1998 Subaru Outback
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.
- Complaints
- 127
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Engine and engine cooling
Campaigns on file for 1998
None on file
36% of complaints
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 | 277 |
| 2007 | 130 |
| 2008 | 226 |
| 2009 | 106 |
| 2010 | 360 |
| 2011 | 652 |
| 2012 | 295 |
| 2013 | 297 |
| 2014 | 208 |
| 2015 | 509 |
| 2016 | 642 |
| 2017 | 921 |
| 2018 | 816 |
| 2019 | 1,035 |
| 2020 | 903 |
| 2021 | 299 |
| 2022 | 465 |
| 2023 | 89 |
| 2024 | 105 |
| 2025 | 82 |
| 2026 | 21 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine and engine cooling
36% · 46 reportsMost commonly citing engine and cooling system.
Power train
17% · 21 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and clutch assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
Oil leak from band axle resulted in fire. (Qcaw)
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-08-26
Service brakes
13% · 16 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
On March 19, 2013, I was returning to my place of employment after picking up my Outback from bloomington Acura Subaru, bloomington, mn after a clutch replacement when the hydraulic brake system had a total failure resulting in a near catastrophic...
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-04-04
Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic
Vehicle speed control
10% · 13 reportsMost commonly citing accelerator pedal.
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, 2004-05-21
Also filed under Air bags
Air bags
9% · 11 reportsMost commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
1998-06-15Power train98V042000 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).
-
R
2001-09-18Suspension01V216000 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…
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…
Buy-smart checklist
1998 Subaru Outback — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 46 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 21 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 16 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 98V042000 · Power train
- Recall 01V216000 · Suspension
Other years of this model
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, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1998 Subaru Outback have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.