1998 Subaru Outback

The 1998 Subaru Outback marks a notable inflection point in its generation, with complaints spiking to 141—nearly double the 1997 total and the highest figure until 2000. This surge aligns with early reports of engine and powertrain issues, which dominate the complaint profile (40 and 17 reports, respectively), while recalls remained modest at two, consistent with the prior year. Compared to 1997’s four recalls and 1999’s single recall, the 1998 model sits in a phase where reliability concerns were escalating but formal corrective actions had not yet expanded. The data doesn’t specify root causes, but the trend suggests unresolved design or assembly flaws were becoming more apparent. Crash-related complaints (9) and fire reports (2) are present but not disproportionately high for the era. **Takeaway:** The 1998 Outback is a riskier choice within its generation, as it reflects the peak of early reliability complaints without the benefit of later recall campaigns or TSB refinements. Buyers should prioritize meticulous service records and pre-purchase inspections.