1995-1999 Subaru Legacy: Reliability
Updated: 12/17/09
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Our reliability study for this generation Subaru Outback and Legacy includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Subaru Outback and Legacy .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Alternator belt:
The company issued a (nonsafety) recall to replace the alternators. (1996 and some later)
Automatic transmission:
Severely cracked secondary pulleys and pump drives cause the ECVT to slip. (1995)
Automatic transmission:
The automatic transmission dipstick may break requiring the broken bits to be removed. (1995-97)
Brake noise:
There may be a buzzing sound coming from the ABS (antilock brake system) hydraulic unit motor and/or an ABS warning light glowing, caused by a faulty ABS relay for which there is a revised part. (1995-97)
Brakes:
Some of the ABS (antilock brake system) hydraulic motors were faulty, causing them to run intermittently even after the key is turned off. (1995-98)
Dashboard lights:
If the check-engine light comes on in cold weather it is likely due to ice forming in the vacuum line between the engine and transmission. (1995)
Engine mounts:
Due to the multitude of configurations (bolt holes, accessory attachment points, etc.), cylinder heads for 2.5L engines are extremely difficult to interchange, often making the simplest solution replacement of the engine. (1995-99)
Oil leak:
An oil leak between the oil pump and block is repaired by drilling out the oil return hole to 6mm diameter. (1995)
Poor transmission shift:
Hesitation or poor acceleration may be due to the powertrain-control module (PCM) misinterpreting normal engine vibrations as knock, and retarding the ignition timing requiring a replacement PCM. (1999)
Rear axle noise:
Vibration and noise from the rear when traveling over 65 mph on vehicles with AWD requires countermeasure dampers on the rear crossmember. (1997-99)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $560 |
| Alternator | $345 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $940 |
| Brakes | $225 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $515 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $460 |
| Exhaust System | $565 |
| Radiator | $360 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $615 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $195 |
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