1998 Subaru Outback Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 2%of 127 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 150,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the suspension of the 1998 Subaru Outback, 2% of the 127 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 150,000 miles. 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.
“Sounded like there was a pop in my front corner. Still drove ok under 20-25 MPH. Faster than that the wheel shook violently. Backing up there was a loud grinding noise. Took to friends hose who works on cars. He said it was my front lower control arm on the driver's side. The connection between the control arm and the front (he called it handling bushing) was rusted completely in two. He found a used control arm at a junk yard and replaced it for me. We took pictures of the part that I can provide if needed. I no longer have the old part.”
NHTSA complaint #10439191, filed 2011-12, 150,000 miles“Consumer received recall 01v-216, however when consumer contacted dealership to schedule an appointment she was informed that they were out of parts and it would take a few weeks to get the parts in and then another couple weeks to get on the service schedule.”
NHTSA complaint #563791, filed 2001-10“Recall 01 v 216 000/coilspring: unable to get dealer; frederick motors; frederick,md; phone# 301/663-6111 to honor recall because no parts were available. Seeking help from NHTSA in this matter. Feel free to provide any further information.”
NHTSA complaint #899590, filed 2001-11Related recalls
- 01V216000Jun 25, 2001Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with front coil springs originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware…Covers: Subaru Outback 1995–1999, Legacy 1995–1999
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 5% |
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2024 | 3 | 3% |
| 2022 | 3 | 1% |
| 2021 | 2 | 1% |
| 2020 | 3 | 0% |
| 2019 | 7 | 1% |
| 2018 | 9 | 1% |
| 2017 | 6 | 1% |
| 2016 | 1 | 0% |
| 2015 | 5 | 1% |
| 2014 | 5 | 2% |
| 2013 | 15 | 5% |
| 2012 | 4 | 1% |
| 2011 | 21 | 3% |
| 2010 | 26 | 7% |
| 2009 | 5 | 5% |
| 2008 | 12 | 5% |
| 2007 | 14 | 11% |
| 2006 | 37 | 13% |
| 2005 | 56 | 21% |
| 2004 | 4 | 4% |
| 2003 | 9 | 10% |
| 2002 | 4 | 3% |
| 2001 | 19 | 11% |
| 2000 | 24 | 12% |
| 1999 | 13 | 12% |
| 1998 | 3 | 2% |
| 1997 | 4 | 5% |
| 1996 | 4 | 9% |
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