The 1998 Subaru Legacy has 4 safety recalls and 114 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine and engine cooling (30 complaints).
Recalls4safety recalls
Complaints114filed by owners
Crashes · fires17 · 2reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths12 · 0reported in complaints
1998 Subaru Legacy in an NHTSA crash test
Safety recalls
Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springs
NHTSA recall 01V216000 · Jun 25, 2001 · 180,000 vehicles
Problem: 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, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, NEW HAMPSHIRE, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN, AND IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS WERE PRODUCED WITH POOR PAINT QUALITY WHICH, AFTER CONTINUED EXPOSURE TO CORROSIVE SALT, CAN RESULT IN BREAKAGE OF THE SPRING.
Risk: DEPENDING ON THE LOCATION OF THE FRACTURE, A BROKEN SPRING COULD MOVE PAST THE SPRING SEAT AND CONTACT A FRONT TIRE. SOME TIRES HAVE DEFLATED DUE TO CONTACT WITH A BROKEN SPRING.
Fix: 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 CHARGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 18, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
NHTSA recall 99V040000 · Mar 3, 1999 · 221,987 vehicles
Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS). (THE 1999 2.2 LITER LEGACY VEHICLES ARE EXCLUDED). IN EXTREMELY COLD WEATHER, THE BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR AND THE VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE IS INCREASED.
Risk: THIS CONDITION CAUSES THE VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE TO BE INCREASED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER.
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
NHTSA recall 98V127000 · Jun 8, 1998 · 20,306 vehicles
Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, ALSO SERVICE PARTS SUPPLIED TO SUBARU DEALERS ARE INVOLVED (LOT NUMBERS F01 J21D2, F01 J30D2, F02 J09D1, F02 J09D2, AND F02 J20D1). THE PUROLATOR OIL FILTER CANS USED ON THESE VEHICLES CAN FRACTURE CAUSING A VAPORIZED OIL SPRAY AND SUBSEQUENT OIL LEAK.
Risk: THIS VAPORIZED OIL SPRAY CAN RESULT IN OIL VAPOR IGNITION BY THE HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THESE ENGINE OIL FILTERS.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (prndl)
NHTSA recall 98V042000 · Feb 20, 1998 · 19,386 vehicles
Problem: 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.
Risk: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE UNEXPECTED MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER ASSEMBLIES (EXCEPT THE HANDLE GRIP).
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
1998 Subaru Legacy 4-DR.
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
Legacy
24mpg combined
City / highway
21 / 29 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2.2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,800/year to fuel
Legacy Wagon
24mpg combined
City / highway
21 / 29 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2.2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,800/year to fuel
Legacy AWD
23mpg combined
City / highway
20 / 27 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2.2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel
Legacy AWD
23mpg combined
City / highway
20 / 27 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2.2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel
Legacy Wagon AWD
23mpg combined
City / highway
20 / 27 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2.2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel
Legacy Wagon AWD
23mpg combined
City / highway
20 / 27 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2.2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel
Legacy AWD
21mpg combined
City / highway
19 / 25 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2.5 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel
Legacy Wagon AWD
21mpg combined
City / highway
19 / 25 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2.5 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel
Legacy AWD
20mpg combined
City / highway
18 / 24 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2.5 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel
Legacy Wagon AWD
20mpg combined
City / highway
18 / 24 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2.5 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
Problem area
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Typical mileage*
Engine and engine cooling Engine; Engine › Gasoline
30
0
1
0
105,000 mi
Power train Manual transmission; Automatic transmission
16
0
1
0
89,000 mi
Air bags Frontal; On-off switch assembly
11
9
0
5
—
Service brakes, hydraulic Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components
11
4
0
1
—
Electrical system Alternator/generator/regulator; 12v/24v/48v battery
10
0
0
0
78,000 mi
Vehicle speed control Linkages; Accelerator pedal
10
3
0
4
—
Fuel system, gasoline Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap; Storage › Auxillary tank › Selector devices
8
0
0
0
126,494 mi
Steering Gear box (other than rack and pinion); Linkages
8
0
0
0
—
Suspension Front
7
2
0
0
—
Structure Frame and members; Body
7
0
0
0
—
Equipment Appliance › Air conditioner; Other › Labels
7
0
0
0
—
Tires Sidewall; Tread/belt
6
0
0
0
—
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Feb 21, 2022 · 307,000 milesService 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.
Mar 15, 2017 · 130,000 milesSuspension 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.
Jun 26, 2017 · 150,000 milesWheels 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
Jun 26, 2017Service 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 PAY…
Jan 2, 2017 · 155,025 miles · firePower 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
Oct 31, 2012 · 120,000 milesService brakes TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HE INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT THE REAR BRAKE LINES WERE CORRODED DUE TO DEFECTIVE STEEL METAL. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT IF THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH BRAKE MASTER CYLINDERS FOR THE REAR AND FRONT, THE VEHICLE COULD BE SAFER. THE VEHICLE HAD ONLY ONE MASTER CYLINDER FOR THE CORRODED REAR BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000. UPDATD12/14/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM THAT THERE ARE NO BRAKES ON THE VEHICLE WHEN A REA BRAKE LIKE BREAKS. UPDATED 12/17/2012 *JS
Feb 3, 2012 · crash · 1 injuryAir bags › Frontal CPSC#I1220374A. 1998 LEGACY SUBARU. CONSUMER STATED THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. *LN
Oct 1, 2010 · 123,000 miles · crashAir bags › Frontal VEHICLE INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION WITH A FIRE HYDRANT. THERE WAS SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AND THE HYDRANT DID BREAK AWAY AS DESIGNED. AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
