1999 Subaru Legacy: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1999 Subaru Legacy: 3 recalls, 94 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #98V127000 · 1998 · 20,306 vehicles
What's wrong: The purolator oil filter cans used on these vehicles can fracture causing a vaporized oil spray and subsequent oil leak.
Why it matters: This vaporized oil spray can result in oil vapor ignition by the hot exhaust system resulting in a possible underhood fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace these engine oil filters.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #99V040000 · 1999 · 221,987 vehicles
What's wrong: (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.
Why it matters: This condition causes the vehicle stopping distance to be increased, possibly resulting in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder.
Suspension Vehicle recall #01V216000 · 2001 · 180,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The front coil springs were produced with poor paint quality which, after continued exposure to corrosive salt, can result in breakage of the spring.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 12 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (18): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (12), stalls / loses power (3).
- Speed control / throttle (12): the most common themes are sudden acceleration (5).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (12): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (10).
- Airbags (11): the most common themes are fails to deploy (7).
The 1999 Subaru Legacy has 94 owner complaints, ranking #14 of 36 Legacy model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 88). Complaints peaked in 1999 (23 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 101,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1998 (114 complaints, 4 recalls), 2000 (94 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 22 | Regular |
| 2.2 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 22 | Regular |
| 2.2 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 22 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 21 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 21 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1999 Subaru Legacy.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 1999 Subaru Legacy have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 1999 Subaru Legacy. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1999 Subaru Legacy problems?
Owners have filed 94 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (18), speed control / throttle (12), brakes (hydraulic) (12).
What gas mileage does the 1999 Subaru Legacy get?
EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (2.2 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 5 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1999 Subaru Legacy repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.