1998 Subaru Outback Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 2%of 127 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 139,686miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 1998 Subaru Outback, 2% of the 127 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 139,686 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.
“Driving on highway ~60 MPH. Hood latch released spontaneously. Hood flew back, shattering windshield. I started to lose control, as I couldn't see, but recovered and, peering through small area under hood was able to get off onto the shoulder before we got killed because of this unexpected defect.”
NHTSA complaint #10278449, filed 2009-07, 98,951 miles“I was driving on interstate 90 in idaho at 62 MPH when the hood latch failed. The hood was secured down all the way before the incident and had not been opened in two weeks. There had been over 100 miles of highway driving over 60 MPH since the hood was last opened. The hood flew up with no safety catch or hesitation and slammed into the windshield. The windshield was shattered, the hood bent and the roof dented. The rear view mirror flew off inside. …”
NHTSA complaint #10458897, filed 2012-05, 180,420 milesLatches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2024 | 3 | 3% |
| 2023 | 3 | 3% |
| 2022 | 1 | 0% |
| 2020 | 2 | 0% |
| 2019 | 4 | 0% |
| 2018 | 1 | 0% |
| 2017 | 1 | 0% |
| 2016 | 1 | 0% |
| 2013 | 2 | 1% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 1 | 0% |
| 2007 | 1 | 1% |
| 2004 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
| 2000 | 2 | 1% |
| 1999 | 5 | 5% |
| 1998 | 3 | 2% |
| 1997 | 5 | 6% |
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 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