1998 Subaru Legacy Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 10%of 114 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 81,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the air bags of the 1998 Subaru Legacy, 10% of the 114 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 81,000 miles. 9 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Vehicle involved in a frontal collision with a fire hydrant. There was substantial damage to the vehicle and the hydrant did break away as designed. Air bag did not deploy.”
NHTSA complaint #10359674, filed 2010-10, 123,000 miles“At time of a regular service, told that the air bag switch has failed, even though this vehicle has never been in an accident of any kind. Told that the air bags would not deploy in the event of an accident and told I need to purchase a new switch for $552 + tax and installation. There are 10 other events on your site showing the failure of the air bags to deploy, many resulting in injuries. I believ a recall is warranted here.”
NHTSA complaint #763219, filed 2002-06“This is an airbag cutoff switch complaint. I couldn't find any other place on your website to lodge it. We got our cutoff swtich authorization almost a year ago. The Subaru switch was to be ready 12/98. Now there's no date even given. This is unfair. You force them to make the bag and us to buy it, can't you force them to make the cutoff switch? They advise we not use a generic. I sometimes have to cram 4 kids in my backseat sharing belts. Is that safe?”
NHTSA complaint #717338, filed 2000-01“I was involved in a front-end collision at approximately 35 MPH. I received word today that the car is considered totaled by the insurance company. Neither the dirver's side nor passenger's side airbag employed in the accident.”
NHTSA complaint #729074, filed 2000-08“The contact owns a 1998 Subaru Legacy. While driving 45 MPH, the contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a guardrail. None of the air bags deployed. During the crash, the contact was forced through the windshield. The insurance company stated that they had no findings regarding the crash. There were no warning lights present. The vehicle was destroyed. A police report was filed. The current and failure mileages were 39,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10207443, filed 2007-10, 39,000 milesAir bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 17% |
| 2024 | 3 | 18% |
| 2023 | 2 | 20% |
| 2022 | 2 | 6% |
| 2021 | 6 | 19% |
| 2020 | 1 | 1% |
| 2018 | 3 | 3% |
| 2017 | 7 | 6% |
| 2016 | 2 | 1% |
| 2015 | 10 | 6% |
| 2014 | 14 | 26% |
| 2013 | 14 | 21% |
| 2012 | 11 | 12% |
| 2011 | 25 | 15% |
| 2010 | 28 | 19% |
| 2009 | 31 | 48% |
| 2008 | 25 | 38% |
| 2007 | 12 | 36% |
| 2006 | 13 | 15% |
| 2005 | 21 | 11% |
| 2004 | 26 | 53% |
| 2003 | 16 | 27% |
| 2002 | 1 | 2% |
| 2001 | 3 | 4% |
| 2000 | 3 | 3% |
| 1999 | 11 | 12% |
| 1998 | 11 | 10% |
| 1997 | 10 | 7% |
| 1996 | 22 | 18% |
| 1995 | 46 | 25% |
| 1994 | 5 | 8% |
| 1993 | 10 | 13% |
| 1992 | 2 | 4% |
| 1991 | 2 | 3% |
Other parts of the 1998 Subaru Legacy
30 complaintsBrakes
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
10 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsSuspension
7 complaintsEquipment
6 complaintsTires
6 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Subaru Legacy
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology