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1998 Subaru Outback: common problems and reliability
141 owner complaints on record.
Most complaints are about engine and engine cooling. 2 recalls.
Should I buy a 1998 Outback?The 1998 Subaru Outback has 141 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and engine cooling and power train.
Safety record for the 1998 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1998 Subaru Outback vehicles (US, public record).
Is 1998 a good year for the Outback?
Across the 30 Outback model years we track, complaint volume runs from 80 (1997) to 1,034 (2019). With 141 complaints, the 1998 Outback sits below the model's median of 230.
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
Recalls affecting the 1998 Outback
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, 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.
power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (prndl)
Campaign 98V042000VEHICLE 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. Long-term reliability is a core positive, with many owners reporting vehicles reaching 200,000+ miles with proper maintenance, particularly for non-turbo models.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Outback. See the full Outback owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Outback listings typically run $17,495–$25,992.
Other Outback model years
Compare every Outback year side by side to see how 1998 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Outback against its rivals
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