Subaru Buyers Guide

 

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Crash Test Data for 1998 Subaru

Subaru Vehicle Front Star Rating Side Star Rating Rollover Resistance Rating
Driver Passenger Front Seat Rear Seat
1998 LegacyNot TestedNot
Tested

 

Service Bulletins for 1998 Subaru

1998 SUBARU FORESTER
Bulletin Number: 010103
SOA REPLACEMENT IGNITION WIRE SET. *TT *JB
Bulletin Number: 010398
INFORMATION ON ACCESSORY INSTALLATION MANUAL. *YC
Bulletin Number: 010898
INFORMATION ON INSTALLING REAR DIFFERENTIAL PROTECTOR . *TT
Bulletin Number: 010898
INFORMATION REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF RETROFIT AIR BAG
Bulletin Number: 02
RUBBING MARK ON TIMING BELT. SUBARU. *TT
Bulletin Number: 034899
VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS MAY EXHIBIT FIRST GEAR POPPING OUT WHILE DRIVING. *TT
Bulletin Number: 035002
NEW PROCEDURE FOR REPLACING REAR WHEEL BEARINGS. *TT
Bulletin Number: 035203
CLUTCH PEDAL STICKING. *TT
Bulletin Number: 040599
SUBJECT REGARDING BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN ON SOME VEHICLES WITH ABS. *TT
Bulletin Number: 063103
REPLACEMENT OF THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) FOR ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) REPAIR. *TT UPDATE. *TT
Bulletin Number: 06-68-19R
This Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips. This will prevent the pad from dragging due to corrosion buildup which may result in uneven o
Bulletin Number: 08-06-97
LOCATION OF THE TRANSIT CONNECTOR. *TT
Bulletin Number: 115398
CUSTOMER MAY COMPLAIN OF A SLIGHT ENGINE HESITATION ON VEHICLES WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS 2.5L AND 2.2L ENGINES. TT
Bulletin Number: 128505
THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION TO PROPERLY DIAGNOSIS THE REAR GATE STAYS AND ALSO AVOIDS UNNECESSARY REPLACEMENT OF NON-FAILED STAYS. *TT
Bulletin Number: 14-22-16R
To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate Special Service Tool.
Bulletin Number: 17
SUBJECT REGARDING SHIFTER RATTLE. *JG
Bulletin Number: 170601
INFORMATION REGARDING SEAT BELT LATCH SLIDES TO THE LOWER SEAT BELT ANCHOR. *YH UPDATED *EH
Bulletin Number: 184498
SUBJECT ON SERVICE MANUAL CORRECTION. *YC
Bulletin Number: 97061301146
VARIOUS INFORMATION ON PROCEDURES AND THEFT PREVENTION STANDARDS. *YC
Bulletin Number: SB-05-50-10R
SUBARU: THERE IS A STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS DUE TO AN IMPORPER WHEEL BALANCE. *RM
Bulletin Number: Subaru Tech Tips
Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newletter.
1998 SUBARU IMPREZA
Bulletin Number: 010198
INFORMATION ON EXHAUST SMELL DURING COLD START. *AK
Bulletin Number: 010398
SUBJECT REGARDING FOGLIGHT KIT #4510FA200/220 CORRECTION. *YC
Bulletin Number: 010898
INFORMATION ON INSTALLING REAR DIFFERENTIAL PROTECTOR . *TT
Bulletin Number: 02
RUBBING MARK ON TIMING BELT. SUBARU. *TT
Bulletin Number: 034899
VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS MAY EXHIBIT FIRST GEAR POPPING OUT WHILE DRIVING. *TT
Bulletin Number: 035002
NEW PROCEDURE FOR REPLACING REAR WHEEL BEARINGS. *TT
Bulletin Number: 035203
CLUTCH PEDAL STICKING. *TT
Bulletin Number: 063103
REPLACEMENT OF THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) FOR ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) REPAIR. *TT UPDATE. *TT
Bulletin Number: 06-68-19R
This Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips. This will prevent the pad from dragging due to corrosion buildup which may result in uneven o
Bulletin Number: 115398
CUSTOMER MAY COMPLAIN OF A SLIGHT ENGINE HESITATION ON VEHICLES WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS 2.5L AND 2.2L ENGINES. TT
Bulletin Number: 14-22-16R
To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate Special Service Tool.
Bulletin Number: 170601
INFORMATION REGARDING SEAT BELT LATCH SLIDES TO THE LOWER SEAT BELT ANCHOR. *YH UPDATED *EH
Bulletin Number: SB-05-50-10R
SUBARU: THERE IS A STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS DUE TO AN IMPORPER WHEEL BALANCE. *RM
Bulletin Number: Subaru Tech Tips
Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newletter.
1998 SUBARU LEGACY
Bulletin Number: 010102
INFORMATION REGARDING FRONT SPRING GUARD BULLETIN UPDATE. *YD
Bulletin Number: 010898
INFORMATION ON INSTALLING REAR DIFFERENTIAL PROTECTOR . *TT
Bulletin Number: 02
RUBBING MARK ON TIMING BELT. SUBARU. *TT
Bulletin Number: 034899
VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS MAY EXHIBIT FIRST GEAR POPPING OUT WHILE DRIVING. *TT
Bulletin Number: 035002
NEW PROCEDURE FOR REPLACING REAR WHEEL BEARINGS. *TT
Bulletin Number: 035203
CLUTCH PEDAL STICKING. *TT
Bulletin Number: 040599
SUBJECT REGARDING BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN ON SOME VEHICLES WITH ABS. *TT
Bulletin Number: 040901
SUBJECT ON REGARDING STEERING KNOCKING/RATTLE NOISE WHEN TURNING. *ET
Bulletin Number: 063103
REPLACEMENT OF THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) FOR ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) REPAIR. *TT UPDATE. *TT
Bulletin Number: 06-68-19R
This Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips. This will prevent the pad from dragging due to corrosion buildup which may result in uneven o
Bulletin Number: 07
HEADLIGHT BULB SOCKET REPAIRS. *KB
Bulletin Number: 115398
CUSTOMER MAY COMPLAIN OF A SLIGHT ENGINE HESITATION ON VEHICLES WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS 2.5L AND 2.2L ENGINES. TT
Bulletin Number: 14-22-16R
To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate Special Service Tool.
Bulletin Number: 170601
INFORMATION REGARDING SEAT BELT LATCH SLIDES TO THE LOWER SEAT BELT ANCHOR. *YH UPDATED *EH
Bulletin Number: SB-05-50-10R
SUBARU: THERE IS A STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS DUE TO AN IMPORPER WHEEL BALANCE. *RM
Bulletin Number: Subaru Tech Tips
Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newletter.
Bulletin Number: WXW81
SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF ALTERNATOR CHARGING DUE TO A BROKEN BRUSH WIRE. *TT
1998 SUBARU OUTBACK
Bulletin Number: 010102
INFORMATION REGARDING FRONT SPRING GUARD BULLETIN UPDATE. *YD
Bulletin Number: 063103
REPLACEMENT OF THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) FOR ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) REPAIR. *TT UPDATE. *TT
Bulletin Number: 06-68-19R
This Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips. This will prevent the pad from dragging due to corrosion buildup which may result in uneven o
Bulletin Number: 07
HEADLIGHT BULB SOCKET REPAIRS. *KB
Bulletin Number: 14-22-16R
To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate Special Service Tool.
Bulletin Number: SB-05-50-10R
SUBARU: THERE IS A STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS DUE TO AN IMPORPER WHEEL BALANCE. *RM
Bulletin Number: Subaru Tech Tips
Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newletter.
1998 SUBARU SUBARU
Bulletin Number: 08-06-97
INFORMATION ON ASSEMBLING 1997 AND NEWER ENGINES. *TT
Bulletin Number: 166399
SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. HAS NOW MADE AVAILABLE REMANUFACTURED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS FOR MOST MODELS. *TT
Bulletin Number: 17
SUBJECT REGARDING GREASE LEAKING FROM INNER AXLE JOINTS. *JG
Bulletin Number: WXN71
SUBJECT REGARDING AXLE SHAFT GREASE LEAKAGE. *TT

