1998 Subaru Outback problems
The Subaru Outback is an automotive nameplate used by the Japanese automaker Subaru for two different SUV-themed vehicles: a Legacy-derived crossover station wagon, the Outback (1994–present, also sold as Legacy Outback (Japanese: スバル・レガシィアウトバック, Hepburn: Subaru Regashi Autobakku) in some markets), and an Impreza-derived off-road themed hatchback, the Outback Sport (1994–2011).
Most versions of the Outback wagon and Outback Sport have had all-wheel drive as standard equipment.
History
The original Outback station wagon was derived from the wagon variant of the second-generation Subaru Legacy. The first-generation Legacy, which made its debut in 1989, did not receive the cosmetic and suspension modifications to create an Outback version, although Subaru offered an Outdoor option package for the 1994 model year Legacy L all-wheel drive model, which added a compressed air strut height adjustable suspension, a luggage rack, a skidplate, and mud flaps.
Earlier, a raised-roof "Touring Wagon" variant had been offered on the preceding Subaru Leone for the 1988 and 1989 model years. Subaru also sold a raised-roof variant (chassis code BF) of the first-generation Legacy wagon outside the United States. North American Legacy wagons were only offered as the flat-roof variant (chassis code BJ) until a special "GT" model was marketed for the 1994 model year.
The second-generation Legacy wagon became the first generation of the Outback crossover series, called the "Legacy Grand Wagon" in Japan in 1995, and the "Legacy Outback" in most other markets. Compared to the existing Legacy wagon, the "Outback" variant added partial protective plastic side body cladding for off-road conditions, used a raised roof, and would later raise the suspension to provide additional ground clearance. It was introduced at the 1994 New York Auto Show. Aside from other small differences in trim, the Outback shares almost all of its components with the Legacy donor model.
When launched in Australia in 1996, the name "Legacy Outback" was shortened to "Outback", followed in other markets afterwards. In the United States, Subaru also retailed the Legacy SUS sedan between the 1997 and 2007 model years, with similar modifications to distinguish it from the equivalent Legacy model sedan. The Impreza Outback Sport was introduced at the 1996 New York Auto Show, but for the 1997 model year, the donor model names were dropped, and the cars were known as the "Outback" and "Outback Sport".
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Common 1998 Subaru Outback problems
The 1998 Subaru Outback is known for several common problems, primarily concerning the engine and the transmission.
- ABS Pump Failure: Another common problem with the 1998 Subaru Outback is the failure of the ABS pump. This issue can cause the ABS pump to run continuously, which can lead to battery drain. The ABS system is responsible for preventing the wheels from locking up during hard braking, and if the pump fails, it can cause a loss of braking performance, which can be dangerous.
- Torque Bind: Some 1998 Subaru Outback owners have reported a torque bind issue, which can cause a flashing AT Oil Temp light when turning while reversing or pulling forward in gear. This problem can be caused by a faulty duty c solenoid, which can be diagnosed by putting a fuse in the fwd spot and seeing if it gets rid of the torque bind issue.
- Fuel Trim Code P0170: Some 1998 Subaru Outback owners have reported a P0170 fuel trim code, which can be caused by a faulty MAF sensor or O2 sensors. This issue can cause a loss of power, poor fuel economy, and a check engine light.
- Air Bag Issues: Some 1998 Subaru Outback owners have reported air bag issues, including air bag failures and recalls. These issues can be dangerous and can cause the air bags to fail to deploy during a crash.
In conclusion, the 1998 Subaru Outback has several common problems, primarily concerning the engine and the transmission. These issues can be costly to repair and can cause a loss of performance and safety. If you are considering purchasing a 1998 Subaru Outback, it is essential to have it inspected by a qualified mechanic to identify any potential issues before making a purchase.
How many miles will 1998 Subaru Outback last?
While results will vary and the big variable is always how well the car has been maintained, what I can tell you is a Subaru is capable of going 300,000 miles. And if you are a regular maintenance type of owner you should expect to get that type of mileage out of it.
What is a common problem with a Subaru Outback?
A: Common issues with Subaru Outbacks across various years include vibration during acceleration, problems with the AC system, O2 sensor failures, weak windshields prone to cracking, cooling system failures, headlight burnouts, excessive oil consumption, and unintended acceleration in specific models.
What are common Subaru Outback starting problems?
