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. Owners most often flag poor fuel economy: described as significantly worse than epa estimates and segment competitors, affecting all models. frequency: very frequent.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1998 Subaru Legacy vehicles (US, public record).
Across the 17 Legacy model years we track, complaint volume runs from 31 (2022) to 182 (2005). With 124 complaints, the 1998 Legacy sits abovethe model's median of 81.
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.
electrical system:alternator/generator/regulator
Campaign 00I002000THIS 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…
suspension:front:springs:coil springs
Campaign 01V216000VEHICLE 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, MASSACHUSETT…
service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder
Campaign 99V040000VEHICLE 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 …
engine and engine cooling:engine
Campaign 98V127000VEHICLE 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 VEH…
Mixed sentiment with a strong generational divide. Long-term owner reports for older generations (pre-2010) frequently praise the 3.0R and 3.6R flat-six engines for smoothness and potential longevity, with some examples cited as reaching…
Owner insights cover all generations of the Legacy. See the full Legacy owner picture and every model year.
Used Legacy listings typically run $11,500–$22,749 across 2003 to 2025 model years.
Compare every Legacy year side by side to see how 1998 ranks against the rest.