1998 Subaru Legacy Recalls
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 1998 Subaru Legacy. A recall applies only to vehicles built within the affected range, so check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for recalls are free at a franchised dealer.
- Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springsCovers: Subaru Legacy 1995–1999, Outback 1995–1999
Reported issue: 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…
Possible 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…
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinderCovers: Subaru Legacy 1998–1999, Forester 1998–1999
Reported issue: 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.
Possible consequence: This condition causes the vehicle stopping distance to be increased, possibly resulting in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder.
- Engine and engine cooling › EngineCovers: Subaru Legacy 1998–1999
Reported issue: 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.
Possible 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.
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (prndl)Covers: Subaru Legacy 1997–1998, Outback 1997–1998
Reported issue: 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.
Possible 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).
← 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.