Model year guide

1999 Subaru Legacy

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1999 Subaru Legacy is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 21 on record.

1999 Subaru Legacy — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1999 Subaru Legacy at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints98
Combined22 mpg
Typical price$1,388

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

1999 Subaru Legacy recalls 3

Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs NHTSA Campaign #01V216000 · 25/06/2001

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…

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder NHTSA Campaign #99V040000 · 03/03/1999

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.

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine NHTSA Campaign #98V127000 · 08/06/1998

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.

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.

1999 Subaru Legacy common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 98 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Fuel System
Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Gasoline
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.

1999 Subaru Legacy MPG & running costs

Combined22 mpg
City19 mpg
Highway25 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,875

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 1999 Subaru Legacy worth?

Low
$600
Typical price
$1,388
High
$2,300

From 17 comparable 1999 Subaru Legacy listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1999 Subaru Legacy costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,375
Depreciation (5 yrs)$400
Total$14,775
Per mile$0.20

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($1,388) with the same model 3 model-years older ($1,150), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

1999 Subaru Legacy trims & engines on record

Trims
Outback · L · Outback Limited
Engines
2.5L · 2.2L

1999 Subaru Legacy vehicles on record

Other Subaru Legacy model years

1999 Subaru Legacy — frequently asked questions

Does the 1999 Subaru Legacy have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 1999 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 1999 Subaru Legacy?

Based on 98 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are fuel system, power train, gasoline.

What gas mileage does the 1999 Subaru Legacy get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 1999 Subaru Legacy at about 22 mpg combined (19 city / 25 highway).

How much is a 1999 Subaru Legacy worth?

Comparable 1999 Subaru Legacy listings run roughly $600–$2,300, typically around $1,388 (from 17 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.