1998 Subaru Legacy: check engine light

Filed Jul 24, 2007 · Engine · 85,000 miles · CA

1 x overheated on a hot day, heading up a hill. Noticed high temp and turned on heater, waited for car to cool, added h2o. 2 months later, driving on a hot day with AC on, sudden clicking, check engine light, lost power, smoke, stopped. Towed to garage that specializes in subaru and they found hole in head gasket. Repairs to cost $3k and this is something they see 2x a week with subaru vehicles. Found a web site where dozens of people complain of the same issue over the years. Subaru apparently has a recall on 1999-2002 vehicles, but not others with the same issue. Subaru should be paying for the parts on this widespread and known issue!

Filed Aug 16, 2004 · Electrical, Steering · 37,546 miles · MN

Consumer request for reimbursement for all repairs expenses for 1998 subaru legacy.*mr during regular maintenance the dealer determined that he vehicle's steering center differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle's check engine light illuminated. The dealer replaced the ignition coil. Since the vehicle only has 38,000 miles the consumer feels subaru should reimburse him for the cost of the repairs.

Filed Mar 6, 2004 · Engine · 149,000 miles · CT

Vehicle requires replacement of head gaskets, as part of the engine coolant system. Original service complaint was the " check engine light came on". After three days at dealer service, it was determined that the head gaskets needed replacement for the cost of $ 2,700.00. Because the engine has to be removed to access the gaskets. Labor will involve 3 days. The dealer has admitted that this is a design problem with the subaru and models from 1999 will be covered. I feel the cost is excessive because of a design defect. I am will to pay but not $ 2,700.00. I was expecting $ 400-$500 dollars. For a $ 20.00 dollar seal! While not a safety defect; it certainly is a design defect!

Filed Jun 25, 2001 · Electrical, Engine · CA

Comments from the dealers invoice: 671 miles: checked for oil leak, found fluid leaking from power steering rack. Removed and reinstalled rack assembly.671 miles: I complained about smell in vents. Advised it was power steering fluid leaking onto exhaust. 944miles: oil leaking from engine down onto exhaust. Found leak at top of engine on the right side near rear oil galley plug. Disassemble engine complete down to short block. Replace short block and all necessary gaskets and seals. Reassemble engine. 944 miles: I complained about smell in vents. This time told it was burning oil getting into vents before engine repair.6195 miles,03/27/98: complained about smell in vents. Dash assembly disassembled, cleaned, reassembled. 7173 miles: complained about smell in vents. Working with zexel rep. On A/C system located leak at evaporator cooling unit. Remove and replace receiver drier and A/C compressor. Reassemble. 8009 miles: I complained that the check engine light stayed on while driving. Told possible that fuel tank cap was not on tight. 10185miles 08/06/98: I complained check engine light still stays on: found rear 0-2 sensor to have slow response times. Remove and reinstall rear 0-2 sensor. 8485 miles complained of burning smell from under hood. Told inner axle boot leaking. Inner axle cv boot grease in front replaced. 29901miles: recall campaign wxq74 master cylinder. Perform wxq-74 and install label. 39150 miles: complained about rattling noise from rear axle. Checked rear differential, heard pinion bearing to be noisy. Replaced rear differential. Warranty expired. 45330 miles: my altenator failed. I was towed 15 miles to the dealership, at a cost of $140 dollars, and paid 294.35 dollars to have it replaced. At the time I was informed that there was an open recall on both 1996 and 1997 altenators but nothing on the 1998's. Last week I got a letter from subaru informing me that some 1998's may require altenator replacements.

Filed Aug 15, 2000 · Engine · NY

The obd system indicates check engine. The engine looses power and the cars acceleration becomes very weak. The car is turned off and restarted and the engine will either continue to malfunction or will run normally. The dealer replaced the idle speed control ($600) but the problem continues to occur. Now subaru says that they cannot find any malfunction. When the engine malfunctions without warning it is dangerous to drive the car when accelerating onto a highway or in heavy traffic. I cannot trust this car to get me safely to my destination.