Subaru›Legacy›1998›2.5L/subaru/legacy/1998/2-5l/

1998 Subaru Legacy — 2.5L

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1998 Legacy 2.5L. Covers both the standard and High Output 2.5L.

Body PASSENGER CAREngine 2.5LTransmission Automatic 4-spd

The 1998 Subaru Legacy 2.5L is a passenger car equipped with a 2.5L engine and 4-speed automatic transmission that achieves an EPA-estimated 29 mpg on the highway while requiring 4.8 quarts of 5W-30 API oil for maintenance. Within the model's complaint history spanning 1990 to 2025, this year accumulated 124 total owner complaints primarily focused on Engine & Engine Cooling issues alongside 5 recorded recalls. Although this volume is substantially lower than the 1995 peak of 216 complaints, it remains higher than the 2025 low of 6, placing the 1998 model year between the historical extremes of the model's reliability record.

Model year2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 1998

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.8 qtOEM · verified

Engine oil type5W-30 APIOEM · verified

Lug nut torque58-72 ft-lbsOEM · verified

EPA fuel economy21/29/24 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 35 · 490 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 35 · 490 CCAOEM · verified

Tail / brake / turnTURNOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

Transmission

Automatic 4-spd

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	181.5 in
Overall width	67.7 in
Overall height	55.5 in
Wheelbase	103.5 in
Curb weight	3089 lb
Track (front / rear)	57.1 / 57.1 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)	56/44

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined	21 / 29 / 24 mpg
Drivetrain	Front-Wheel Drive
Passenger volume	92 cu ft
Cargo volume	13 cu ft
Recommended fuel	Regular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

No 1998 road test on record; the results below are same-engine tests from nearby model years, each shown under its own year.

9.0–9.8 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 9.00 sec — 1999 Limited

Year	Trim / engine	0–60	¼ mile	HP	Drivetrain
1999	Limited 2.5L F-4	9.00 sec	16.90 sec	165 hp	AWD
1996	Outback 2.5L F-4	9.80 sec	17.40 sec	155 hp	AWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.8 qt of 5W-30 API engine oil, 75W-90 · 80W-90 · GL-5 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 58-72 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Brake Fluid	DOT 3
Differential Gear Oil	75W-90 · 80W-90 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity	1.6 Pints
Engine Coolant	ETHYLENE GLYCOL
Engine Oil	5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity	4.8 qt
Power Steering Fluid	ATF
Transfer Case Fluid	80W-90 · GL-5

Engine torques

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings	33 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts	123-137 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts	53 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	18.1 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	22.4 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs	5 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts	58-72 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug	17.0-20.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub	123-151 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub	137 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-3-4-2
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)	700 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)	100 rpm
Ignition Coil Primary Resistance	.66-.80 ohms
Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance	10,880-14,720 ohms
Spark Plug Manufacturer	Champion
Spark Plug Gap	0.039-0.043 in
Spark Plug Torque	13-17 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R134a
Refrigerant Capacity	0.88-1.65 lbs
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Capacity	4.50-5.50 oz
Standard BCI Group Number	35
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	490 cca

Service checks

Pressure Test	23 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	11-15 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature	169-176 °F
Injector Primary Resistance	5-20 ohms
Engine Compression	137-176 psi
Engine Oil Pressure	14 psi @ 600-700 rpm, 43 psi @ 5000 rpm psi
Intake Valve Lash	0.008 in
Exhaust Valve Lash	0.010 in

Brakes

Minimum Pad Thickness	Front: 0.295; Rear: 0.256 specification
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for Replacement	Front: .866; Rear: .630
Maximum Rotor Runout	Front: .0028; Rear: .0029
Maximum Drum Diameter	Front: 9.079; Parking Brake: 6.732

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 8 stages

1	22 ft. lbs.	22 ft. lbs
2	51 ft. lbs.	51 ft. lbs
3	Loosen 180 degrees.	180 degrees
4	Loosen 180 degrees.	180 degrees
5	Bolts 1-2	25 ft. lbs
6	Bolts 3-6	11 ft. lbs
7	80-90 degrees.	80–90 degrees
8	80-90 degrees.	80–90 degrees

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter at 3,000 mi.

At 3,000 mi	Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 7,500 mi	Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 15,000 mi	Body Latches, Locks & Hinges (inspect) · Brake System (inspect) · Clutch Assembly (inspect) · Clutch Master Cylinder (inspect fluid level) · Engine Coolant System (leak inspection) · Hill Holder System (inspect)
Every 30,000 mi	Brake Drum Assembly (inspect) · Brake Hydraulic System (drain, refill & bleed) · Differential (inspect fluid level) · Engine Breather Filter (replace) · Headlamp (inspect alignment)
Every 60,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Wheel Bearing (inspect)
At 105,000 mi	Drive Belt (replace) · Engine Valves (inspect valve lash)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 1998 Subaru Legacy sits midway through the second generation (1995–1999), a period marked by elevated complaint volumes—peaking at 216 in 1995—before a gradual decline in subsequent years. Compared to 1997’s 146 complaints and 6 recalls, the 1998 model shows a modest improvement with 124 complaints and 5 recalls, though it still reflects lingering quality challenges, particularly in engine and cooling systems (26 complaints). The absence of federal investigations in 1998 suggests no systemic defects were flagged, but the persistence of powertrain and airbag issues aligns with broader generational trends. Fire-related complaints (2) and crash incidents (17) remain low but warrant scrutiny given the age of the vehicle. While 1998 fares better than the worst years of this generation, its reliability metrics lag behind the quieter post-2000 models. **Takeaway:** This is a *marginal* year to buy—opt only if service records confirm engine and cooling system integrity, and budget for potential powertrain repairs.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

124

Owner complaints

17 involved a crash · 2 a fire

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’90 ’91 ’92 ’93 ’94 ’95 ’96 ’97’98’99 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10 ’11 ’12 ’13 ’14 ’15 ’16 ’17 ’18 ’19 ’20 ’21 ’22 ’23 ’24 ’25

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 124 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Engine & Engine Cooling26

Air Bags9

Power Train8

Vehicle Speed Control8

Fuel System, Gasoline7

Service Brakes, Hydraulic6

Electrical System6

Tires6

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 5 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

00I002000Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/RegulatorReported 15/05/2000

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… Remedy: 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…

01V216000Suspension:Front:Springs:Coil SpringsReported 25/06/2001

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… Remedy: 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 30 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
12-249-23R	2023-07-11	Equipment	This bulletin announces the recommended cleaning procedures to followed when encountering…
15-302-22	2022-08-23	Equipment	This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as…
01-167-08R	2022-08-23	Equipment	This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the…
15-192-22R	2022-03-18	Electrical System	This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic essential…
01-167-08R	2021-06-17	Electrical System	This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1

P0300

Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected

P0171

System too lean — Bank 1

P0455

Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak

P0128

Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature

P0442

Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN

Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Legacy. OEM

Build data

Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.

Recalls

Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 35 battery Vehicles taking 4.8 qt

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 1998 Legacy 2.5L take?

4.8 qt of 5W-30 API SM, per the factory manual.

Does the 1998 Legacy have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the 2.5L get?

EPA figures are 21 city / 29 highway / 24 combined mpg.