1998 Subaru Legacy
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1998 Subaru Legacy is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 17 on record.
1998 Subaru Legacy at a glance
Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.
1998 Subaru Legacy recalls 5
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.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR WITH A MODIFIED ALTERNATOR. OWNERS WILL ALSO BE CAUTIONED THAT, SHOULD THE ALTERNATOR TELLTALE WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATE, THEY MUST SEEK IMMEDIATE REPAIR TO AVOID THE EVENTUAL LOSS OF ELECTRICAL POWER, WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ENGINE STALL.
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 …
Fix: DEALERS WILL NOTIFIY CUSTOMERS TO BRING THEIR VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE A SPRING GUARD INSTALLED ON BOTH FRONT STRUTS TO PREVENT TIRE PUNCTURE AND REPLACE ANY BROKEN SPRINGS FREE OF CHARGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 18, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZ…
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.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER.
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.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THESE ENGINE OIL FILTERS.
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.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER ASSEMBLIES (EXCEPT THE HANDLE GRIP).
Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.
1998 Subaru Legacy common problems
The most-reported problem areas from 124 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
1998 Subaru Legacy MPG & running costs
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.
What's a 1998 Subaru Legacy worth?
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1998 Subaru Legacy costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
1998 Subaru Legacy trims & engines on record
1998 Subaru Legacy vehicles on record
1998 Subaru Legacy Outback4S3BG6853W6614120
1998 Subaru Legacy Outback4S3BG685XW7614951
1998 Subaru Legacy Outback4S3BG6851W6604007
1998 Subaru Legacy Outback4S3BG6855W7626389
1998 Subaru Legacy Outback4S3BG6855W7631298
1998 Subaru Legacy Outback4S3BG6856W6658211
1998 Subaru Legacy Outback4S3BG6855W7652913
1998 Subaru Legacy Outback4S3BG6853W7607775
1998 Subaru Legacy L4S3BK4358W6316074
1998 Subaru Legacy Outback4S3BG6853W7608201
1998 Subaru Legacy Outback4S3BG6854W7621555
1998 Subaru Legacy Outback4S3BG6856W6651596
1998 Subaru Legacy SUS (sedan)/OUTBACK (wagon)4S3BG6859W7605254
1998 Subaru Legacy L4S3BK4351W7310868
1998 Subaru Legacy GT4S3BK6753W7307511
1998 Subaru Legacy BRIGHTON4S3BK4251W7302478
1998 Subaru Legacy L4S3BK4351W7309333
Other Subaru Legacy model years
1998 Subaru Legacy — frequently asked questions
Does the 1998 Subaru Legacy have any safety recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls for the 1998 Subaru Legacy. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Subaru Legacy?
Based on 124 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are service brakes, hydraulic, suspension.
What gas mileage does the 1998 Subaru Legacy get?
The U.S. EPA rates the 1998 Subaru Legacy at about 24 mpg combined (21 city / 29 highway).
How much is a 1998 Subaru Legacy worth?
Comparable 1998 Subaru Legacy listings run roughly $560–$4,000, typically around $1,593 (from 17 vehicles).
Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.