The most common reasons a Subaru Outback won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
Are Subaru Outback engines reliable?
A: The Subaru Outback is considered one of the more reliable vehicles in its class and price range. With proper maintenance, typical users can expect 16-20 years of use before significant repairs or breakdowns are needed.
1998 Subaru Outback car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Subaru Outback problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Power train problems
- Service brakes problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Subaru Outback vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1998 Subaru Outback
The NHTSA has received 141 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Subaru Outback. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1998 Subaru Outback vehicles.
2014-07-03
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-04-07
- VIN: 4S3BG6857W7
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING IN THE CITY STREETS, I CAME TO A STOP AND REALIZED THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP. WHEN I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE MECHANIC HE SAID 3 BRAKE LINES ON MY SUBARU OUTBACK 1998 HAD BROKEN. I LIVE IN PENNSYLVANIA. THIS INCIDENT COST ME $500 IN REPAIRS. I REALIZE THERE IS A RECALL FOR NEWER MODELS, BUT MY OLDER SUBARU OUTBACK IS HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. *TR
2013-04-04
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-03-19
- VIN: 4S3BG6858W6
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: ON MARCH 19, 2013, I WAS RETURNING TO MY PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT AFTER PICKING UP MY OUTBACK FROM BLOOMINGTON ACURA SUBARU, BLOOMINGTON, MN AFTER A CLUTCH REPLACEMENT WHEN THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEM HAD A TOTAL FAILURE RESULTING IN A NEAR CATASTROPHIC COLLISION WITH SEVERAL VEHICLES. THIS VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR EVALUATION. DEALER INSPECTION CONFIRMED THAT THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE LINE BY THE FUEL TANK PROTECTOR HAD EXCESSIVE CORROSION RESULTING IN SEVERE FLUID RELEASE THUS NOT ALLOWING THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM TO PROPERLY PRESSURIZE RESULTING IN A COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE BRAKE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM. THE BRAKE LINES REPLACED WERE PART NUMBER 26522AA010 AND 26522AA020 (RIGHT AND LEFT). ON MARCH 27, 2013, THE NHTSA ISSUED CAMPAIGN NUMBER 13V110000 FOR SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACKS REGARDING "BRAKE LINES MAY FAIL DUE TO CORROSION". THIS RECALL PERTAINS TO MODEL YEAR 2005 TO 2009. THIS CITIZEN REQUESTS, NAY, INSISTS THAT THIS RECALL NOTICE BE EXTENDED TO INCLUDE LATER MODEL YEARS. *TR
2012-05-18
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-05-17
- VIN: 4S3BG6858W7
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 90 IN IDAHO AT 62 MPH WHEN THE HOOD LATCH FAILED. THE HOOD WAS SECURED DOWN ALL THE WAY BEFORE THE INCIDENT AND HAD NOT BEEN OPENED IN TWO WEEKS. THERE HAD BEEN OVER 100 MILES OF HIGHWAY DRIVING OVER 60 MPH SINCE THE HOOD WAS LAST OPENED. THE HOOD FLEW UP WITH NO SAFETY CATCH OR HESITATION AND SLAMMED INTO THE WINDSHIELD. THE WINDSHIELD WAS SHATTERED, THE HOOD BENT AND THE ROOF DENTED. THE REAR VIEW MIRROR FLEW OFF INSIDE. I WAS ABLE TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE PERSON FOLLOWING ME ON THE INTERSTATE PULLED OVER AND HELPED ME TIE IT DOWN TO BE ABLE TO LEAVE THE SCENE. WE BOTH DETERMINED IT WAS LATCH FAILURE. IT HAD THE POTENTIAL TO CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT AS MY FRONT VISION WAS COMPLETELY BLOCKED. *TR
2011-12-09
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-12-03
- VIN: 4S3BG6854W7
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: SOUNDED LIKE THERE WAS A POP IN MY FRONT CORNER. STILL DROVE OK UNDER 20-25 MPH. FASTER THAN THAT THE WHEEL SHOOK VIOLENTLY. BACKING UP THERE WAS A LOUD GRINDING NOISE. TOOK TO FRIENDS HOSE WHO WORKS ON CARS. HE SAID IT WAS MY FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE CONTROL ARM AND THE FRONT (HE CALLED IT HANDLING BUSHING) WAS RUSTED COMPLETELY IN TWO. HE FOUND A USED CONTROL ARM AT A JUNK YARD AND REPLACED IT FOR ME. WE TOOK PICTURES OF THE PART THAT I CAN PROVIDE IF NEEDED. I NO LONGER HAVE THE OLD PART. *TR
