1999 Subaru Legacy problems
The Subaru Legacy (Japanese: スバル・レガシィ, Hepburn: Subaru Regashi) is a mid-size car built by Japanese automobile manufacturer Subaru since 1989. The maker's flagship car, it is unique in its class for offering all-wheel drive as a standard feature, and Subaru's traditional boxer engine. The Legacy was sold as the Liberty in Australia out of deference to Legacy Australia, an organisation dedicated to caring for the families of military service veterans.
In 1996, a variant of the Legacy with heightened suspension called the Legacy Outback was introduced to compete in the burgeoning sport-utility vehicle class and proved to be a sales success for Subaru. The Outback line was split into its own model in 2008, known as the Subaru Outback.
As of 2008, 3.6 million Legacy models have been built since its 1989 introduction.
Production of the Legacy ended in Japan in June 2020, with the sixth-generation Legacy being the last model produced and marketed in Japan. Subaru of America announced in an internal email that 2025 will be the last model year for the Subaru Legacy. The Subaru Outback will remain in production, after being the company's top selling model in 2023.
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Common 1999 Subaru Legacy problems
The Subaru Legacy, particularly the 1999 model, is known for several common problems based on complaints from owners. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues:
- Transmission Issues: Some owners have reported transmission problems, such as hesitation and a limited top speed. These issues may be caused by a bad valve body in the transmission or other transmission-related problems. It is important to note that these issues may not be exclusive to the 1999 Legacy and can occur in other model years as well.
- Battery Drainage: Another common issue reported by owners is a battery drainage problem, which can be caused by a bad ground or other electrical issues. This can prevent the car from starting or cause it to stall while driving.
- Excessive Oil Consumption: Some model years of the Subaru Legacy, including the 1999 model, have struggled with excessive oil consumption. This can lead to increased maintenance costs and potential engine damage if not addressed.
- Interior Design and Material Quality: Some owners have criticized the aging interior design and the excessive use of glossy plastic, which can look and feel cheap.
- Regular Maintenance: Subaru owners often emphasize the importance of staying on top of regular maintenance, such as oil changes, cooling system service, and timing belts. Neglecting regular maintenance can lead to significant problems down the line.
- Rust: Despite being built for winters, some Subaru models, including the 1999 Legacy, have been criticized for poor rust protection. This can lead to significant body damage and decreased vehicle value over time.
In conclusion, while the Subaru Legacy is generally considered a reliable vehicle, the 1999 model has several common problems that potential buyers should be aware of. Regular maintenance, addressing issues promptly, and being mindful of potential problems can help ensure a more enjoyable and trouble-free ownership experience.
Do Subaru Legacys have issues?
Subaru Legacy Reliability Problems. Legacy owners have made 266 complaints over 32 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 10th in overall reliability out of 17 Subaru models , with real engine and lights concerns.
Is the Subaru Legacy a reliable car?
The Subaru Legacy Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 16th out of 24 for midsize cars. The average annual repair cost is $563 which means it has average ownership costs. The severity of repairs is average, and major issues are less frequent than average, so major repairs are not common for the Legacy.
How long do Subaru Legacy engines last?
200,000 miles
The Lifespan of Subaru Engines and Safety Technology
Engine Lifespan: Subaru engines are known for their durability and longevity, with many drivers reporting engines that last well beyond 200,000 miles with proper maintenance.
What is considered high mileage for a Subaru Legacy?
What Is a Good Mileage for the Subaru Legacy? Typical mileage for the Legacy is 200,000 miles, high mileage for the Legacy is 180,000 miles, so good mileage for the Subaru Legacy is anything over 150,000 miles.
Are 1999 Subaru Legacy reliable?
The average rating is a 4.3 out of 5 stars. The 1999 Subaru Legacy Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5. It ranks 14th out of 32 for all car brands.
Do Subaru Legacys have issues?
Subaru Legacy Reliability Problems. Legacy owners have made 266 complaints over 32 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 10th in overall reliability out of 17 Subaru models , with real engine and lights concerns.
Are 1998 Subaru Legacy reliable?
1998 Subaru Legacy GT
The car is a well built, fun, and comfortable car. In the hands of an individual that is willing to put effort into basic maintenance and willing to pay for some regular repairs it is a trustworthy and reliable vehicle.
Is the Subaru Legacy a reliable car?
The Subaru Legacy Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 16th out of 24 for midsize cars. The average annual repair cost is $563 which means it has average ownership costs. The severity of repairs is average, and major issues are less frequent than average, so major repairs are not common for the Legacy.
1999 Subaru Legacy car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Subaru Legacy problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Power train problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Service brakes problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Air bags problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1999 Subaru Legacy vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1999 Subaru Legacy
The NHTSA has received 98 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1999 Subaru Legacy. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1999 Subaru Legacy vehicles.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-09-20
- VIN: 4S3BK4356X6
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: FRONT RIGHT COIL SPRING BROKE AT BASE OF STRUT.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-12-01
- VIN: 4S3BG6851X7
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: LEAKING COOLANT AND REPLACED RADIATOR, THERMOSTAT AND STILL LEAKING AND STARTED TO OVERHEAD. FOUND OUT IT WAS HEAD BASKETS AND DID RESEARCH ON RECALLS FOR THIS YEAR MAKE AND MODEL. FOUND OUT ON FORUMS THAT THERE WERE MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH BOTH TYPES OF ENGINES THAT YEAR THE SINGLE AND DUAL OVERHEAD CAM ENGINES AND ALL AROUND THE SAME MILEAGE, BUT ONLY THE SINGLE OVERHEAD CAM ENGINE HAD THE RECALL. I FEEL THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THE DUAL OVERHEAD CAM ENGINE AS WELL.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-03-18
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 4S3BG6859X7
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: WIFE COMING HOME FROM WORK SPRING BLEW AND WENT THROUGH TIRE CAME TO A SUDDEN STOP HAD IT FIXED WHEN BEING FIXED REPAIR SHOP SAID OTHER SIDE WAS BROKE TO SO HAD BOTH REPAIRED LATER FOUND SUBARU HAD A RECALL ON THIS SO CALLED THEM ON THE 1800 NUMBER THEY SAID IT WAS VIN SPEC AND OURS WASN'T ON THERE I WISH IT MET THAT OUR CAR WOULDN'T HAVE DONE THE SAME THING. THEY REFUSED TO GIVE ANY ON THE REPAIR COST, SO THEY ADVERTISE THE CAR IS A SAFE CAR YOU HAND DOWN TO YOUR CHILDREN BUT ACCORDING TO THE MANAGER I SPOKE WITH A 1999 AND 140 THOUSAND MILES THE CAR WAS BEYOND THEIR WORRIES. THE CAR IS IN OTHERWISE GOOD SHAPE. I GUESS FROM WHERE THEY STAND IF THEY MAKE IT A FEW YRS ON A BAD DESIGN NOONE GETS HURT THEY ARE OFF THE HOOK . I JUST THINK THIS IS UNSAFE AND IT SHOULD BE TAKEN CARE NO MATTER WHAT ... *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-12-27
- VIN: 4S3BK4355X7
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
- Summary: STARTED NOTICING A PROBLEM WHEN COMING DOWN A LONG, STEEP HILL WITH EXTENSIVE SHUDDERING WHEN BRAKING. WHEN I GOT INTO TOWN, THERE WAS A EVEN MORE SHUDDERING WHEN COMING TO A STOP AT A RED LIGHT. I HAD TO PULL ON THE PARKING BRAKE TO STOP THE CAR. WHEN WE STARTED UP AGAIN, IT PULLED VERY HARD SO WE PULLED OVER AND WHEN I PUT THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL, THE ENGINE RACED UP ABOVE 4,000 RPM. I SHUT THE ENGINE OFF, BUT WHEN IT WAS STARTED AGAIN, IT RACED AGAIN. I EASED IT SAFELY HOME A SHORT DISTANCE AWAY WITH THE UNCONTROLLED ACCELERATION PROBLEM CONTINUING. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-07-16
- VIN: 4S3BG685XX6
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: DRIVING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC IN THE LEFT LANE OF I-78, THE SHIFTER POPPED OUT OF 5TH GEAR BY ITSELF (THAT IS, WITHOUT ANY HUMAN INTERVENTION). THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY LOST POWER IMMEDIATELY, AS IT WAS NOW IN NEUTRAL. *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-05-20
