1999 Subaru Outback problems
Owners have filed 150 complaints about the 1999 Subaru Outback with NHTSA. Power train accounts for 21.3% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of engine and engine cooling at 18.7%.
Complaints150
Crashes22
Fires2
Injuries31
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Power train 21.3% · 32
Engine and engine cooling 18.7% · 28
Suspension 8.7% · 13
Electrical system 6.7% · 10
Vehicle speed control 6.0% · 9
Service brakes, hydraulic 6.0% · 9
Air bags 4.7% · 7
Structure 4.0% · 6
Severity
Of those complaints, 22 describe a crash, 2 describe a fire and 31 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 28 model years of the Subaru Outback in this data, 1999 sits 22nd by complaint volume. 2019 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 5 in the last three years against 14 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 87,000 miles.
In owners' own words
I keep getting a chirp when the clutch is out; goes away when it\\'s fully depressed. Problem is the throw-out bearing assembly. Seems the pins that hold it in place keep failing, causing the bearing to rub agains the clutch assembly, wearing it out prematurely. It\\'s a very expensive repair for such a small, inexpensive part. And it keeps failing. First at 18,500, then at 43000, then again at 45000. Power train · reported at 45,000 miles
99 Subaru legacy Outback /w automatic transmission. The automatic transmission dos not engage when placed from p to d, or disengage from gear when vehicle stop. I was on a slight hill stopped. Car disengaged from gear and I could not move. In d - when I released brake the car rolled backwards causing contact with the car behind me. Power train · reported at 100,000 miles
While driving on highway traveling at 70mph with cruise control on, had to apply brakes because of a slow moving vehicle in front. Vehicle locked and the rpms shot up high, and shifted into a lower gear. Shut off the cruise control at this time, and it was still locked into that mode. Power train
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…