1998 Subaru Legacy Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

1998 Subaru Legacy recalls

Most common 1998 Subaru Legacy problems

Problem areas named in the 114 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Engine And Engine Cooling	30
Power Train	16
Air Bags	11
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	11
Electrical System	10
Vehicle Speed Control	10
Fuel System, Gasoline	8
Steering	8
Suspension	7
Structure	7

What owners report

2022-03-29, Service Brakes, Hydraulic
The contact owns a 1998 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, there was a delayed failure in the braking system. The contact notified the local dealer regarding the failure and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 99V040000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) for which the vehicle was included. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts not being available. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 307,000.

2018-03-21, Suspension
THE WELD THAT ATTACHED THE FRONT RIGHT STRUT ASSEMBLY TO THE BODY COMPLETELY FAILED. THE WHEEL COLLAPSED INTO THE WHEEL WELL. THIS HAPPENED WHILE I BEGINNING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT MOVING MORE THAN 3-4 MPH. FOR SOME MONTHS BEFORE THE WELD FAILED THERE WAS VIBRATION DURING BRAKING THAT WE COULD NOT DIAGNOSE. I ENDED UP REPLACING THE BRAKE PADS, ROTORS, BRAKE CYLINDERS ON BOTH FRONT WHEELS TO NO AVAIL. I HAVE PICTURES OF THE COLLAPSED WHEEL. I DON'T KNOW HOW TO UPLOAD THE PICTURE. I CAN SEND IT TO AN EMAIL ADDRESS IF YOU WISH.

2017-07-10, Wheels
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL FELT SPONGY. THE CONTACT HEARD A RATTLING NOISE BUT COULD NOT DETERMINE THE ORIGIN. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE DISCS, BRAKE ROTORS, AND IDLER ARMS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. UPDATED 08/24/17*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLES SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN SOLD GIVEN IT'S BRAKE CONDITION. UPDATED 08/25/2017*JS

2017-06-27, Service Brakes
JUNE 26 2017 I WENT TO HAVE MY FRONT BRAKE PADS REPLACED, BECAUSE THEY FELT SPONGY AND DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE BRAKE PADS, ROTORS, AND OUTER TIE RODS ON BOTH ENDS. ALL THESE PARTS WERE DANGEROUSLY WORN PREEXISTING CONDITIONS BEFORE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN DECEMBER 2016. THE BRAKE REPAIR WAS DONE AT: 424 WEST HENDERSON STREET, CLEBURNE, TEXAS 76033. 817 645 7848. ON JUNE 26, 2017 I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM BRAD DEERY HONDA IN IOWA USED, AS IS. SINCE THEN I HAVE HAD TO HAVE NUMEROUS EXPENSIVE REPAIRS. THERE SHOULD BE LAWS TO PROTECT CONSUMERS FROM DEALERSHIPS THAT SELL VEHICLES THAT ARE UNSAFE AND FALLING APART, AND REFUSING TO HELP

2017-03-13, Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE, THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SMOKE AND THEN UNEXPECTEDLY FAILED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,025. UPDATED 05/31/17*LJ *AS

1998 Subaru Legacy questions

Does the 1998 Subaru Legacy have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 1998 Subaru Legacy: Suspension:Front:Springs:Coil Springs; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Master Cylinder; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine; Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Gear Position Indication (Prndl). Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 1998 Subaru Legacy?

Based on 114 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine And Engine Cooling (30), Power Train (16), Air Bags (11).

How do I check if a recall on my 1998 Subaru Legacy has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.