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I WAS STOPPED AT THE INTERSECTION OF 23RD AND UNION IN SEATTLE ON MY WAY TO WORK. I WAS GOING NORTH. IT WAS ABOUT 7:40 A.M. ON TUESDAY, 5/20/2014. I LOOKED IN MY REARVIEW MIRROR AND SAW A CAR COMING UP BEHIND ME AND IT LOOKED LIKE IT WAS GOING TO FAST TO STOP. THE DRIVER DIDN'T EVEN SEEM TO SLOW DOWN. MY CAR WAS HIT PRETTY HARD. MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. AS FAR AS I CAN RECALL MY HEAD OR FACE DID NOT HIT THE STEERING WHEEL. WE GOT OUT OF OUR CARS. I DID NOT SEE A LICENSE PLATE ON HIS CAR EITHER ON THE FRONT OR BACK OF HIS CAR. I THINK THAT HE SAID THAT HE DID NOT HAVE HIS DRIVER LICENSE...I'M NOT QUITE SURE NOW. HIS CAR WAS A ORANGE REDDISH MERCEDES, IT LOOKED LIKE AN SUV. IT HAD TAN INTERIOR. WE MOVED OUR CARS TO THE GAS STATION PARKING LOT TO TALK ABOUT THE ACCIDENT. MY NECK FELT SORE AND PAINFUL. I DECIDED TO GO TO WORK AS I DROVE MY SIDE BEGAN TO HURT A LOT, SO I WENT TO THE DOCTOR. THERE ARE NEW SCRATCHES ON MY BUMPER AND OTHER THAN THAT I CAN'T TELL IF THERE IS ANY OTHER DAMAGE TO THE CAR. *TR
POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-05-31
- VIN: 4S3BK4250X6
- Components: POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: HESITATION, SURGING, AND BUCKING AT MID-RANGE ENGINE RPMS. THIS HAS BEEN A RECURRENT PROBLEM DESPITE REPLACEMENT OF THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR X3. *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-02-01
- VIN: 4S3BG6859X7
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REFUELING, THE FILLER NECK CORRODED AND FUEL EMITTED FROM THE TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE FILLER NECK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 128,782.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-11-14
- VIN: 4S3BD6858X7
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PROBLEM: HESITATES GOING INTO GEAR. GET STUCK IN NEUTRAL. SHIFT THROUGH THE GEARS TO SEE IF IT WILL GO INTO GEAR. THEN TRY REVVING ENGINE TO SLIP IT INTO GEAR. IT CAN SUDDENLY CATCH INTO GEAR AND THEN THE CAR SURGES FORWARD OR BACKWARDS, CAUSING A DANGEROUS SITUATION. ACCORDING TO COMPLAINT SITES ON THE INTERNET, THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN 5 YEARS OF SUBARU VEHICLES. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. REPAIR SHOP SAID THE SEALS ARE "GOING" AND I WILL LIKELY NEED A NEW OR REBUILT TRANSMISSION. SUBARU SHOULD ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM AND OFFER A FREE FIX. THE CAR SLIPPED INTO GEAR IN A PARKING LOT THE OTHER DAY (FINALLY) AND MY CAR SURGED FORWARD, ALMOST HITTING ANOTHER CAR. I AM NO LONGER DRIVING THIS VEHICLE (TOO DANGEROUS). *TR
STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-01-31
- VIN: 4S3BG685XX7
- Components: STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: WITH NO PRIOR WARNING, AT APPROX 90KM/H OR 55 MPH SOUTH BOUND ON HWY-11 NEAR ORILLIA, ON, CANADA. THE HOOD LATCH FAILED, CAUSING THE HOOD TO COME BACK AND SHATTER THE WINDSHIELD. THERE WERE NO INJURIES, AND MY WIFE MAINTAINED SAFE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE ONTO THE PAVED SHOULDER. I FOUND OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THIS ISSUE ON LINE BUT THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP DISAVOWS ANY KNOWLEDGE OF THIS ISSUE. WE CALLED OUR INSURANCE COMPANY AND DISCOVERED THEY HAD REDUCED OUR COVERAGE ON THE VEHICLE TO LIABILITY ONLY WITH OUT CONSULTING US. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-09-01
- VIN: 4S3BG6858X7
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED ON THE WARNING PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE GAS CAP CAUSED THE LIGHT TO APPEAR ON THE DASHBOARD. THE CONTACT THEN EXAMINED THE VEHICLE WHILE IT WAS TURNED ON AND NOTICED THAT GASOLINE WAS LEAKING UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 169,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 172,000.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-10-17
