VehicleVerdict

1999 Subaru Legacy problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 1999 Subaru Legacy sits mid-pack among Legacy years: 119 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 90, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 15 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (18), brakes (15), and engine (14), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

119

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

28

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

15

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other Legacy years?

Legacy NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted248 complaints1987: 1 complaints1988: 1 complaints1989: 1 complaints1990: 103 complaints1991: 121 complaints1992: 66 complaints1993: 90 complaints1994: 67 complaints1995: 230 complaints1996: 161 complaints1997: 179 complaints1998: 155 complaints1999: 119 complaints2000: 119 complaints2001: 90 complaints2002: 71 complaints2003: 69 complaints2004: 55 complaints2005: 248 complaints2006: 135 complaints2007: 45 complaints2008: 83 complaints2009: 75 complaints2010: 218 complaints2011: 234 complaints2012: 119 complaints2013: 84 complaints2014: 73 complaints2015: 232 complaints2016: 192 complaints2017: 140 complaints2018: 161 complaints2019: 142 complaints2020: 143 complaints2021: 43 complaints2022: 41 complaints2023: 12 complaints2024: 26 complaints2025: 10 complaints
Legacy NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Legacy years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Subaru Legacy problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission1815%
Brakes1513%
Engine1412%
Speed Control1210%
Airbags119%
Suspension87%
Fuel System76%
Tires & Wheels76%
Other65%
Body & Structure43%
Steering33%
Child Seat33%
Electrical System22%
Lighting22%
Seat Belts22%
Latches & Locks22%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)11%
Seats11%
Visibility & Wipers11%

Does the 1999 Subaru Legacy have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

01V216000SuspensionJune 25, 2001 · 180,000 units

Defect

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.

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 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.

99V040000BrakesMarch 3, 1999 · 221,987 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION CAUSES THE VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE TO BE INCREASED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER.

98V127000EngineJune 8, 1998 · 20,306 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THIS VAPORIZED OIL SPRAY CAN RESULT IN OIL VAPOR IGNITION BY THE HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THESE ENGINE OIL FILTERS.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WHEN I'M GOING DOWN A DECLINE AT AROUND 40MPH AND THE TRANSM. IS IN 4TH GEAR AND I AM COASTING AND BEGIN TO APPLY THE BRAKE THE CARE WILL SHIFT INTO 3RD GEAR AND REV THE ENGINE TO AROUND 3500-4000 RPM. I FEEL THIS SUDDEN UNEXPECTED TRANSMISSION SHIFT COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF TRACTION ON SLIPPERY ROADS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission

“WHILE DRIVING IN SNOWY AND COLD CONDITIONS BRAKING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED AT LOW SPEED, CAUSING BRAKE PEDAL TO GO TO THE FLOOR AND HAD NO BRAKING ABILITY. THIS RESULTED IN A CRASH. THERE IS RECALL #99V040000, DEALING WITH THE BRAKING SYSTEM, BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. RECALL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 8, 1999 · crash

“CAR HAS PULLED TO THE RIGHT SINCE PURCHASE. PURCHASED VEHICLE LATE SEPT., 1998. AC DID NOT WORK VERY WELL, BUT WEATHER WAS COOL AND IT WAS NOT A PRESSING ISSUE. THE FOLLOWING SPRING/SUMMER, TOOK IN FOR REPAIRS TO DEALER IN EVANSVILLE. AC STILL WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. ACCIDENT 5/19/99 WHERE I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · crash

“I WAS ALMOST AT A DEAD STOP WHEN THE CAR JUST SURGED FOWARD ONCE AND BEFORE I COULD PUT THE BRAKE ON, IT SURGED FOWARD AGAIN AND SENT ME THROUGH A PLATE GLASS WINDOW AT DUNCUN DONUTS WE HIT A POLE BETWEEN THE TWO WINDOWS VERY HARD AND THE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · May 3, 1999 · crash

“THE SPEED AND DAMAGE COSTS ARE GUESSES ONLY. THE PROBLEM WAS THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY IN A FRONT END COLLISION AT A DECENT RATE OF SPEED. AFTER THE INSURANCE INVESTIGATOR SEES THE CAR I'LL BE ABLE TO MAKE A MORE DETAILED REPORT. PLEASE CALL IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · September 4, 1999 · crash

1999 Subaru Legacy — common questions

Is the 1999 Subaru Legacy reliable?

It is close to typical for the Legacy: 119 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 1999 Legacy problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (18 complaints), brakes (15 complaints), engine (14 complaints).

Does the 1999 Subaru Legacy have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1999 Subaru Legacy. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Subaru Legacy years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Legacy years to avoid are 2005, 2011, 2015, 1995, 2010, 2016, 1997, 2018, 1996, 1998, 2020, 2019, 2017, 2006, 2003, 2004. The cleanest record among Legacy years belongs to 1989.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.