2011-10-10
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-08-01
- VIN: 4S3BG6859W6
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: AS MY WIFE AND I WERE FILLING UP OUR 98 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK WE NOTICED A SMELL OF GAS FUMES ON THE WAY HOME AS I BACKED THE CAR INTO THE DRIVEWAY I NOTICED THE SMELL OF FUEL EVEN STONGER. I WENT TO THE BACK AND LOOKED UNDER THE RIGHT REAR AND TO MY SURPRISE THE FUEL FILLER NECK WAS LEAKING FUEL!! I PLACED A OIL CHANGE PAN UNDERNEATH AND TO THIS DAY I STILL HAVEN'T FIXED IT. DON'T KNOW WERE TO BEGIN WITH IT AND I'M THINKING IT'S A DESIGN FLAW SEEMS LIKE THERE IS HEAVY CORROSION ON THE VERY LOW PART OF THE FILLER PIPE AND THAT'S WERE IT'S LEAKING FROM. I'M GOING TO TRY AND HAVE IT REPAIRED BUT AT WHAT COST. I THINK THAT THIS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO AND BY SUBARU OF NORTH AMERICA AS A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS DESIGN FLAW AND LEGAL LIABILTY. *KB
2010-09-08
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-09-05
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
- Summary: FUEL (GASOLINE) FILLER NECK FOR THE 1998 SUBARU LEGACY WAGON RUSTS OUT. MECHANIC INDICATED VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS YEAR MAKE AND MODEL. VERY POOR DESIGN BECAUSE THE TUBE IS BEHIND A PLASTIC MOLDING THAT ACCUMULATES DIRT, SALT, WATER, AND ROTS THE TUBING CAUSING A CHRONIC LEAK OF GASOLINE POTENTIALLY OVER THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. RECALL AND REPAIR IS NEEDED. *TR
2010-07-30
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-12-20
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ANY TYPE OF GMC VEHICLE WAS PARKED NEXT TO HIS VEHICLE THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS AND ALARM SYSTEM WOULD ENGAGE WHEN THE OTHER VEHICLES KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM WAS ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO RECOMMENDED THAT THE VEHICLE BE TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
2010-06-13
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-05-15
- VIN: 4S3BG6854W7
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE OVERHEATING EVERY HALF MILE WITH ENGINE RESERVOIR OVERFLOWING. AFTER $1300 OF REPLACING THERMOSTAT, TIMING BELT, BELT TENSIONER, WATER PUMP, FLUSHING THE COOLING SYSTEM, AND COMPRESSION TESTS, I WAS TOLD I HAD A BLOWN HEAD GASKET. I WAS TOLD THE REPLACEMENT WOULD COST AN ADDITIONAL $2,200 AT LEAST. *TR
2010-04-02
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-02-15
- VIN: 4S3BG6858W7
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 1998 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK WAGON AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 86,000 MILES. PURCHASED USED MANY YEARS AGO WITH ABOUT 10,000 MILES. MY SISTER'S CAR, SHE WAS DRIVING ALONE. EXPERIENCED DRIVER. ABOUT TWO MONTHS AGO SHE CAME AROUND A CORNER ON A 30 MPH ROAD NEAR HER HOME. LIGHT SNOW ON THE GROUND (AMHERST, MASSACHUSETTS) SHE COULD NOT CONTROL THE CAR, AND IT SLID AROUND. SHE PHONED ME AND WAS VERY UPSET AT LOSING CONTROL. COMMENTED THAT THE CAR HAD NOT FELT QUITE RIGHT. I SUGGESTED LOOSE LUG NUTS, BADLY INFLATED (ALMOST NEW) TIRES, BENT RIM, DEFECTIVE TIRE, ALIGNMENT. ALL CHECKED OUT FINE. THEN I MENTIONED SUSPENSION. SHE TOOK IT TO HER MECHANIC WHO REPLACED BOTH REAR STRUTS. CAR STILL UNPREDICTABLE. RETURNED TO MECHANIC WHO THEN TEST DROVE CAR AND DECIDED THAT IT WAS A PROBLEM SIMILAR TO THAT OF HIS PARENTS' SIMILAR CAR: POWER WAS NOT BEING PROPORTIONED PROPERLY TO THE FOUR WHEELS. HE REPLACED EXISTING TRANSMISSION / TRANSAXLE / DIFFERENTIAL LUBRICANT WITH SOME MORE SPECIALIZED LUBRICANT. (AMALIE AMA 1607881297 DEXTRON LLL ATF) AT THIS TIME MY SISTER IS TRYING THIS OUT TO SEE IF IT DOES THE TRICK. SINCE THIS DEFECT AFFECTS THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE I THOUGHT THAT YOU SHOULD KNOW. I DROVE OLDER 4WD AUDIS, OWNED MILITARY 4WD TRUCKS, AND CARS WITH LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIALS. I WAS ALWAYS AWARE OF THE NEED FOR SPECIFIC LUBRICANTS. I DO NOT THINK THAT THE AVERAGE CAR OWNER SHOULD BE. WAS THERE A SECRET ADVISORY OR RECALL?