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: I HAVE A 1999 SUBARU LEGACY. ON 2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS I EXPERIENCE SUDDEN ACCELERATION. ONCE DRIVING ON EXPRESSWAY. LASTED A FEW SECONDS. 2ND INSTANCE STOPPED AT STOP SIGN, FOOT ON BRAKE, CAR ACCELERATED. FOOT WAS ON BRAKE & THEN PUT GEAR IN NEUTRAL. I CALLED DEALERSHIP & WAS TOLD THAT THIS HAPPENED BECAUSE HEATER/AC WAS ON DUAL M (FEET & CHEST) & THIS WAS NORMAL. I HAVE HAD CAR CHECKED & THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. SO THEY SAY. BASED ON SERVICE MGRS RESPONSE, OTHERS HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THE ACCELERATION. GIVEN THE EVENTS WITH TOYOTA --THERE SHOULD BE FURTHER INVESTIGATION.*CW
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-05-15
- VIN: 4S3BK4359X7
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL FILLER PIPE LEAKS GAS WHEN FILLING. *TR
SEAT BELTS,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-04-02
- Components: SEAT BELTS,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: PURCHASED A PRE-OWNED 1999 SUBARU LEGACY IN 2008 AS A GIFT FOR MY 18YR DAUGHTER. WITHIN MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP DRIVER SIDE SHOULDER BELT RIPPED! I CONTACTED LOCAL SUBARU DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD IT WOULD COST $300 TO ORDER A NEW SHOULDER BELT AND AN ADDITIONAL $300 TO INSTALL IT! REGULAR MECHANIC WON'T INSTALL ANYTHING BUT A GENUINE SUBARU BELT DUE TO LIABILITY HOWEVER I AM A WIDOW AND CANNOT AFFORD $300 FOR A PART THAT HAS ALWAYS LASTED THE LIFETIME OF ANY VEHICLE THAT I HAVE EVER OWNED. GIVEN THE MANDATORY NATURE OF THIS PART IS THERE ANYTHING THAT CAN BE DONE TO HELP ME? I AM LESS THAN IMPRESSED BY SUBARU'S RESPONSE AND OBVIOUS COMFORT WITH TAKING SUCH A HUGE PROFIT FOR A PART THAT PROVIDES BASIC SAFETY AND MUST BE WARN BY LAW! *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-12-30
- VIN: 4S3BK4359X7
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I RECENTLY BOUGHT A USED 1999 SUBARU LEGACY WAGON. THE PREVIOUS OWNER TOLD ME THERE WAS AN OIL LEAK THAT RESULTED FROM THE OIL FILTER FRACTURING. THIS CAUSED SMOKE TO COME FROM OIL BURNING ON THE HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD. AFTER OWNING THE CAR FOR A FEW DAYS, I HAD THE OIL CHANGED AND NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE STILL SMOKES AROUND THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AFTER DRIVING IT. I CAN ALSO HEAR OIL DRIPPING FROM THE FILTER ONTO THE MANIFOLD. WHILE ONLINE REVIEWING MY CAR INSURANCE, I NOTICED THAT THIS VERY PROBLEM IS A RECALL DEFECT. I FOLLOWED INSTRUCTIONS AND CALLED SUBARU ABOUT THIS. THE REPRESENTATIVE NAMED PATRICIA SAID THAT THERE WAS NO RECALLS FOR THIS VEHICLE AND QUICKLY ENDED THE CONVERSATION. I KNOW THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE AND NEED THIS ADDRESSED. MY WIFE AND BABY RIDE IN THIS CAR. THE RECALL # IS -98V127000. THANK YOU. *TR
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-05-20
- VIN: 4S3BG6854X6
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A CLUNKING AND RUBBING NOISE. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE COIL SPRING FAILED AND PUNCTURED THE TIRE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 160,000. UPDATED 06/09/08 *BF THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD HIS VEHICLE IDENTIFACTION NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL # 01V216000. UPDATED
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-05-04
- VIN: 4S3BK4357X7
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT HIS VEHICLE MAY EXPERIENCE THE FAILURE MENTIONED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 01V216000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS). THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 138,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-04-01
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER STARTED WORKING INTERMITTENTLY ABOUT FOUR MONTH AGO. THE DEALER SAYS THE SPEEDOMETER WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF APPROXIMATELY $430+ (PARTS AND LABOR). THE VEHICLE IS ONLY 8YEARS OLD WITH LESS THAN 110,000 MILES. SEVERAL OTHER CONSUMERS SUBMITTED IDENTICAL COMPLAINTS. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-10-02
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 4S3BG6850X7
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH, THE CONTACT RELEASED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. BEFORE THE BRAKE COULD BE APPLIED, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY. BOTH THE VEHICLE AND BUILDING WERE DAMAGED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE HAD NOT BEEN DETERMINED. THE MILEAGE WAS LOW ON THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE ODOMETER WAS REPLACED AT 50,000 MILES. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 16,000.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-09-01
- VIN: 4S3BG6856X7
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WILL SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL WITHOUT WARNING. THERE IS A 15-20 SECOND DELAY WHEN SHIFTING THE VEHICLE FROM PARK TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AS NEEDING A NEW TRANSMISSION. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 86,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000. THE CONSUMER STATED LOU THOMAS SUBURU INFORMED HIM THE TRANSMISSION COULD BE REPAIRED FOR $3400 CLOSE TO THE VALUE OF THE CAR, BUT THE CONSUMER NEVER HAD THE CAR FIXED AT THAT REPAIR SHOP. THE CONSUMER SHOPPED AT OTHER TRANSMISSION SHOPS ONE INFORMED COULD REBUILD THE TRANSMISSION BUT WOULD RESULTS MAY NOT BE GOOD. THE CONSUMER PURCHASED A TRANSMISSION FROM THE SALVAGE YARD HAD IT INSTALLED AND FOUND THAT IT WAS INFACT DEFECTIVE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN FIXED TO SATISFACTION AND BEEN PARKED EVER SINCE. UPDATED 07/06/07 *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-08-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CAR OVERHEATED RANDOMLY. HAVE REPLACED RADIATOR, WATER PUMP, 3 THERMOSTATS, HEAD GASKETS, AND HAD HEADS MACHINED AT SHOP. STILL OVERHEATED AND DIED FREQUENTLY. HAD IT TO MECHANIC MULTIPLE TIMES. EACH TIME THEY SAY IT WAS FIXED. BEING TOWED BACK TO REPAIR SHOP TODAY BECAUSE IT WON'T EVEN START NOW. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-04-14
- VIN: 4S3BK4259X7
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TEST; THE CODE WAS P133 FLOW AIR METER. THERE IS NHTSA TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN # WWG90, REGARDING THE FUEL SYSTEM AIR FLOW METER SENSOR. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM AS INDICATED IN THE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-11-08
- VIN: 4S3BK6754X7
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: DT: THE CONTACT STATES THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID #98V127000 CONCERNING THE ENGINE. THIS CONSUMER EXPERIENCED THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL, BUT HIS VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THERE HAVE BEEN NO REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. *JB
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-04-02
- VIN: 4S3BD4356X7
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: DT: CONSUMER HAS A 1999 SUBARU LEGACY AND COMPLAINED ABOUT A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. WHEN THE CONSUMER STARTED THE VEHICLE AND PUT INTO DRIVE IT IDLED AND THEN WENT INTO DRIVE. WHEN COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE VEHICLE WENT INTO A MODE. THE CONSUMER HAD TO REV THE ENGINE AND IT WOULD KICK IN. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE SEAL AND THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED. CONSUMER FELT IT WAS TOO SOON TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AT 61,000. THE CONSUMER NOTICED THE PROBLEM APPROXIMATELY THREE MONTHS AGO. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-03-02
- VIN: 4S3BD6759X6
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: ENGINE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. DEALER DID ANALYSIS AND STATES THAT FUEL FILLER 'PIPE' IS CORRODED AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. COSTLY. FUEL SYSTEM SHOULD NOT CORRODE. FIRE HAZARD??????? CAR IS 6 YRS OLD AND 67,000 CAREFUL MILES.*AK
1999 Subaru Legacy recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1999 Subaru Legacy.
- Manufacturer: SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
- Components: SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
- Summary: 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.
