1998 Subaru Legacy

Defect. 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 COIL SPRINGS WERE PRODUCED WITH POOR PAINT QUALITY WHICH, AFTER CONTINUED EXPOSURE TO CORROSIVE SALT, CAN RESULT IN BREAKAGE OF THE SPRING.

Risk. DEPENDING ON THE LOCATION OF THE FRACTURE, A BROKEN SPRING COULD MOVE PAST THE SPRING SEAT AND CONTACT A FRONT TIRE. SOME TIRES HAVE DEFLATED DUE TO CONTACT WITH A BROKEN SPRING.

Remedy. 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 DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.

Defect. 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.

Risk. IF THE ALTERNATOR FAILS, THE ALTERNATOR WARNING TELLTALE WILL ALERT THE DRIVER TO THE PROBLEM, GIVING AMPLE OPPORTUNITY TO SEEK REPAIR BEFORE A LOSS OF BATTERY POWER, WHICH, IF THE WARNING WERE IGNORED, COULD ULTIMATELY RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE POWER (ENGINE STALL).

Remedy. 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.

Defect. 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.

Risk. THIS CONDITION CAUSES THE VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE TO BE INCREASED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER.

Defect. 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.

Risk. THIS VAPORIZED OIL SPRAY CAN RESULT IN OIL VAPOR IGNITION BY THE HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THESE ENGINE OIL FILTERS.

Defect. 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.

Risk. THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE UNEXPECTED MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER ASSEMBLIES (EXCEPT THE HANDLE GRIP).

The contact owns a 1998 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, there was a delayed failure in the braking system. The contact notified the local dealer regarding the failure and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 99V040000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) for which the vehicle was included. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts not being available. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 307,000.

THE WELD THAT ATTACHED THE FRONT RIGHT STRUT ASSEMBLY TO THE BODY COMPLETELY FAILED. THE WHEEL COLLAPSED INTO THE WHEEL WELL. THIS HAPPENED WHILE I BEGINNING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT MOVING MORE THAN 3-4 MPH. FOR SOME MONTHS BEFORE THE WELD FAILED THERE WAS VIBRATION DURING BRAKING THAT WE COULD NOT DIAGNOSE. I ENDED UP REPLACING THE BRAKE PADS, ROTORS, BRAKE CYLINDERS ON BOTH FRONT WHEELS TO NO AVAIL. I HAVE PICTURES OF THE COLLAPSED WHEEL. I DON'T KNOW HOW TO UPLOAD THE PICTURE. I CAN SEND IT TO AN EMAIL ADDRESS IF YOU WISH.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL FELT SPONGY. THE CONTACT HEARD A RATTLING NOISE BUT COULD NOT DETERMINE THE ORIGIN. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE DISCS, BRAKE ROTORS, AND IDLER ARMS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. UPDATED 08/24/17*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLES SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN SOLD GIVEN IT'S BRAKE CONDITION. UPDATED 08/25/2017*JS

JUNE 26 2017 I WENT TO HAVE MY FRONT BRAKE PADS REPLACED, BECAUSE THEY FELT SPONGY AND DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE BRAKE PADS, ROTORS, AND OUTER TIE RODS ON BOTH ENDS. ALL THESE PARTS WERE DANGEROUSLY WORN PREEXISTING CONDITIONS BEFORE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN DECEMBER 2016. THE BRAKE REPAIR WAS DONE AT: 424 WEST HENDERSON STREET, CLEBURNE, TEXAS 76033. 817 645 7848. ON JUNE 26, 2017 I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM BRAD DEERY HONDA IN IOWA USED, AS IS. SINCE THEN I HAVE HAD TO HAVE NUMEROUS EXPENSIVE REPAIRS. THERE SHOULD BE LAWS TO PROTECT CONSUMERS FROM DEALERSHIPS THAT SELL VEHICLES THAT ARE UNSAFE AND FALLING APART, AND REFUSING TO HELP PAY REPAIR BILLS. USED VEHICLES DO NOT QUALIFY FOR HELP UNDER THE LEMON LAWS. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF THERE IS SOMETHING I CAN DO TO GET HELP WITH MY REPAIR BILLS ON MY VEHICLE FOR UNSAFE PREEXISTING MECHANICAL CONDITIONS. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE, THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SMOKE AND THEN UNEXPECTEDLY FAILED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,025. UPDATED 05/31/17*LJ *AS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HE INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT THE REAR BRAKE LINES WERE CORRODED DUE TO DEFECTIVE STEEL METAL. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT IF THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH BRAKE MASTER CYLINDERS FOR THE REAR AND FRONT, THE VEHICLE COULD BE SAFER. THE VEHICLE HAD ONLY ONE MASTER CYLINDER FOR THE CORRODED REAR BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000. UPDATD12/14/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM THAT THERE ARE NO BRAKES ON THE VEHICLE WHEN A REA BRAKE LIKE BREAKS. UPDATED 12/17/2012 *JS