2010-02-26
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-02-26
- VIN: 4S3BG6853W6
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 1998 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5L MOTOR HEAD GASKET FAILURE. *TR
2009-07-27
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-07-25
- VIN: 4S3BG6855W6
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: DRIVING ON HIGHWAY ~60 MPH. HOOD LATCH RELEASED SPONTANEOUSLY. HOOD FLEW BACK, SHATTERING WINDSHIELD. I STARTED TO LOSE CONTROL, AS I COULDN'T SEE, BUT RECOVERED AND, PEERING THROUGH SMALL AREA UNDER HOOD WAS ABLE TO GET OFF ONTO THE SHOULDER BEFORE WE GOT KILLED BECAUSE OF THIS UNEXPECTED DEFECT. *TR
2009-01-15
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-12-15
- VIN: 4S3BG6858W7
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: OVERHEATING, WATER LEAKING, HEAD GASKET PROBLEM. *TR
2009-01-14
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-12-30
- VIN: 4S3BG6854W7
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT ONLY WHEN BEING DRIVEN, DOES NOT OVERHEAT WHEN IDLING. I HAVE REPLACED THE THERMOSTAT, WATER PUMP, AND TIMING BELT BUT IT STILL OVERHEATS. WHILE DOING RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, I FOUND THE CARSURVEY.ORG SITE WITH MANY REFERENCES TO THIS BEING A KNOWN ISSUE, A HEAD GASKET PROBLEM. BASED ON THE NUMBER OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS, SUBARU HAS A DESIGN PROBLEM THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED OR AT LEAST A WARNING OF SOME TYPE SEND OUT. WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT THIS ISSUE? *TR
2008-12-29
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-04-08
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: BLOWN HEAD GASKET ON 1998 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK AT ~70K, JUST OUT OF WARRANTY,. THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED IN 2003, BUT GIVEN THE CONTINUATION OF COMPLAINTS FROM CURRENT SUBARU OWNERS EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM, IT SEEMS HIGHLY NEGLIGENT OF SUBARU TO DENY RESPONSIBILITY FOR ADDRESSING THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM ON SUBARU'S DATING FROM 1997 FORWARD. REPAIR COST IN EXCESS OF $2,500. THIS PROBLEM CONTINUES TO ARISE ON SUBARU ENGINES, YET THE COMPANY HAS DONE NOTHING TO REIMBURSE OWNERS FOR COST. *TR
2008-09-11
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-10-17
- VIN: 4S3BG6851W7
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 SUBARU OUTBACK. SINCE OCTOBER OF 2007, THE CONTACT SMELLED FUEL INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS AND THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE FUEL METAL NOSE. THE NOSE CORRODED AND CAUSED FUEL TO LEAK. THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE NOSE METAL AT THE COST OF $278. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY; THEREFORE, THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 124,000.
