1999 Subaru Outback Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 7%of 111 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 91,350miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the electrical system of the 1999 Subaru Outback, 7% of the 111 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 91,350 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“Speedometer periodically does not work. I have found this is common problem in these models and it is not easy to get it replaced. Knowing the speed when driving is very important. I am petrified most of the time that chp is going to pull me over on highway. It typically goes out in highway driving. I just bought this, but it is obvious prior owner had issues with it as many other people online with same year model. It should be recalled. Also, none of the bells, buzzers, alarm gizmos associated with opening the door and putting on seatbelts is working. I think this is all related.”
NHTSA complaint #10244387, filed 2008-10, 65,000 miles“1999 Subaru legacy Outback speedometer/odometer failure. Intermittant problem. Informed by dealer that this is a common problem with 1999 Subaru's. Dealer informs customer that problem is electronic circuit board issue. Speedometer replaced by dealer at cost of $315. Subaru part number 85020ac330. Consumer has old, failed unit. This is not and should not be a wear type item. This type of failure is Subaru manufacturer's defect.”
NHTSA complaint #10259767, filed 2009-02, 160,000 miles“There was nothing abnormal that precluded the failure. The speedometer completely stopped working while driving and now only intermittently works. Fortunately, there has been no incidents because of this failure. However, it could lead to excessive speed which may lead to vehicle accidents and injuries. Nothing has been done to correct this issue. A call to Subaru of america yielded no information. However, online research has shown that this is occurring quite frequently among this make and model year. A new part will likely have to be ordered.”
NHTSA complaint #10175265, filed 2006-12, 91,350 miles“Speedometer fails spontaneously, intermittently and frequently. Indicated speed drops to zero. Returns spontaneously after 10 seconds to 15 minutes. Not vehicle speed sensor (vss) or wiring/connector related. Service technician found speedometer circuit board delaminated, causing components to separate from circuit board. Stated this appeared to be caused by oem sealant used on the circuit boards as seen in other subarus and many honda vehicles. Speedometer is an obvious safety and legal liability component, which provides critical feedback to vehicle operator. …”
NHTSA complaint #10186303, filed 2007-03, 131,070 miles“I was backing out of a parking spot when the car jolted to a stop. The mechanic said the wires holding power harness in place had broken at an earlier point in time. This caused the power harness to shift to rest on top of the sway bar. The constant rubbing against the sway bar caused 3 wires to short, blowing all fuses and the computer module. A Subaru rep said there was one other case like this in the up of michigan. But he blamed packed snow in the wheel wells. This does not make sense in northern illinois in may. …”
NHTSA complaint #10009361, filed 2002-05, 40,493 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10219491Aug 23, 2022This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
- 10209915Mar 18, 2022This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic essential information during diagnosis and repair of the Infotainment concerns. (Applicable to all…
- 10198758Jun 17, 2021This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models
- 10234260Dec 13, 2012Repair Procedure for High-Pitched Sound from Extension Housing Area Using Latest Generation Production Parts
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 29% |
| 2025 | 13 | 16% |
| 2024 | 16 | 15% |
| 2023 | 17 | 19% |
| 2022 | 52 | 11% |
| 2021 | 76 | 26% |
| 2020 | 259 | 29% |
| 2019 | 364 | 35% |
| 2018 | 267 | 33% |
| 2017 | 392 | 43% |
| 2016 | 309 | 48% |
| 2015 | 127 | 25% |
| 2014 | 32 | 15% |
| 2013 | 23 | 8% |
| 2012 | 37 | 13% |
| 2011 | 67 | 10% |
| 2010 | 33 | 9% |
| 2009 | 23 | 22% |
| 2008 | 34 | 15% |
| 2007 | 20 | 15% |
| 2006 | 42 | 15% |
| 2005 | 28 | 10% |
| 2004 | 8 | 9% |
| 2003 | 7 | 8% |
| 2002 | 4 | 3% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
| 2000 | 8 | 4% |
| 1999 | 8 | 7% |
| 1998 | 6 | 5% |
| 1997 | 4 | 5% |
| 1996 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 1999 Subaru Outback
29 complaintsEngine cooling
23 complaintsSuspension
13 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsAir bags
7 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
5 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 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