VehicleVerdict

1998 Subaru Outback problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1998 Subaru Outback sits mid-pack among Outback years: 165 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 262, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 11 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 46 reports (28% of the total).

165

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

13

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

11

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other Outback years?

Outback NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted1,282 complaints1995: 3 complaints1996: 57 complaints1997: 94 complaints1998: 165 complaints1999: 150 complaints2000: 247 complaints2001: 207 complaints2002: 172 complaints2003: 116 complaints2004: 108 complaints2005: 354 complaints2006: 404 complaints2007: 182 complaints2008: 281 complaints2009: 142 complaints2010: 466 complaints2011: 855 complaints2012: 367 complaints2013: 406 complaints2014: 275 complaints2015: 640 complaints2016: 769 complaints2017: 1,102 complaints2018: 986 complaints2019: 1,282 complaints2020: 1,126 complaints2021: 405 complaints2022: 543 complaints2023: 119 complaints2024: 130 complaints2025: 104 complaints2026: 11 complaints
Outback NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Outback years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Subaru Outback problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine4628%
Transmission2113%
Brakes1811%
Speed Control148%
Airbags117%
Tires & Wheels95%
Visibility & Wipers74%
Electrical System74%
Fuel System53%
Other53%
Latches & Locks42%
Seat Belts42%
Lighting42%
Suspension42%
Steering32%
Body & Structure21%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)11%

Does the 1998 Subaru Outback have recalls?

2 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.

98V042000TransmissionFebruary 20, 1998 · 19,386 units

Defect

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).

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 20, 2004

“I WAS PARKING MY CAR TO GO TO THE VIDEO STORE WITH MY SON. IT APPEARED TO LURCH FORWARD, SPEEDING UP, AND DID NOT COME TO A STOP UNTIL IT HIT FOUR OTHER CARS, AND FINALLY PLOWED INTO A LARGE 4X4 BROADSIDE, WITH ENOUGH SPEED TO PUSH IT INTO ANOTHER CAR. MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, AND MY DISABLED CHILD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 13, 2001 · crash

“CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 60MPH ON HIGHWAY, VEHICLE IN FRONT SLOWED DOWN, CONSUMER APPLIED BRAKES, AND VEHICLE TOOK OFF ON ITS ON. VEHICLE WAS OUT OF CONTROL, BUT AVOIDED OTHER CARS. WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, FLIPPED THREE TIMES, AND ENDED ON DRIVER'S SIDE . DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 20, 2001 · crash

“WHEN DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD. THIS CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND HIT A LIGHT POLE HEAD ON. UPON IMPACT, BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY'S DESIGNATED REPAIR FACILITY. *AK THIS WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · May 15, 2004 · crash

“WHEN DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD. THIS CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND HIT A LIGHT POLE HEAD ON. UPON IMPACT, BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY'S DESIGNATED REPAIR FACILITY. *AK THIS WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · May 15, 2004 · crash

1998 Subaru Outback — common questions

Is the 1998 Subaru Outback reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 165 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Outback year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 1998 Outback problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (46 complaints), transmission (21 complaints), brakes (18 complaints).

Does the 1998 Subaru Outback have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1998 Subaru Outback. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Subaru Outback years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Outback years to avoid are 2019, 2020, 2017, 2018, 2011, 2016, 2015, 2022, 2010, 2013, 2021, 2006, 2005, 2003, 2004. The cleanest record among Outback years belongs to 1995.

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.