CPSC#I1220374A. 1998 LEGACY SUBARU. CONSUMER STATED THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. *LN

VEHICLE INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION WITH A FIRE HYDRANT. THERE WAS SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AND THE HYDRANT DID BREAK AWAY AS DESIGNED. AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR

FUEL (GASOLINE) FILLER NECK FOR THE 1998 SUBARU LEGACY WAGON RUSTS OUT BECAUSE THE TUBE IS BEHIND A PLASTIC MOLDING THAT ACCUMULATES DIRT, SALT, WATER, AND ROTS THE TUBING CAUSING A CHRONIC LEAK OF GASOLINE POTENTIALLY OVER THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. RECALL AND REPAIR IS NEEDED. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE WITH HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND SHE WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE WHICH CAUSED IT TO CRASH INTO A BUILDING. TWO PASSENGERS WERE INJURED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

DEFECTIVE FRAME ON 1998 SUBARU LEGACY. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKES AND TIE RODS WERE REPLACED. AND A ALIGNMENT WAS DONE AS WELL. WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO MAKE A RUMBLING SOUND, AS WELL A STRONGER PULL TO THE RIGHT WHEN BRAKING. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND UPON INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THE FRONT LEFT CROSS-MEMBER WAS SEVERED IN THE CENTER. *JB

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 SUBARU LEGACY WAGON. THE DRIVER-SIDE CROSS MEMBER THAT CONNECTS THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY TO THE MAIN FRAME HAD CORRODED. THE STEERING WHEEL ALSO MAKES A CLANGING NOISE WHEN TURNING AND SOMETIMES DOES NOT RESPOND. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, AND HE WAS ADVISED THAT THE WARRANTY EXPIRED AND THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON HIS VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE AND IT REQUIRES A TOW TRUCK TO BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. ALL REPAIRS WILL BE AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 254,000.

IN 2004 MY HOOD LATCH FAILED EMERGENCY LATCH AND HOOD FLEW UP AND CRASHED MY WINDSHIELD. SUBARU SAID THEY FIXED LATCH BUT YESTERDAY 3/3/09 FOR A SECOND TIME MY HOOD CAME UP SMASHING MY WINDSHIELD VIOLENTLY I AM INJURED AGAIN AND TRAUMATIZED AND SUBARU NORTHTOWN COLLISION NEVER TOLD ME OF THIS PROBLEM AND I WAS ALMOST KILLED. THIS IS SO VERY DANGEROUS AND NEEDS TO BE BROUGHT TO PEOPLE'S ATTENTION. *TR

FUEL (GASOLINE) FILLER NECK FOR THE 1998 SUBARU LEGACY SW RUSTS OUT BECAUSE THE TUBE IS BEHIND A PLASTIC MOLDING THAT ACCUMULATES DIRT, SALT, WATER, AND ROTS THE TUBING CAUSING A CHRONIC LEAK OF GASOLINE POTENTIALLY OVER THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. RECALL AND REPAIR IS NEEDED.*TR