- Manufacturer: SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
- Summary: 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.
- Manufacturer: SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
- Summary: 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.
Negative 1999 Subaru Legacy car reviews
Positive 1999 Subaru Legacy car reviews
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I'm so glad to hear that you've been having lots of fun with your Outback! It's great to know that it performs well in the snow. I can definitely understand why you got rid of the factory Michelin's, especially since they were a little slick in upstate NY. It sounds like it's a great car for skiing and biking, and I'm happy to hear that you've had a good experience with the automatic transmission. It's great that you've had good service at Colonial-Kingston NY in the Hudson Valley, and that you've had very few problems, all of which were minor. Based on your positive experience, I would definitely recommend this car. It's a shame that not all dealers are as good as Colonial-Kingston NY. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!
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The vehicle is great until it falls apart, but unfortunately this tends to happen right after the warranty expires. Although the interior is simple, it runs great. However, in the last year (from 60K to 70K miles), there were some issues such as the wheel bearing dying, the clutch needing replacement, the famous head gasket blowing out, and finally the crankshaft bearings burning out (which required a new engine). It seems that the head gasket problem is very common (more than 20% of cars?). Unfortunately, engine replacement (without prior problems - no overheats till red line) before 100K miles is not unique for that car. So, my advice is that if you have it, you should get rid of it right away. Otherwise, if you plan to own it for the length of the warranty terms, it's a great car.
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Handles exceptionally well in our Northeast winters! It has a classy feel and a great ride. I plan on driving it for a long time, it seems like it will last!
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I purchased a 99 Legacy Outback and encountered only one issue with an intermittent speedometer. However, I was able to resolve it after some investigation. I am thoroughly impressed with its performance, as it has not let me down despite my heavy foot. The car has over 140,000 miles on it, but I performed a thorough tune-up on the ignition, engine, and transmission as soon as I bought it. It is important to keep in mind that when purchasing a used car, there may be worn parts that will need to be replaced eventually. If you notice any issues, it is best to address them promptly rather than waiting for a more serious problem to arise.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1999 Subaru Legacy problems:
Subaru Legacy Questions - i am looking a buying a 1999 subaru ...
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Are you having problems with your 1999 Subaru Legacy?
Lesley Senger 2024-08-24
I call my car
Curtis Abshire 2024-02-25
Congratulations on your first car! It's great to hear that you're pleased with it and that it's running strong with no mechanical problems. While the heat shields may rattle, it's good to know that it's a repairable issue. I understand your frustration with the cup holders, but overall it sounds like a reliable car. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!
Barton Abernathy 2024-01-27
Some customers have reported issues with their head gasket, but in my case, the engine failed suddenly and without warning just 1000 miles beyond the warranty period. I had to replace the entire engine. It would have been helpful if Subaru had issued a warning to owners. However, my experience with the manufacturer and their dealers has been disappointing. I have found them to be unresponsive and unhelpful. I hope to find a more reliable dealer in our area in the future.
Thomas Schuppe 2024-01-26
The Subaru performed well for the first 5 years of ownership, however, at 86,000 miles, it began to experience issues. Despite replacing the wheel bearings, clutch, and transmission in the last 6000 miles, significant problems persist. As a consumer, I expect a car in this price range to have a longer lifespan. While my local mechanic has informed me that the AWD feature may cause transmissions to fail sooner than in 2D and 4D vehicles, I remain confident in my expectation for a reliable vehicle.
Richard Eichmann 2024-01-06
The car was purchased before being transferred to Finland for its 4-wheel drive. It has handled great on the ice-covered roads of northern Finland, with only some minor issues related to early brake wear (perhaps due to too much salt on the roads). Although it does consume a fair amount of gas, it has a reliable starting history and has only required minor maintenance on the cooling system to date. While it does burn oil, it doesn't require any additional oil between the 3,000 mile change intervals that I am using. I found that fully synthetic oil burns or runs out faster than partially synthetic oil. I am now looking at a new clutch set replacement after 120k, which is not bad considering it has taken a bit of abuse.