Model year guide

1999 Subaru Outback

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1999 Subaru Outback is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 4 on record.

1999 Subaru Outback — representative photo
Representative photo

1999 Subaru Outback at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints112

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1999 Subaru Outback recalls 1

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 CO…

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 AUTHORIZED…

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

1999 Subaru Outback common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 112 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.

Dimensions & weight

Length
172.4–185.8 in
Width
67.3–67.7 in
Height
57.9–63.0 in
Wheelbase
99.2–103.5 in
Curb weight
2,859–3,155 lb
Front track
57.1–57.5 in
Rear track
57.1–57.5 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1999 Subaru Outback — ranges cover the 3 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 17

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 17.

This bulletin announces the recommended cleaning procedures to followed when encountering vehicles with long time exposure to pollen on painted surfaces on vehicles imported from Japan. This bulletin does not apply to SIA built vehicles.

Bulletin 12-249-23R · Equipment · Jul 2023

This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.

Bulletin 15-302-22 · Equipment, Electrical System · Aug 2022

This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.

Bulletin 01-167-08R · Equipment · Aug 2022

This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic essential information during diagnosis and repair of the Infotainment concerns. (Applicable to all models with Harman or Denso CP1 Infotainment).

Bulletin 15-192-22R · Electrical System · Mar 2022

This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models

Bulletin 01-167-08R · Electrical System, Equipment · Jun 2021

This bulletin is to advise of SOA’s revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.

Bulletin 09-51-08R · Equipment, Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2021

To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate Special Service Tool.

Bulletin 14-22-16R · Equipment · Feb 2021

Special Service Tools Cross Reference List.

Bulletin 14-22-16R · Equipment · Aug 2020

All Models (Vehicle Cleaning- COVID-19Best Practices)

Bulletin 01-181-20 · Equipment · Apr 2020

This Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips. This will prevent the pad from dragging due to corrosion buildup which may result in uneven or premature wear of…

Bulletin 06-68-19R · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 2019

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the OUTBACK. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

About the Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback is an automotive nameplate used by the Japanese automaker Subaru for two different themed vehicles: a Legacy-derived station wagon, the Outback, and an Impreza-derived off-road themed hatchback, the Outback Sport (1994–2011).

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

1999 Subaru Outback vehicles on record

1999 Subaru Outback 1999 Subaru OutbackJF1BH9LRAXG013289 1999 Subaru Outback 1999 Subaru Outback4S3BH6753Y7609642 1999 Subaru Outback 1999 Subaru OutbackJF1BH9LJBXG008756 1999 Subaru Outback 1999 Subaru OutbackJF1BH9LRAXG005835

Other Subaru Outback model years

2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1998 1997

1999 Subaru Outback — frequently asked questions

Does the 1999 Subaru Outback have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 1999 Subaru Outback. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 1999 Subaru Outback?

Across all 112 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are power train, engine and engine cooling, suspension.

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