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 PER YEAR
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 | 106 |
| 2010 | 360 |
| 2011 | 651 |
| 2012 | 292 |
| 2013 | 296 |
| 2014 | 208 |
| 2015 | 509 |
| 2016 | 642 |
| 2017 | 917 |
| 2018 | 811 |
| 2019 | 1033 |
| 2020 | 896 |
| 2021 | 296 |
| 2022 | 462 |
| 2023 | 89 |
| 2024 | 102 |
| 2025 | 78 |
| 2026 | 15 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
36% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 46 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and cooling system.
17% of complaints: power train — 21 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and clutch assembly.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
OIL LEAK FROM BAND AXLE RESULTED IN FIRE. (QCAW)
NHTSA ODI report, 19980826
13% of complaints: service brakes — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASHShow 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, 20130404
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
10% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.
CRASH INJURYShow 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
Also filed under AIR BAGS
9% of complaints: air bags — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.
CRASH INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
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
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 (46 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (21 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (16 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
WORST YEARS
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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.