1999 Subaru Outback problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1999 Subaru Outback sits mid-pack among Outback years: 150 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 263, with a single recall and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 31 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (32), engine (28), and suspension (13), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

150

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other Outback years?

Outback NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Outback years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Subaru Outback problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Transmission	32	21%	▲ up
Engine	28	19%	▼ down
Suspension	13	9%	▲ up
Electrical System	11	7%	▲ up
Brakes	9	6%	▼ down
Speed Control	9	6%	▼ down
Fuel System	7	5%	▲ up
Airbags	7	5%	▼ down
Other	6	4%	— flat
Body & Structure	6	4%	▲ up
Latches & Locks	5	3%	— flat
Visibility & Wipers	4	3%	▼ down
Tires & Wheels	4	3%	▼ down
Seats	3	2%	new
Seat Belts	3	2%	— flat
Steering	2	1%	▼ down
Child Seat	1	1%	new

Does the 1999 Subaru Outback have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“HEATED MIRRORS, HEATED SEATS, AND SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER ALL QUIT WORKING AND ALTHOUGH SERVICE TECHNICIANS TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG ORIGINALLY, THEY DID FINALLY ADMIT TO A SHORT WITHIN EACH UNIT. THERE MUST BE SOMETHING ELECTRIAL SHORTING OUT TO CAUSE ALL THE MISC. THINGS TO GO OUT. THE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 22, 2000 · crash

“FRONT CRANK SEAL FAILS. CAUSING OIL LEAKAGE AND POSSIBLE FIRE UNDER HOOD. RESEARCH ON INTERNET SHOWS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH SUBARUS. RESEARCH ALSO SHOWS SUBARU HAS RELEASED 3 DIFFERENT PARTS IN ATTEMPT TO FIX PROBLEM. SUBARU DENIES THIS TO BE A FIRE HAZARD OR EVEN A PROBLEM WITH THEIR…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 20, 2001

“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”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · March 11, 2010 · crash

“1999 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARD WHILE TRYING TO REMOVE KEYS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED SHE PARKED THE VEHICLE, PLACED IT IN PARK, AND LEFT THE KEYS IN THE IGNITION, SO SHE COULD CHECK OUT THE NEW HALOGEN BULBS THAT HAD BEEN INSTALLED. WHEN SHE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 13, 2013 · crash

“DT: CALLER SPEEDOMETER HEAD IS BROKEN OR THERE IS SOMETHING BROKE INSIDE. CALLED DEALER SAID SUBARU SAID THEY NEW THERE IS PROBLEM WITH THAT MODEL AND SPEEDOMETER HEAD. SUBARU WAS NOT GOING TO RECALL DUE TO NOT BEING A SAFETY CONCERN. *AK SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER OPERATES SPORADICALLY AT TIMES…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · March 15, 2005

1999 Subaru Outback — common questions

Is the 1999 Subaru Outback reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 150 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Outback year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 1999 Outback problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (32 complaints), engine (28 complaints), suspension (13 complaints).

Does the 1999 Subaru Outback have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1999 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.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 1999 compare to other Outback years?

What are the most common 1999 Subaru Outback problems?

Does the 1999 Subaru Outback have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

1999 Subaru Outback — common questions

Is the 1999 Subaru Outback reliable?

What are the most common 1999 Outback problems?

Does the 1999 Subaru Outback have recalls?

Which Subaru Outback years should you avoid?

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