IT SEEMS AFTER 5 MINUTES OF INVESTIGATION THAT THERE IS THOUSANDS OF 1997 TO 2002 SUBARU OWNERS WHO ARE HAVE THE PROBLEM WITH OVER HEATING AND HEAD GASKET REPLACEMENT. SUBARU REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE AN ISSUE OR DESIGN FLAW AND IS MAKING THE CUSTOMER BARE THE COST OF REPAIRING A FAULTY HEAD GASKET PROBLEM. EVEN REPLACING THE HEAD GASKET DOES NOT INSURE THAT THE PROBLEM WILL BE DEALT WITH AND NO FURTHER TROUBLE WILL BE HAD. *TR

THE FUEL FILLER NECK ON THIS VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY ROTTED (RUSTED PIPE, PLUS ASSOCIATED HOSES WERE ROTTED) AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. *TR

POORLY DESIGNED GAS FILLER NECK/PIPE HAS CORRODED AND IS LEAKING GASOLINE. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD WITH POTENTIALLY GRAVE CONSEQUENCES. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A GUARDRAIL. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. DURING THE CRASH, THE CONTACT WAS FORCED THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD. THE INSURANCE COMPANY STATED THAT THEY HAD NO FINDINGS REGARDING THE CRASH. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS PRESENT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 39,000.

1 X OVERHEATED ON A HOT DAY, HEADING UP A HILL. NOTICED HIGH TEMP AND TURNED ON HEATER, WAITED FOR CAR TO COOL, ADDED H2O. 2 MONTHS LATER, DRIVING ON A HOT DAY WITH AC ON, SUDDEN CLICKING, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, LOST POWER, SMOKE, STOPPED. TOWED TO GARAGE THAT SPECIALIZES IN SUBARU AND THEY FOUND HOLE IN HEAD GASKET. REPAIRS TO COST $3K AND THIS IS SOMETHING THEY SEE 2X A WEEK WITH SUBARU VEHICLES. FOUND A WEB SITE WHERE DOZENS OF PEOPLE COMPLAIN OF THE SAME ISSUE OVER THE YEARS. SUBARU APPARENTLY HAS A RECALL ON 1999-2002 VEHICLES, BUT NOT OTHERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE. SUBARU SHOULD BE PAYING FOR THE PARTS ON THIS WIDESPREAD AND KNOWN ISSUE! *TR

MY 98 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK 2.5 LITER, 144K MILES WAS SPORADICALLY OVERHEATING WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THROUGH A SNOW/RAIN STORM. THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WOULD GO UP, AND THE CABIN HEATER WOULD START PRODUCING COOL AIR. I PULLED OVER AND LET IT COOL DOWN, FILLED THE RADIATOR BACK UP WITH WATER (IT HAD OVERFLOWED) AND DROVE SLOWLY HOME. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC, HE SUGGESTED WHEN HEARING THE SYMPTOMS THAT IT WAS A BLOWN HEAD GASKET, AND THAT THIS SUBARU ENGINE WAS NOTORIOUS FOR THIS. HE EVEN SUGGESTED A CLASS ACTION SUIT. AFTER HE CHECKED IT OUT, IT WAS INDEED A BLOWN HEAD GASKET. AFTER SOME WEB RESEARCH ON CAR FORUMS, I FOUND SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE WITH EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THIS PARTICULAR ENGINE. *NM

INQUIRING HOW A GOVERNMENT INITIATED RECALL THE YEAR OF A CAR OR REPLACEMENT PARTS WORKS, INJURED IN A 1998 LEGACY WAGON. *KB THE CONSUMER TRIED TO RECOVER THE ORIGINAL HEAD REST FROM THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS TOLD IT WAS NO LONGER AVAILABLE AND IT WOULD BE REPLACED WITH A MUCH SAFER MODEL. THE CONSUMER LEARNED THAT THE MANUFACTURER UNOFFICIALLY REPLACED THE SEATS AND HEAD RESTS OF HER MAKE AND MODEL BEGINNING WITH THE 1999. *JB *NM

THE SPEEDOMETER ON MY 1999 SUBARU LEGACY L SEDAN STOPS WORKING AT RANDOM INTERVALS. MY MECHANIC TELLS ME THAT THIS IS CONNECTED TO THE ALSO FAULTY TRANSMISSION AND IS NOT JUST A MINOR SPEED SENSOR PROBLEM. SUBARU DENIES ANY KNOWLEDGE OF THESE PROBLEMS BUT I HAVE RESEARCHED AND FOUND MANY, MANY 1999 SUBARU OWNERS WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEMS. THE 1999'S HAD A NEW TRANSMISSION THAT IS VERY FLAWED AND WAS CHANGED AGAIN BEFORE THE 2000 RELEASE BECAUSE OF SO MANY PROBLEMS. THIS IS THE SECOND 1999 SUBARU LEGACY I HAVE BOUGHT IN THE PAST 3 MONTHS WITH THIS VERY SAME PROBLEM (I ASSUMED THE FIRST WAS A FLUKE AND THE DEALER TOOK THE CAR BACK). THE CAR HAS 96,000 MILES AND SHOULD NOT NEED A COMPLETE TRANSMISSION OVERHAUL AT THIS POINT. I BELIEVE THAT SUBARU IS VERY AWARE OF THESE FAULTS BUT DOESN'T WANT TO FACE THE REPERCUSSIONS OF A CAMPAIGN OR RECALL. I IMPLORE YOU TO LOOK INTO THIS. THESE FAULTY TRANSMISSIONS AND THEIR ASSOCIATED FAILURES(SPEEDOMETER, ETC) ARE A DANGER TO ALL OWNERS. IT IS IRRESPONSIBLE OF SUBARU TO RELEASE AN ENTIRE MODEL YEAR THAT HAS SO MANY EXPENSIVE PROBLEMS TO FIX. *NM

GASOLINE FUEL FILLER PIPE LEAKING AND CAUSES DANGEROUS GASOLINE FUMES TO FILL CAR AND SURROUNDING AREA CREATING A FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD. THIS IS ON A 1998 SUBARU OUTBACK. *NM

MY CAR (SUBARU LEGACY LIMITED) WAS STOPPED AND HIT FROM BEHIND. *JB

DEALERSHIP SERVICE TECHNICIAN INDICATED THE REAR AXLE WAS COMING LOOSE FROM THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL, RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT. DEALERSHIP REPLACED REAR AXLE SEALS. DEALERSHIP INDICATED PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY VEHICLE BEING SUSPENDED BY DIFFERENTIAL AND RESULTING DOWNWARD STRAIN ON AXLES. THIS HAS NOT OCCURED WHILE WE HAVE OWNED THIS CAR (APPROX. 3 YEARS). THE FRONT AXLE SEALS WERE REPLACED IN A RECALL ON 7/18/03. *NM

1998 SUBARU LEGACY HOOD LATCH FAILED IN HIGH WINDS. *TS *JB

DT: THE CONTACT STATES WHEN FILLING UP THE VEHICLE THE FUEL FILLER PIPE LEAKS OUT HALF A TANK OF GAS. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING IT WILL LEAK GAS. HE CONTACTED A LOCAL DEALERSHIP, AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE AT THIS TIME.*AK

KEY DIDN'T COME OUT OF IGNITION SWITCH. SHIFT LOCK CONTROL MODULE HAD TO BE REPLACED. *NM

CAR OVERHEATED, TOOK TO DEALERSHIP. CALLED NEXT DAY AND INFORMED THE HEAD GASKET WAS BLOWN. AFTER DISCUSSING, THEY SAID THEY HAD TO REPLACE BOTH HEAD GASKETS. KNOWING ABOUT CARS, THIS SEEMED STRANGE TO ME THAT BOTH WERE BLOWN AT SAME TIME - IT WAS AT THIS TIME THAT DEALERSHIP POINTED OUT TO ME THAT SUBARU IS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH HEAD GASKETS AND THAT THIS IS NOT AN USUSUAL PROBLEM. REPLACEMENT COST WAS $2200.

