1998 Subaru Outback Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 40about this part
- Share
- 32%of 127 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 93,850miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 40 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1998 Subaru Outback, 32% of the 127 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 93,850 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Engine overheating every half mile with engine reservoir overflowing. After $1300 of replacing thermostat, timing belt, belt tensioner, water pump, flushing the cooling system, and compression tests, I was told I had a blown head gasket. I was told the replacement would cost an additional $2,200 at least.”
NHTSA complaint #10336001, filed 2010-06, 81,000 miles“We bought a 1998 Subaru Outback in 2004. At approximately 110,000 miles, we experienced a catastrophic overheating of the engine due to a faulty head gasket. The overheating caused approximately $3,000 worth of damage to the car. The head gasket, radiator, thermostat, water pump, oxygen sensors and (2) catalytic converters all had to be replaced. We have since learned that this is a common problem for subarus of this vintage. …”
NHTSA complaint #10201601, filed 2007-08, 110,000 miles“Took my Subaru to dealer for 60,000 mile check. He advised me that my head gasket was about to fail and needed replacement. He also informed me that failure of the head gasket in 1998 outbacks was common. This repair is very costly (about $1500), and failing to make it could cause catastrophic damage to the engine.”
NHTSA complaint #10098275, filed 2004-11, 58,640 miles“Complaint is for Subaru of america. I own a 98 Subaru legacy Outback and the cooling system malfunctioned and the head gaskets blew. I looked online and there are hundreds of owners on a multitude of sites who are experiencing or have experienced this exact problem. Clearly the problem is with the vehicle and not any owner's operation of the vehicle, and therefore the corporation who has caused its customers expense should bear the burden financially for fixing this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10233474, filed 2008-07, 89,000 miles“1998 Subaru Outback - blown head gasket, resulted in over heating. My mechanic estimates $2500 (assuming there is no other damage to the engine). We are also checking prices for used engines to possibly replace the existing engine. Mileage was approximately 129000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10016256, filed 2003-04, 129,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10198749Jun 7, 2021This bulletin is to advise of SOAâs revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 1 | 0% |
| 2021 | 2 | 1% |
| 2020 | 3 | 0% |
| 2019 | 1 | 0% |
| 2016 | 3 | 0% |
| 2015 | 3 | 1% |
| 2014 | 1 | 0% |
| 2013 | 1 | 0% |
| 2012 | 2 | 1% |
| 2011 | 8 | 1% |
| 2010 | 23 | 6% |
| 2009 | 3 | 3% |
| 2008 | 6 | 3% |
| 2007 | 3 | 2% |
| 2006 | 7 | 3% |
| 2005 | 16 | 6% |
| 2004 | 13 | 14% |
| 2003 | 14 | 15% |
| 2002 | 17 | 12% |
| 2001 | 22 | 13% |
| 2000 | 35 | 17% |
| 1999 | 23 | 21% |
| 1998 | 40 | 32% |
| 1997 | 24 | 30% |
| 1996 | 10 | 22% |
Other parts of the 1998 Subaru Outback
19 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsVehicle speed control
13 complaintsAir bags
11 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsTires
5 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsWheels
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Subaru Outback
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