1998 Subaru Outback

▲ Better than typical

1998 Subaru Outback
RENDERED 2026-08-02T11:18:16.128Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

1998: 127 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1995	2
1996	46
1997	79
1998	127
1999	111
2000	207
2001	171
2002	143
2003	93
2004	90
2005	273
2006	276
2007	129
2008	226
2009	105
2010	359
2011	649
2012	290
2013	295
2014	208
2015	505
2016	639
2017	917
2018	803
2019	1029
2020	890
2021	291
2022	453
2023	85
2024	89
2025	65
2026	8

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 14%

14% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 18 distinct reports on file.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 9%

9% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 11 distinct reports on file.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 8%

8% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 10 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

WHEN DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD. THIS CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND HIT A LIGHT POLE HEAD ON. UPON IMPACT, BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.

NHTSA ODI report, 20040521

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 6%

6% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 7 distinct reports on file.

CRASH

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 6%

6% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 7 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19980615 — power train

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. DUE TO POOR WELDS, IGNITION KEYS CAN STICK, SHIFT LEVERS/LINKAGES CAN BREAK AND SHIFT LEVERS CAN MOVE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER ASSEMBLIES (EXCEPT THE HANDLE GRIP).

Campaign 98V042000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20010918 — suspension

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FRONT COIL SPRINGS ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, M

Remedy: DEALERS WILL NOTIFIY CUSTOMERS TO BRING THEIR VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE A SPRING GUARD INSTALLED ON BOTH FRONT STRUTS TO PREVENT TIRE PUNCTURE AND REPLACE ANY BROKEN SPRINGS FREE OF C

Campaign 01V216000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1998 Subaru Outback — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (18 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (11 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (10 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 98V042000 (power train) has been completed.
Verify recall 01V216000 (suspension) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1996 ▲ 2025 ▲ 1997

WORST YEARS

■ 2019 ■ 2017 ■ 2020

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1998 Subaru Outback reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Subaru Outback is rated "better than typical".

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

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling:engine, accounting for 14% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1998 Subaru Outback have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.