I HAVE A 1998 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION. WHEN IT GETS HOT (I LIVE IN HOUSTON!!!) THE CLUTCH PEDAL WILL GET SPONGY AND EVENTUALLY STICK TO THE FLOOR. I HAVE TO LIFT IT UP WITH MY FOOT. IF I HAVE TO DRIVE THE CAR FOR ANY LENGTH OF TIME LIKE THIS, I EVENTUALLY LOSE THE ABILITY TO GET THE CAR IN AND OUT OF GEAR. I HAVE TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND LET IT COOL OFF (FOR ABOUT AN HOUR) AND IT WILL FIX ITSELF. I HAVE HAD TO SIT ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, WITH MY KIDS IN THE CAR, WAITING FOR IT TO COOL DOWN! IT FIRST HAPPENED IN 1999. SUBARU TRIED TO FIX IT BY REPLACING MOST OF THE CLUTCH (THE PRESSURE PLATE, FLY WHEEL, SLAVE AND MASTER CYLINDER). THEY PRESSURE AND GRAVITY BLED THE SYSTEM. I WAS THERE ALMOST EVERY WEEK FOR MONTHS. THEY WOULD TRY ONE THING AND WHEN IT DIDN'T WORK, THEY WOULD REPLACE ANOTHER PART OR TRY SOMETHING ELSE. EVENTUALLY, WINTER SHOWED UP AND IT DIDN'T HAPPEN FOR A WHILE. THEY THOUGHT THEY HAD FIXED THE PROBLEM. THEN SUMMER CAME AGAIN AND SO DID THE PROBLEM. I TOOK THE CAR BACK IN, BUT SINCE IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, SUBARU REFUSED TO FIX IT UNLESS I PAID FOR IT. SUBARU HAS SINCE ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN (#03-52-03) REGARDING THIS ISSUE, BUT SUBARU REFUSES TO FIX THE PROBLEM, STATING THERE ARE TOO MANY MILES ON MY CAR (77,000) AND IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. I CONTEND, THEY NEVER FIXED THE PROBLEM IN THE FIRST PLACE AND IT IS NOT MY FAULT THAT IT TOOK THEM FIVE YEARS TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO DO IT. I DO NOT HAVE ANY OF THE ORIGINAL PARTS. SUBARU SAID THEY H

CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WAS REGISTERING HOT ON THE DASHBOARD WHILE DRIVING. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE HEAD GASKET BLEW OUT AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. *AK......IT WAS NECESSARY TO TEAR DOWN THE ENGINE AND REPLACE ALL THE GASKETS/HOSES/RADIATOR/WATER PUMP/THERMOSTAT, AS WELL AS THE COOLANT AND OIL. FROM JANUARY 2004 TO SEPTEMBER 2004, SUBARU REPLACED 13 HEAD GASKETS ON OUTBACKS, AND VINTAGES FROM 1996-1998, AND A MILEAGE FROM 60,000 MILES-90,000 MILES. THIS REPRESENTED A SERIOUS MANUFACTING DEFECT, IT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY THE MANUFACTURER WITH A RECALL NOTICE. *AK

WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER WAS NOT ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, AND IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

CONSUMER REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT FOR ALL REPAIRS EXPENSES FOR 1998 SUBARU LEGACY.*MR DURING REGULAR MAINTENANCE THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT HE VEHICLE'S STEERING CENTER DIFFERENTIAL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE'S CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE IGNITION COIL. SINCE THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 38,000 MILES THE CONSUMER FEELS SUBARU SHOULD REIMBURSE HIM FOR THE COST OF THE REPAIRS. *NM

WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO RESTART VEHICLE. IT WAS TOWED TO A GARAGE FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE HEAD GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO A BLOW OUT. *AK UPDATED 02/24/06

TRANSMISSION WAS DEFECTIVE. WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING FOR A WHILE LOWER GEARS IN TRANSMISSION WILL NOT GO INTO GEAR. WHEN VEHICLE COOLED OFF FOR A PERIOD OF TIME THE VEHICLE RAN WELL. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND WAS TOLD THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS TEST DRIVEN THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. HOWEVER, AFTER CONSUMER DROVE THE VEHICLE AGAIN , WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS HOT, THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED. ALREADY, TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED 3 TIMES, BUT PROBLEM RECURRED.*AK

