1998 Subaru Outback engine and engine cooling problems
40 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine and engine cooling on the 1998 Subaru Outback — 31% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Engine overheating every half mile with engine reservoir overflowing. After $1300 of replacing thermostat, timing belt, belt tensioner, water pump, flushing the cooling system, and compression tests, I was told I had a blown head gasket. I was told the replacement would cost an additional $2,200 at…”
filed Jun 13, 2010
“Engine began to overheat only when being driven, does not overheat when idling. I have replaced the thermostat, water pump, and timing belt but it still overheats. While doing research on the internet, I found the carsurvey.org site with many references to this being a known issue, a head gasket…”
filed Jan 14, 2009
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
This bulletin is to advise of SOAâ s revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
09-51-08R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 7, 2021
Engine and Engine Cooling problems in other Outback years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Outback | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 Outback | 1 | 0% |
| 2021 Outback | 2 | 1% |
| 2020 Outback | 3 | 0% |
| 2019 Outback | 1 | 0% |
| 2016 Outback | 3 | 0% |
| 2015 Outback | 3 | 1% |
| 2014 Outback | 1 | 0% |
| 2013 Outback | 1 | 0% |
| 2012 Outback | 2 | 1% |
| 2011 Outback | 8 | 1% |
| 2010 Outback | 23 | 6% |
Other reported problem areas on the 1998 Subaru Outback
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.