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1999 Subaru OutbackProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 111 owner complaints about the 1999 Subaru Outback, most often about the power train. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

64
CarFlaw IndexSolid year45% below the Outback median · #22 of 29 years by complaints
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints11128 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage65kPower train, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 15, 2016. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1999 Subaru Outback has problems

111 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Power train293
Engine and engine cooling230
Suspension132
Vehicle speed control90
Service brakes, hydraulic92
Electrical system81
Air bags77
Latches/locks/linkages51
Structure43
11 other systems235

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

1999 Subaru Outback recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Springs: coil springs

Recall 01V-216 · Jun 25, 2001 · 180,000 vehicles

Risk. DEPENDING ON THE LOCATION OF THE FRACTURE, A BROKEN SPRING COULD MOVE PAST THE SPRING SEAT AND CONTACT A FRONT TIRE.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Subaru.

Best & worst years

1999 vs. every other Outback year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Outback median. How we score

'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What Outback owners report

Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

1999 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARD WHILE TRYING TO REMOVE KEYS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED SHE PARKED THE VEHICLE, PLACED IT IN PARK, AND LEFT THE KEYS IN THE IGNITION, SO SHE COULD CHECK OUT THE NEW HALOGEN BULBS THAT HAD BEEN INSTALLED. WHEN SHE…
Complaint 10564122 · Feb 19, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND TO ACCELERATION ATTEMPTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAD TO CONSTANTLY CHANGE THE GEAR FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE IN ORDER FOR IT TO WORK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION BUT THEY COULD…
Complaint 10496771 · Feb 7, 2013 · 42,000 miles
99 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK /W AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DOS NOT ENGAGE WHEN PLACED FROM P TO D, OR DISENGAGE FROM GEAR WHEN VEHICLE STOP. I WAS ON A SLIGHT HILL STOPPED. CAR DISENGAGED FROM GEAR AND I COULD NOT MOVE. IN D - WHEN I RELEASED BRAKE THE CAR ROLLED BACKWARDS…
Complaint 10402856 · May 26, 2011 · 100,000 miles

Own a 1999 Outback?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.