1998 Subaru Outback Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 6%of 127 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 35,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the visibility of the 1998 Subaru Outback, 6% of the 127 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 35,000 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.
“We are unable to ride in vehicle with heater on as it still has a very bad musty mildew smell inside , after 4 attempts to solve problem. Edmond chev sister store shults Subaru said for us to spray lysol into the air vents onca a month. That makes it worse and we should not have to do this as we have talked to other Subaru owners that have no problem like this. Please help us ,we love the car ,but can not ride any distance in it without getting very bad sinus headaches”
NHTSA complaint #735404, filed 2000-10“Consumer has problem with windshield wipers, they intermittently work. In wet conditions they don't clear. Instead they smear the windsheild, making it very hard to see. On the highway when in motion they fly in the wind. Subaru has no remedy & tried to use heavy duty wipers, but they didn't make a difference.”
NHTSA complaint #862169, filed 2000-05“In rainy conditions or when using the defroster, the vehicle smells like mildew came through the vents which caused occupant not to use the defroster. May cause visual difficulty, and may result in an accident. In cold weather the trapped moisture in the system causes ice to form inside the windshield making driving impossible. Mildew and bacteria are strong enough to cause wheezing and burning eyes. Dealer/manufacturer have been contacted but provided no help.”
NHTSA complaint #835130, filed 1999-02“The windshield wipers on the passenger's side became tangled with wipers on driver's side, because of a loose bolt. This distraction almost caused driver to crash. The wipers have been repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #817632, filed 1997-10Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 6 | 7% |
| 2024 | 23 | 22% |
| 2023 | 19 | 21% |
| 2022 | 280 | 60% |
| 2021 | 107 | 36% |
| 2020 | 383 | 43% |
| 2019 | 387 | 37% |
| 2018 | 273 | 33% |
| 2017 | 233 | 25% |
| 2016 | 91 | 14% |
| 2015 | 143 | 28% |
| 2014 | 10 | 5% |
| 2013 | 14 | 5% |
| 2012 | 9 | 3% |
| 2011 | 23 | 4% |
| 2010 | 8 | 2% |
| 2009 | 9 | 8% |
| 2008 | 8 | 4% |
| 2007 | 2 | 2% |
| 2006 | 5 | 2% |
| 2005 | 8 | 3% |
| 2004 | 5 | 6% |
| 2003 | 3 | 3% |
| 2002 | 6 | 4% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
| 2000 | 6 | 3% |
| 1999 | 4 | 4% |
| 1998 | 7 | 6% |
| 1997 | 7 | 9% |
| 1996 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 1998 Subaru Outback
40 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
19 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsVehicle speed control
13 complaintsAir bags
11 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