1998 Subaru Legacy Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 7%of 114 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 37,546miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the steering of the 1998 Subaru Legacy, 7% of the 114 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 37,546 miles.
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.
“Consumer request for reimbursement for all repairs expenses for 1998 Subaru Legacy. During regular maintenance the dealer determined that he vehicle's steering center differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle's check engine light illuminated. The dealer replaced the ignition coil. Since the vehicle only has 38,000 miles the consumer feels Subaru should reimburse him for the cost of the repairs.”
NHTSA complaint #10089113, filed 2004-08, 37,546 miles“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“Over sensitive knock sensor, causes acceleration hesitation. It's been a known problem for years (see tsbs 115899 & 115398), but almost caused a serious and potentially fatal accident last weekend.”
NHTSA complaint #755260, filed 2001-12“There was smoke coming from under vehicle's hood. Took vehicle to dealer and they stated that there was a leak coming from rack and penion. Please provide any further information.”
NHTSA complaint #8008386, filed 2002-04Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 17% |
| 2022 | 1 | 3% |
| 2020 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 3 | 2% |
| 2018 | 4 | 3% |
| 2017 | 9 | 8% |
| 2016 | 16 | 11% |
| 2015 | 1 | 1% |
| 2014 | 2 | 4% |
| 2013 | 4 | 6% |
| 2012 | 7 | 8% |
| 2011 | 16 | 10% |
| 2010 | 12 | 8% |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 1 | 3% |
| 2006 | 2 | 2% |
| 2005 | 3 | 2% |
| 2003 | 1 | 2% |
| 2001 | 1 | 1% |
| 2000 | 3 | 3% |
| 1999 | 2 | 2% |
| 1998 | 8 | 7% |
| 1997 | 7 | 5% |
| 1996 | 3 | 2% |
| 1995 | 5 | 3% |
| 1994 | 4 | 7% |
| 1993 | 2 | 3% |
| 1992 | 1 | 2% |
| 1990 | 1 | 1% |
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 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 29, 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