2008-08-14
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-03-15
- VIN: 4S3BG6858W7
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH ENGINE 1. SEAL LEAK AT APPROXIMATELY 48,000 MILES, BURNING OIL SMELL, CORRECTED AT REPLACEMENT OF TIMING BELT AT SCHEDULED 105K--NOT DETECTED BY DEALER WHILE UNDER WARRANTY (60K WARRANTY). 2. FAILURE OF HEAD GASKET AT 110K 3. FAILURE OF 2 CAM SEALS AT 158K 4. FAILURE OF ADDITIONAL (REMAINING) 2 CAM SEALS AT 165K (MECHANIC INITIALLY INDICATED THIS WAS RARE AND UNFORTUNATELY, DURE TO COST, DID NOT RECOMMEND REPLACING ALL 4 CAM SEALS--BAD CHOICE--$600 PARTS AND LABOR EACH OCCURRENCE #3 AND #4. *TR
2008-07-08
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-04-29
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: COMPLAINT IS FOR SUBARU OF AMERICA. I OWN A 98 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK AND THE COOLING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED AND THE HEAD GASKETS BLEW. I LOOKED ONLINE AND THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF OWNERS ON A MULTITUDE OF SITES WHO ARE EXPERIENCING OR HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS EXACT PROBLEM. CLEARLY THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE VEHICLE AND NOT ANY OWNER'S OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE, AND THEREFORE THE CORPORATION WHO HAS CAUSED ITS CUSTOMERS EXPENSE SHOULD BEAR THE BURDEN FINANCIALLY FOR FIXING THIS PROBLEM. *TR
2007-08-31
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-02-21
- VIN: 4S3BG6858W7
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WE BOUGHT A 1998 SUBARU OUTBACK IN 2004. AT APPROXIMATELY 110,000 MILES, WE EXPERIENCED A CATASTROPHIC OVERHEATING OF THE ENGINE DUE TO A FAULTY HEAD GASKET. THE OVERHEATING CAUSED APPROXIMATELY $3,000 WORTH OF DAMAGE TO THE CAR. THE HEAD GASKET, RADIATOR, THERMOSTAT, WATER PUMP, OXYGEN SENSORS AND (2) CATALYTIC CONVERTERS ALL HAD TO BE REPLACED. WE HAVE SINCE LEARNED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR SUBARUS OF THIS VINTAGE. THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF ANECDOTAL REPORTS OF PEOPLE HAVING THIS EXACT PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET, AND OUR MECHANIC TELLS US HE FIXES AT LEAST ONE OF THESE PROBLEMS PER WEEK AT HIS SHOP. CLEARLY, THIS IS A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT. *JB
2006-10-15
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-08-28
- VIN: 4S3BG6850W7
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. SUBARU PLAZA P.O. BOX 6000 CHERRY HILL, NJ 08034-6000 ATTN: CUSTOMER/DEALER SERVICES RE: SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK VIN [DELETED FOR PRIVACY] TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: I AM WRITING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT A SITUATION WITH OUR OIL AT TEMP WARNING LIGHT WHICH RESULTED IN OUR PAYING $130 FOR A FALSE POSITIVE WARNING ABOUT THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. AFTER THE WARNING LIGHT APPEARED, I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO CARLSEN SUBARU. THEY PERFORMED THE DIAGNOSIS AND FOUND NO PROBLEMS WITH THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. IN FACT, THEY SAID THAT THERE WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM WHERE A BATTERY CHANGE COULD CAUSE A ''FALSE POSITIVE'' WARNING ABOUT THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. CONSIDERING THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM THAT SUBARU IS AWARE OF, AND HAS NOT NOTIFIED CUSTOMERS OF, I AM REQUESTING A REFUND BY SUBARU FOR THE FULL $130. I HAVE TWO CONCERNS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM: 1. THE OBVIOUS SAFETY CONCERN '' WONDERING IF THERE REALLY IS A PROBLEM THAT THE DIAGNOSIS COULD NOT PINPOINT 2. THE CONCERN THAT SUBARU HAS A KNOWN PROBLEM THAT COST ME $130 SINCERELY, [DELETED FOR PRIVACY] CC: NHTSA COMPLAINTS
