. Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
  3. Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 4 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Subaru Legacy →