1998 Subaru Legacy problems
Owners have filed 155 complaints about the 1998 Subaru Legacy with NHTSA. Engine and engine cooling accounts for 19.4% of them — the clear leader, ahead of power train at 10.3%.
Complaints155
Crashes22
Fires2
Injuries14
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Engine and engine cooling 19.4% · 30
Power train 10.3% · 16
Service brakes, hydraulic 7.1% · 11
Air bags 7.1% · 11
Electrical system 6.5% · 10
Vehicle speed control 6.5% · 10
Steering 5.2% · 8
Fuel system, gasoline 5.2% · 8
Severity
Of those complaints, 22 describe a crash, 2 describe a fire and 14 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 19 model years of the Subaru Legacy in this data, 1998 sits 10th by complaint volume. 2005 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 6 in the last three years against 11 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 106,500 miles.
In owners' own words
Car overheated, took to dealership. Called next day and informed the head gasket was blown. After discussing, they said they had to replace both head gaskets. Knowing about cars, this seemed strange to me that both were blown at same time - it was at this time that dealership pointed out to me that Subaru is having problems with head gaskets and that this is not an ususual problem. Replacement cost was $2200. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 150,000 miles
I am getting a loud slapping noise from the engine on cold starts it last for about ten to fifteen minutes or untill the engine warmes up,the dealer says that it is a piston slap and that is normal. I do not agree, when I first bought the car it did not have that noise ,and it is getting louder ,I do not want to wait to have this problem fixed ,my warrantee will expire soon Engine and engine cooling
Asked dealership to look at knocking noise in engine 2 years ago, no problem identified. Asked another automobile repair facility about the noise and they claim Subaru had a history of piston slap that will eventually get worse resulting in burning oil and engine damage. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 35,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…