 

Recalls for 1998 Subaru

1998 SUBARU FORESTER
NHTSA Campaign ID:SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
Manufacturer:SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Manufacture Dates:04/11/1997 - 03/10/1999
Potential Units Affected:221987

Defect Description:

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.

Consequence:

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

Action:

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER.
1998 SUBARU LEGACY
NHTSA Campaign ID:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
Manufacturer:SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Manufacture Dates:03/01/1996 - 05/31/1997
Potential Units Affected:223520

Defect Description:

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.

Consequence:

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).

Action:

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.
1998 SUBARU LEGACY
NHTSA Campaign ID:SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
Manufacturer:SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Manufacture Dates:01/25/1994 - 01/30/1998
Potential Units Affected:180000

Defect Description:

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.

Consequence:

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.

Action:

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.
1998 SUBARU LEGACY
NHTSA Campaign ID:ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Manufacturer:SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Manufacture Dates:01/21/1998 - 04/07/1998
Potential Units Affected:20306

Defect Description:

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.

Consequence:

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

Action:

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THESE ENGINE OIL FILTERS.
1998 SUBARU LEGACY
NHTSA Campaign ID:POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
Manufacturer:SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Manufacture Dates:05/09/1997 - 08/28/1997
Potential Units Affected:19386

Defect Description:

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.

Consequence:

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

Action:

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER ASSEMBLIES (EXCEPT THE HANDLE GRIP).
1998 SUBARU LEGACY
NHTSA Campaign ID:SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
Manufacturer:SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Manufacture Dates:04/11/1997 - 03/10/1999
Potential Units Affected:221987

Defect Description:

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.

Consequence:

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

Action:

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER.
1998 SUBARU OUTBACK
NHTSA Campaign ID:SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
Manufacturer:SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Manufacture Dates:01/25/1994 - 01/30/1998
Potential Units Affected:180000

Defect Description:

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.

Consequence:

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.

Action:

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.
1998 SUBARU OUTBACK
NHTSA Campaign ID:POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
Manufacturer:SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Manufacture Dates:05/09/1997 - 08/28/1997
Potential Units Affected:19386

Defect Description:

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.

Consequence:

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

Action:

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