2006-06-23
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-06-05
- VIN: 4S3BG6850W6
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: THE GAS FILL PIPE LEAKS GASOLINE. THERE IS A PLASTIC SHIELD NEXT TO IT THAT CATCHES DIRT, SAND, ETC AND THEN KEEPS THE OUTSIDE OF THE PIPE WET FOR WEEKS AFTER ANY RAINY DRIVE. THIS LED TO THE PIPE RUSTING OUT AND LEAKING GASOLINE ON THE ROAD, DRIVEWAY AND GARAGE. *NM
2006-06-22
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-06-06
- VIN: 4S3BG6854X6
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: DRIVING A 1998 SUBARU AWD LEGACY OUTBACK. ON JUNE 6, 2006 WHILE ON A SHORT TRIP IN VEHICLE, RETURNED HOME TO SEE SMOKE (NOT STEAM) COMING FROM ENGINE BLOCK. THE VEHICLE HAD OVERHEATED, AND HAD BEEN SUFFERING OCCASIONAL LOSS OF POWER WHILE DRIVING PRIOR TO THIS TIME (APPROX 1 WEEK). DROVE APPROX .5 MI TO DEALER NEXT DAY TO GET CHECKED OUT ALONG WITH 90,000 MILE SERVICE (MILEAGE ON VEHICLE WAS 91,058). DEALER CALLED TO INFORM THAT HE HAD FOUND LEAKING HEAD GASKETS WITH LEAKS AT THE VALVE COVERS AND HYDROCARBONS IN THE COOLING SYSTEM. INFORMED THAT HEAD GASKET WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED AND THE HEAD RESURFACED (POTENTIAL REPLACEMENT OF BLOCK BUT THIS WAS NOT NEEDED NOR WAS A VALVE JOB) AND THAT WE SHOULD ALSO REPLACE WATER PUMP, TIMING BELT, AND ENGINE SHIELD AS LONG AS THE ENGINE IS OUT. MY RESEARCH ON THE WEB INDICATES THAT THIS PROBLEM IS EPIDEMIC, LOCAL MECHANICS I'VE SPOKEN WITH SAY THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE AND THAT SUBARU AMERICA WILL NOT STEP UP TO THE PLATE. I CALLED SUBARU, WITH MY COMPLAINT AND WHILE ADMITTING NO RESPONSIBILITY OFFERED $500 CREDIT TOWARD REPAIRS WHICH EVENTUALLY CAME TO MORE THAN $3000. REPLACED PARTS INCLUDE HEAD GASKET, HEAD RESURFACING, SEALS, WATER PUMP, HOSES, THERMOSTAT, TIMING BELT AND TENSIONER, SEPARATOR PLATE. WHEN I CALLED AGAIN TO ASK THEM TO STEP UP ON THIS ISSUE THEY FAILED TO OFFER ADDITIONAL HELP. AS I UNDERSTAND IT A BLOWN HEAD GASKET CAN LEAD TO A CRACKED ENGINE BLOCK WHICH COULD INDEED LEAD TO A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM. A SIMPLE WEB SEARCH ON THIS ISSUE FOUND DOZENS OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS OF THIS VERY SERIOUS AND EXPENSIVE PROBLEM. *NM
2006-05-27
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-05-11
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 4S3BG6854W6
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: MY CHILD CARE PROVIDER WAS INVOLVED IN A SINGLE CAR ACCIDENT. SHE WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH IN WET/RAINY CONDITIONS WHEN SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR AND HIT A TREE. THIS IMPACT CAUSED THE CAR TO SPIN AND HIT A SECOND TREE. THE CAR WAS TOTALED AND SUSTAINED DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END, THE PASSENGER DOOR AND THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR. THE MOST DAMAGE WAS TO THE FRONT END AND THE DRIVER SIDE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND SHE WAS KNOCKED UNCONSCIOUS SUSTAINING A SEVERE HEAD INJURY. *JB
2006-02-27
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-01-31
- VIN: 4S3BG6856W6
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: HOOD LATCH FAILURE ON 1998 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK- WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED, HOOD LATCH FAILED AND HOOD FLEW BACK INTO WINDSHIELD AND ROOF. INABILITY TO SEE ROAD AHEAD(VERY BUSY) NEARLY CAUSED ACCIDENT. WINDSHIELD AND HOOD DESTROYED, ROOF DENTED, L,R FRONT FENDERS REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. *NM
2006-01-04
AIR BAGS,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-06-15
- VIN: JF1GF4853WH
