Is the 1999 Subaru Outback reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1999 Subaru Outback is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1999 Subaru Outback?

The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1999 Subaru Outback have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

1999 Subaru Outback

▲ Better than typical

1999 Subaru Outback
RENDERED 2026-11-01T16:58:18.532Z

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: 111
Recalls: 1
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Power train

Complaints per year

1999: 111 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.

Power train

29% · 32 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

1999 Subaru legacy Outback. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle began to roll backward while trying to remove keys.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-02-19

Also filed under Electrical system

While driving down road applied brakes and transmission jumped hard into a lower gear and then brakes would grab.

NHTSA ODI report, 2000-02-09

Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond to acceleration attempts. The contact stated that she had to constantly change the gear from reverse to drive in order for it to work.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-02-07

Engine and engine cooling

25% · 28 reports

Most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

Suspension

12% · 13 reports

Most commonly citing coil springs and multiple axle.

CRASHINJURY

Electrical system

9% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and wiring.

CRASHINJURY

Vehicle speed control

8% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing accelerator pedal and linkages.

Safety timeline

1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

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…

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1999 Subaru Outback — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Power train: 32 reports on file for this year.
Engine and engine cooling: 28 reports on file for this year.
Suspension: 13 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 01V216000 · Suspension

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1999 Subaru Outback reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1999 Subaru Outback is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1999 Subaru Outback?: The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1999 Subaru Outback have?: 1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.