1998 Subaru Legacy Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 1998 Subaru Legacy.

19971999
Complaints
155
Crashes
22
Fires
2
Injuries
14
Fatalities
—
Recalls
0

Worst 1998 Subaru Legacy Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#115 complaints

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine

Avg mileage:90,356 mi
Fires:1
#28 complaints

Air Bags:Frontal

Avg mileage:123,000 mi
Crash-related:8
#38 complaints

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline

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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 1998 Subaru Legacy.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
15
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
1
Avg Miles
90,356
Air Bags:Frontal
8
complaints
Crashes
8
Fires
—
Avg Miles
123,000
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
8
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Unintended Acceleration
7
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/Regulator
6
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
78,000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
5
complaints
Crashes
3
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Engine & Cooling
4
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Gasoline Fuel System
4
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Automatic Transmission
4
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Manual Transmission
4
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Suspension Failures
4
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Brakes
3
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Steering Defects
3
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Structure:Frame And Members
3
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Suspension:Front
3
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Tire Defects
3
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Airbags
2
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Electrical System:Ignition
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Equipment:Other:Labels
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly:Filler Pipe And Cap
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Latches/Locks/Linkages:Hood:Latch
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Seats:Front Assembly:Head Restraint
2
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Hydraulic Brakes
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components
2
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Body Structure
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Structure:Body:Door
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 1998 Subaru Legacy. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Other Subaru Legacy Years

198719881989199019911992199319941995199619971998199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010201120122013201420152016201720182019202020212022202320242025

1998 Subaru Legacy — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 1998 Subaru Legacy reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 1998 Subaru Legacy has 155 NHTSA complaints, 22 crash-related, and 0 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine with 15 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 1998 Subaru Legacy?
Top reported problems: Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine (15 complaints, avg 90,356 mi); Air Bags:Frontal (8 complaints, avg 123,000 mi); Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline (8 complaints). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 1998 Subaru Legacy?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 96,805 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 1998 Subaru Legacy?
NHTSA complaints for the 1998 Subaru Legacy include 22 crash-related reports, 2 fire reports, 14 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 1998 Subaru Legacy have any recalls?
No NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the 1998 Subaru Legacy as of the latest data sync. Verify by VIN for the most current status — new recalls can be issued years after a model year ships.
Should I buy a 1998 Subaru Legacy?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Subaru Legacy reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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