- Components: AIR BAGS,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: THE FRONT AIRBAGS ON MY 1998 SUBARU OUTBACK SPORT WENT OUT AT 76,000 MILES WITHOUT EVER DEPLOYING OR ANY OTHER INDICATORS. THE LIGHT ON THE DASH WAS THE ONLY SIGN THAT THE BAGS WERE NO LONGER WORKING. THE DEALER SAID TWO MODULES WENT OUT. THE ONE IN THE STEERING WHEEL WILL BE OVER $300 TO REPLACE AND THE ONE IN THE FLOOR OVER $700. I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT SAFETY FEATURES DON'T HAVE A LIFETIME WARRANTY. I WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO AFFORD TO HAVE THEM FIXED! *JB
2005-09-15
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-09-06
- VIN: 4S3BG6853W7
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 1998 SUBARU OUTBACK - STEERING BECOMES JERKY WHEN BACKING OR GOING FORWARD AT SLOW SPEEDS AND WHILE MAKING TIGHT TURNING RADIUSES. LOCAL REPAIR SHOP CALLED A LOCAL SUBARU DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT THEY HAVE SEEN SOME INCIDENTS OF THIS PROBLEM BUT KNOW OF NO FIX. IT WAS SAID THAT THE VEHICLE IS SAFE TO DRIVE. THE SUSPECTED PROBLEM IS THOUGHT DUE TO UNEVEN REGULATION OF THE WHEEL SPEED IN THE ALL WHEEL DRIVE REGULATOR AS ONE TURNS SHARPLY. IN A SHARP TURN THE WHEELS ON THE INNER CURVE OF THE TRAVEL OF PATH NEED TO TRAVEL AT A SLOWER RPM THAN THE WHEELS OF THAT ARE ON THE OUTER CURVE OF THE PATH OF THE VEHICLE. THIS JERKY MOTION EVEN IF NOT UNSAFE DEVALUES THE CAR FOR ANY POSSIBLE RESALE VALUE THUS COMPROMISING MY INVESTMENT IN IT. THE JERKY MOTION OF THE WHEELS WHEN TURNING AS IN PARKING OR BACKING OUT OF THE PARKING STALL IS NOTICEABLE AND SOMEWHAT DISCONCERTING TO THE POINT OF MY THINKING THAT IT MAY BE LESS SAFE THAN I A CURRENTLY LED TO BELIEVE BY THE CAR REPAIR SHOP AND THE LOCAL SUBARU DEALER THAT ADVISED. I THINK THIS PROBLEM WARRANTS FURTHER INVESTIGATION TO SEE IF OTHERS ARE BEING EFFECTED AND IF THERE IS ANY EVIDENCE OF DAMAGE OR FAILURE DUE TO THE PROBLEM. THANKS. SINCERELY, [XXX]. *NM INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
1998 Subaru Outback recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1998 Subaru Outback.
2001-06-25
- 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.
1998-02-20
- Manufacturer: SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
- Summary: 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).
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1998 Subaru Outback problems:
98 subaru outback LMT edition common problem | Subaru Outback ...
https://www.subaruoutback.org/threads/98-subaru-outback-lmt-edition-common-problem.36548/
Jun 17, 2011 ... Make sure its stored in its recess correctly or the rattle will drive you crazy. Wheel bearings go frequently with this generation. Rust dust ...
1998 Subaru Outback Reviews - Carsurvey.org
http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/subaru/outback/1998/
Faults: From about 200,000Km: 1. Rear struts clunking (did not fix). 2. O2 sensor failure (front, check engine light on but did not fix). 3. Anti knock ...
1998 Subaru Legacy Problems and Complaints - 7 Issues
https://repairpal.com/1998-subaru-legacy/problems
Top 1998 Subaru Legacy Problems · Cooling System Problems Cause Head Gasket Failure · Failure in ABS causes pump to run continuously and wear down battery.
1st gen reliability and mileage expectancy? | Subaru Outback Forums
https://www.subaruoutback.org/threads/1st-gen-reliability-and-mileage-expectancy.426441/
Jun 14, 2017 ... 1997 and 1998 are interference engines so timing stuff is a must or you'll bend valves. Alternator, starter, fuel pump are annoying - they're ...
1998 Subaru Legacy Outback Problems : r/subaru
https://www.reddit.com/r/subaru/comments/onj542/1998_subaru_legacy_outback_problems/
Jul 19, 2021 ... ... issues with my 98 Legacy Outback. Car has 200,000 miles with a new factory engine at 100,000 miles, so ~ 100,000 on the current engine.
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