1998 Subaru Outback: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1998 Subaru Outback: 2 recalls, 127 owner complaints.
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Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #98V042000 · 1998 · 19,386 vehicles
What's wrong: Due to poor welds, ignition keys can stick, shift levers/linkages can break and shift levers can move.
Why it matters: This condition can cause unexpected movement of the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash or property damage.
The fix: Dealers will replace the automatic transmission shift lever assemblies (except the handle grip).
Suspension Vehicle recall #01V216000 · 2001 · 180,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The front coil springs were produced with poor paint quality which, after continued exposure to corrosive salt, can result in breakage of the spring.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 8 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (40): the most common themes are overheating (14), leaks (13), stalls / loses power (6).
- Transmission & drivetrain (19): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (5), leaks (3), noise or vibration (2).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (13): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (4).
- Speed control / throttle (13): the most common themes are sudden acceleration (4).
The 1998 Subaru Outback has 127 owner complaints, ranking #21 of 32 Outback model years for complaints (well below the 305 average). Complaints peaked in 2004 (22 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 91,486 miles. Neighboring years: 1997 (79 complaints, 4 recalls), 1999 (111 complaints, 1 recalls).
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1998 Subaru Outback.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 1998 Subaru Outback have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1998 Subaru Outback. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1998 Subaru Outback problems?
Owners have filed 127 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (40), transmission & drivetrain (19), brakes (hydraulic) (13).
Where can I get a 1998 Subaru Outback repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.