1999 Subaru Legacy Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 12%of 94 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 53,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1999 Subaru Legacy, 12% of the 94 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 53,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“Complained several times to dealer that car had no power, poor gas mileage, hesitation upon starting out, motor fell apart at 66,000 miles on interstate. Car, although a new motor, continues to have no power, poor gas mileage, hesitation upon starting out. What's going to keep the motor from blowing up again, and maybe we be killed. O2 and pt sensors continues to blow. Sunroof will not open;advised a new one would be $975. Sunroof complaint at 13,680 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10039507, filed 2003-09, 66,000 miles“I recently bought a used 1999 Subaru Legacy wagon. The previous owner told me there was an oil leak that resulted from the oil filter fracturing. This caused smoke to come from oil burning on the hot exhaust manifold. After owning the car for a few days, I had the oil changed and noticed that the vehicle still smokes around the exhaust manifold after driving it. I can also hear oil dripping from the filter onto the manifold. While online reviewing my car insurance, I noticed that this very problem is a recall defect. I followed instructions and called Subaru about this. …”
NHTSA complaint #10253222, filed 2008-12“Engine check light came on. Dealer said I had a burned cylinder. This was at 108,000 miles. A second mechanic confirmed that misfiring in cylinder no. 4 was occurring and further stated that compression in all four cylinders was below specificiations. He further stated that the defect occurred during manufacturing and was not a result of anything I did or did not do to the car. Subaru of american contacted and offered $1,000 toward a new car, but said otherwise it was my problem because the car was out of warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #762553, filed 2002-06“Car has pulled to the right since purchase. Purchased vehicle late sept., 1998. Ac did not work very well, but weather was cool and it was not a pressing issue. The following spring/summer, took in for repairs to dealer in evansville. Ac still worked intermittently. Accident 5/19/99 where I rear-ended a van at approx. 20 MPH., airbags did not deploy. Ac still only working intermittently. On 9/17/99, after driving the car approximately 25 miles at 65 MPH, I noticed the temp gauge was above the h and pulled over. The car died and never restarted. …”
NHTSA complaint #712565, filed 1999-09“Car overheated randomly. Have replaced radiator, water pump, 3 thermostats, head gaskets, and had heads machined at shop. Still overheated and died frequently. Had it to mechanic multiple times. Each time they say it was fixed. Being towed back to repair shop today because it won't even start now.”
NHTSA complaint #10186451, filed 2007-03Related recalls
- 98V127000Jun 8, 1998Vehicle description: passenger vehicles, also service parts supplied to subaru dealers are involved (lot numbers f01 j21d2, f01 j30d2, f02 j09d1, f02 j09d2…Covers: Subaru Legacy 1998–1999
Related service bulletins
- 10198749Jun 7, 2021This bulletin is to advise of SOAâs revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
- 10019343Feb 1, 2006Rubbing mark on timing belt. Subaru.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 17% |
| 2021 | 1 | 3% |
| 2016 | 1 | 1% |
| 2015 | 1 | 1% |
| 2013 | 2 | 3% |
| 2011 | 6 | 4% |
| 2010 | 4 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 2 | 6% |
| 2006 | 4 | 5% |
| 2005 | 29 | 16% |
| 2004 | 2 | 4% |
| 2003 | 9 | 15% |
| 2002 | 9 | 17% |
| 2001 | 11 | 14% |
| 2000 | 16 | 17% |
| 1999 | 11 | 12% |
| 1998 | 30 | 26% |
| 1997 | 31 | 22% |
| 1996 | 22 | 18% |
| 1995 | 17 | 9% |
| 1994 | 4 | 7% |
| 1993 | 17 | 22% |
| 1992 | 4 | 7% |
| 1991 | 6 | 8% |
| 1990 | 2 | 2% |
Other parts of the 1999 Subaru Legacy
18 complaintsBrakes
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 complaintsAir bags
11 complaintsSuspension
8 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsTires
5 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsEngine
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 Subaru Legacy
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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