1998 Subaru Outback Suspension Problems
4 owner-reported suspension complaints from NHTSA data
Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
Suspension Recalls (1)
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
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.
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. 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.
Owner Complaints (4)
You heard a popping sound from your front corner and noticed your wheel shaking violently at speeds above 20-25 mph, along with a loud grinding noise when backing up. A mechanic friend found that your driver's side front lower control arm had completely rusted through at the bushing connection. The control arm was replaced with a used part from a junkyard, and the issue was resolved.
Parts you may need:
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RECALL 01 V 216 000/COILSPRING: UNABLE TO GET DEALER; FREDERICK MOTORS; FREDERICK,MD; PHONE# 301/663-6111 TO HONOR RECALL BECAUSE NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. SEEKING HELP FROM NHTSA IN THIS MATTER. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 01V-216, HOWEVER WHEN CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALERSHIP TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WERE OUT OF PARTS AND IT WOULD TAKE A FEW WEEKS TO GET THE PARTS IN AND THEN ANOTHER COUPLE WEEKS TO GET ON THE SERVICE SCHEDULE.*JB
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 01V-216, HOWEVER WHEN CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALERSHIP TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WERE OUT OF PARTS AND IT WOULD TAKE A FEW WEEKS TO GET THE PARTS IN AND THEN ANOTHER COUPLE WEEKS TO GET ON THE SERVICE SCHEDULE.*JB