1998 Subaru Legacy Equipment Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 5%of 114 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the equipment of the 1998 Subaru Legacy, 5% of the 114 complaints for this model year.
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.
“Comments from the dealers invoice: 671 miles: checked for oil leak, found fluid leaking from power steering rack. Removed and reinstalled rack assembly.671 miles: I complained about smell in vents. Advised it was power steering fluid leaking onto exhaust. 944miles: oil leaking from engine down onto exhaust. Found leak at top of engine on the right side near rear oil galley plug. Disassemble engine complete down to short block. Replace short block and all necessary gaskets and seals. Reassemble engine. 944 miles: I complained about smell in vents. …”
NHTSA complaint #747371, filed 2001-06“Gasoline fuel filler pipe leaking and causes dangerous gasoline fumes to fill car and surrounding area creating a fire and explosion hazard. This is on a 1998 Subaru outback.”
NHTSA complaint #10157671, filed 2006-05“A tire went flat, so consumer put on spare, this resulted in damage to the rear differential and transfer case, these parts overheated and had to be quickly hosed down with water to prevent a fire, in the owners manual it states that the all wheel drive system needs to be disengaged if a spare tire is ever used, however consumer did not notice these special instructions and feels this damage would not have occurred if a warning sticker would have been on the spare tire, consumer is requesting reimbursement.”
NHTSA complaint #563642, filed 2001-10Related service bulletins
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- 10219492Aug 23, 2022This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
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- 10198758Jun 17, 2021This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models
- 10198749Jun 7, 2021This bulletin is to advise of SOAâs revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
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- 10179378Aug 4, 2020Special Service Tools Cross Reference List.
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- 10161824May 21, 2019Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newletter.
- 10161813May 6, 2019To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate Special…
Equipment: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 3% |
| 2018 | 2 | 2% |
| 2015 | 2 | 1% |
| 2011 | 2 | 1% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 1 | 2% |
| 2005 | 1 | 1% |
| 2001 | 2 | 3% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
| 1999 | 3 | 3% |
| 1998 | 6 | 5% |
| 1997 | 4 | 3% |
| 1996 | 2 | 2% |
| 1995 | 2 | 1% |
| 1992 | 1 | 2% |
| 1991 | 3 | 4% |
| 1990 | 3 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1998 Subaru Legacy
30 complaintsBrakes
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
14 complaintsAir bags
11 complaintsVehicle speed control
10 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsSuspension
7 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 30, 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