OIL LEAKING FROM OIL PUMP. THE LEAKING OIL COMES IN CONTACT WITH THE HEADER AND BURNS. *JB

VEHICLE WAS LEAKING ANT FREEZE, WHICH WAS SPLASHING ALL OVER THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THIS RESULTED IN THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE READING HOT. THIS OCCURRED BECAUSE THE HEAD GASKET BLEW OUT, AND WAS REPLACED. *AK

COOLANT LEAKED FROM THE ENGINE HEAD GASKET. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THEY REPLACED THE GASKET HEAD/GAS, AND HOLES. *AK *JB

VEHICLE REQUIRES REPLACEMENT OF HEAD GASKETS, AS PART OF THE ENGINE COOLANT SYSTEM. ORIGINAL SERVICE COMPLAINT WAS THE " CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON". AFTER THREE DAYS AT DEALER SERVICE, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE HEAD GASKETS NEEDED REPLACEMENT FOR THE COST OF $ 2,700.00. BECAUSE THE ENGINE HAS TO BE REMOVED TO ACCESS THE GASKETS. LABOR WILL INVOLVE 3 DAYS. THE DEALER HAS ADMITTED THAT THIS IS A DESIGN PROBLEM WITH THE SUBARU AND MODELS FROM 1999 WILL BE COVERED. I FEEL THE COST IS EXCESSIVE BECAUSE OF A DESIGN DEFECT. I AM WILL TO PAY BUT NOT $ 2,700.00. I WAS EXPECTING $ 400-$500 DOLLARS. FOR A $ 20.00 DOLLAR SEAL! WHILE NOT A SAFETY DEFECT; IT CERTAINLY IS A DESIGN DEFECT! *JB

HEAD GASKET FAILURE. *JB

DEALER WROTE: "NOISE FROM VALVE TRAIN...ADVISED OWNER THESE ARE SOLID LIFTERS AND ARE NOISY WHEN COLD, ALSO CHARACTERISTIC OF THIS ENGINE IS 'CAM WALK' WHICH ALSO WILL BE NOISY FOR A FEW MINUTES WHEN COLD THEN GOES AWAY." THAT WA AT 48.5 K MILES, NOW AT 53000 MILES, NOISE IS MUCH LOUDER WHEN COLD, AND STILL PERCEPTABLE WHEN WARM. BOUGHT CAR USED FORM DEALER--RESALE VALUE IS NOW MUCH LOWER DUE TO NOISE. THEIR EXPLANATION IS NONSENSICAL. OBVIOUSLY DUBARU DOES NOT WANT TO DEAL WITH THIS ISSUE--I WROTE TO SUBARU USA AND THEY REFERED ME BACK TO DEALER.*AK

AT THE BEGINNING OF FEBRUARY, 2003, BLOWN ENGINE IN A 1998 SUBARU LEGACY 2.5 GT. DEALER STATED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO COLD WEATHER IN THE NORTHEAST, AND THAT THERE WERE 4 OTHER SUBARU'S WITH BLOWN ENGINES IN HIS LOT AWAITING REPAIR. I HAD THE ENGINE REPLACED WITH A 1999 SUBARU AT A TRUSTED MECHANIC'S (AT A COST OF $4000), AND TODAY THE ALTERNATOR ON THIS 1999 ENGINE DIED ( THIS HAD BEEN A RECALL ON THE '98 SUBARU'S). *JB

ASKED DEALERSHIP TO LOOK AT KNOCKING NOISE IN ENGINE 2 YEARS AGO, NO PROBLEM IDENTIFIED. ASKED ANOTHER AUTOMOBILE REPAIR FACILITY ABOUT THE NOISE AND THEY CLAIM SUBARU HAD A HISTORY OF PISTON SLAP THAT WILL EVENTUALLY GET WORSE RESULTING IN BURNING OIL AND ENGINE DAMAGE. *JB

ENGINE NOISE WHEN COLD. SOUNDS LIKE A LIFTER IS STICKING. IT DISAPATES WHEN THE ENGINE WARMS UP, HOWEVER, CAN LAST UP TO 15 MINUTES OR LONGER DEPENDING OH HOW COLD THE ENGINE WAS WHEN STARTED. WHEN I DROVE THIS VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR ITS 30000 SERVICE, I THOUGHT A ROD WAS GOING TO SHOOT THROUGH THE ENGINE WALL..IT WAS THAT NOISY. IT LASTED AT LEAST 10 MILES OF DRIVING UNTIL THE NOISE DISAPATED. THIS AUTO WAS PURCHASED BY MY MOTHER IN LAW (NOW DECEASED), IS IN HER ESTATE AND HAS TWO MONTHS BEFORE WARRANTY EXPIRES. THE DEALER WILL NOT REPAIR DUE TO ALLEGED SUBARU BULLETIN. SUBARU OF AMERICA SAYS IT IS NORMAL, WILL NOT CAUSE A PROBLEM OVER THE LIFE OF THE ENGINE, HOWEVER CLAIMS THEY HAVE NOT PRODUCED NOR WILL PRODUCE A SUBARU BULLETIN ON THIS ISSUE. THIS IS NOT A NORMAL OPERATING NOISE AND IT WILL NO DOUBT DAMAGE THE ENGINE OVER TIME. I WOULD NOT BUY THIS CAR WITH THIS SOUND AND WOULD NOT EXPECT ANYONE INCLUDING ANY SUBARU DEALER OR SUBARU OF AMERICA TO PURCHASE WITH THIS ENGINE NOISE, LET ALONE TRY TO SELL ONE IN THIS CONDITION. IN MY MIND IT IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND A RESPONSIBILITY OF SUBARU TO FIX. THIS IS A PROBLEM SUBARU NEEDS TO STEP UP AND TAKE THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR AN INFERIOR ENGINE DESIGN. OR POST A WARNING ON EVERY CAR WARNING POTENTIAL BUYERS THAT THEIR CAR MAY DEVELOP AN ENGINE NOISE DUE TO ENGINE DESIGN, THAT WILL EFFECT THEIR ABILITY TO SELL THE CAR AT A LATER DATE. *JB

AUTHORIZED SERVICER/DEALER SAID IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE FOR A WEEK BEFORE REPLACING. IT SEEMS LIKE A FIRE HAZARD TO ME. DT

WHILE DRIVING, CONSUMER FELT A VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL, AFTER INSPECTION, CONSUMER FOUND A LARGE AMOUNT OF BRAKE DUST ON THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL, ONE OF THE CALIPER PISTONS WAS FROZEN, THE BRAKE PAD WAS WORN DOWN ON ONE SIDE, HOWEVER 80 PERCENT WAS LEFT ON THE OTHER SIDE. *SLC

TIRE SIDEWALLS ARE CRACKING ON ALL 4 TIRES, AND A SECTION OF THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE HAS COMPLETELY SEPARATED. A MECHANIC AT LOCAL SERVICE STATION STATED THAT HE IS SEEING A LOT OF THIS ON THIS SIZE MICHELIN TIRE, PARTICULARLY ON SUBARU OUTBACKS.*AK

AT TIME OF A REGULAR SERVICE, TOLD THAT THE AIR BAG SWITCH HAS FAILED, EVEN THOUGH THIS VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT OF ANY KIND. TOLD THAT THE AIR BAGS WOULD NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT AND TOLD I NEED TO PURCHASE A NEW SWITCH FOR $552 + TAX AND INSTALLATION. THERE ARE 10 OTHER EVENTS ON YOUR SITE SHOWING THE FAILURE OF THE AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY, MANY RESULTING IN INJURIES. I BELIEV A RECALL IS WARRANTED HERE.*AK

UPON STARTING VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY JUMPED OUT OF GEAR INTO REVERSE. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER VEHICLE'S HOOD. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS A LEAK COMING FROM RACK AND PENION. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK