1998 Subaru Outback Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 2%of 127 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,462miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1998 Subaru Outback, 2% of the 127 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,462 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.
“The engine over heated, and the dealer replaced the thermostat and water pump, however the problem continued, and the entire engine had to be replaced. Also the brake light and marker lights were replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10010006, filed 2003-03, 75,462 miles“All turn signals are flashing at same time, turn signal and hazard signal are working at same time. Dealer pushed the hazard signal button and the condition stopped and could not be replicated, consumer had tried pushing the hazard button himself, however the signals kept blinking when he attempted, problem has not occurred since.”
NHTSA complaint #886036, filed 2001-04Related service bulletins
- 10022343Jul 1, 2007Headlight bulb socket repairs.
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 4% |
| 2024 | 3 | 3% |
| 2023 | 6 | 7% |
| 2022 | 3 | 1% |
| 2021 | 4 | 1% |
| 2020 | 16 | 2% |
| 2019 | 11 | 1% |
| 2018 | 10 | 1% |
| 2017 | 7 | 1% |
| 2016 | 5 | 1% |
| 2015 | 4 | 1% |
| 2014 | 7 | 3% |
| 2013 | 8 | 3% |
| 2012 | 18 | 6% |
| 2011 | 117 | 18% |
| 2010 | 35 | 10% |
| 2009 | 10 | 9% |
| 2008 | 15 | 7% |
| 2007 | 6 | 5% |
| 2006 | 4 | 1% |
| 2005 | 30 | 11% |
| 2003 | 2 | 2% |
| 2002 | 3 | 2% |
| 2000 | 4 | 2% |
| 1998 | 3 | 2% |
| 1997 | 1 | 1% |
| 1996 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 1998 Subaru Outback
40 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
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 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Subaru Outback
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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