1998 Subaru Legacy: common problems and reliability

124 owner complaints on record.

Most complaints are about engine and engine cooling. 5 recalls.

Should I buy a 1998 Legacy?

The 1998 Subaru Legacy has 124 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and engine cooling and service brakes.

Safety record for the 1998 model year

124
Owner complaints
5
Recalls
17
Crash reports
2
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1998 Subaru Legacy vehicles (US, public record).

How we score it

Is 1998 a good year for the Legacy?

Across the 30 Legacy model years we track, complaint volume runs from 10 (2023) to 184 (2005). With 124 complaints, the 1998 Legacy sits above the model's median of 90.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

engine and engine cooling
30
service brakes
14
power train
14
air bags
12
hydraulic
11

Recalls affecting the 1998 Legacy

electrical system:alternator/generator/regulator

Campaign 00I002000

THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE AN ALTERNATOR PROBLEM THAT CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF CHARGING CAPABILITY.

suspension:front:springs:coil springs

Campaign 01V216000

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.

service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder

Campaign 99V040000

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.

engine and engine cooling:engine

Campaign 98V127000

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.

Show 1 more recall

power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (prndl)

Campaign 98V042000

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.

What owners say across generations

Mixed sentiment with a strong generational divide.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Legacy. See the full Legacy owner picture and every model year.

Typical used price

Used Legacy listings typically run $11,500–$22,749 across 2003 to 2025 model years.

Other Legacy model years

Compare every Legacy year side by side to see how 1998 ranks against the rest.

Compare the Legacy against its rivals

Looking at a specific car?

We're building a full check by VIN: the exact trim and engine, its known problems and recalls, what to inspect, a fair price, and how it compares with its rivals. Get an email when it's ready.

One email when it launches. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy