1996 Subaru Outback: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 46 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (20% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jun 2001
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 46 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Recently purchased (1/17/14) vehicle a catastrophic loss after pax side t-bone @ a/b pillar subsequent to hill holder self-activation caused unrecoverable yawed slide/skid (to a non-inputted stop from 40-0mph in +/- .25mi.) during brake/downshift control input on (istha foia file)% uphill grade in 4-6" snow accumulation on neglectfully maintained eisenhower interstate highway system (to wit: il tollway: sb I-294 @ mph 39.5). Cdl'd owner/operator suffering effects ptsd + right side bft/hard-impact orthopedic joint/related injuries. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Feb 2014
“Car overheated without warning. Suspect headgasket failure allowing coolant to escape and engine to overheat . (potential for car to unexpectedly stall on interstate) upon internet search found that hundreds of the subaru 2.5l engines suffer from same condition (1995-1999). Http://home.comcast.net/~skipnospam/. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2009
“Tl*the contact owns a 1996 subaru outback. When the contact placed her vehicle into reverse and then drive, it sped off on its own and did not respond when the brake and accelerator pedals were depressed. The contact did not have control over the steering as well. She attempted to steer the vehicle into tall grass; however, approximately 25 feet later, the vehicle suddenly began to respond and she was able to take control. She called several dealers, but they claimed to never have heard of the failure. The vehicle has not been repaired and the manufacturer was not notified. The current mileage was approximately 196,000 and failure mileage was approximately 186,000.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Dec 2008
Show 7 more owner reports
“1. Just bought from dealer. Going to get gas. 2. Overheating. Auto mechanic said oil in the antifreeze. Head gasket. 3. Repaired head gasket etc. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2008
“Car seemed to be running fine but radiator temp was high. Took car into repair shop, cracked head gasket. Called subaru, they offered no help or advice. Cost to repair is at a total loss to me, a college student. Subaru dealer said cracked head gasket is a problem in subarus. I would have not bought this car if I knew it would have these kind of problems. Part to be replaced is head gasket. *jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2005
“Dt: the consumer states that the 1996 subaru outback was having a problem with the gas tank filler guard and pipe. The guard rusted from debris over the years, and dirt and debris were getting underneath the guard. The result was rusting and leaking gas from the gas tank. The gas tank was noticed leaking last week. The owner has contacted the dealer, has e-mailed and contacted subaru via phone. They seemed not interested in the fact that the car was old. *ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Aug 2005
“Dt: 1996 subaru outback caller complained about the fuel injection .system. When starting the car it shut off again. When driving it didn't have any speed, the speed odometer was 60 mph when going 40 mph. Sometimes it will pick up speed and sometimes it won't. Took vehicle to dealer and he would not work on this car. The car will not accelerate, and he would not listen . The car was parked on the road side now and it will not run. The car vibrated when trying to start the car today. And the car will not start. This has been happening for the last two weeks and today the car just died. *ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jul 2005
“While sitting at a intersection waiting for the light to change the air bags went off inadvertently. Driver was not injured, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. A cause could not be determined at this time. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2005
“I drive a 1996 outback with 116,000 miles on it. I've read about possible recalls pertaining to the transmissions binding in turns, which is what I'm expereincing now. I've been told that if it gets too bad, it may break an axle or something. If it is a recognized problem/mistake, I'd really like to see a recall.*ak”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2004
“A permanent hazing of the headlight lenses has been progressively getting worse, and cannot be removed. This has caused safe night driving illumination to drop dramatically.*ak”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Jan 2004
When filing, owners marked a crash in 12 of these complaints and injuries in 8 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER STATION WAGON, SEDAN AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. DUE TO IMPROPER WELDING, FRACTURES CAN OCCUR ON THE SUPPORT BRACKET OF THE FRONT TRANSVERSE LINK.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY THE FRONT SUSPENSION SUPPORT BRACKETS.
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.
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 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.
How other years compare
Check your exact Outback by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1996 Subaru Outback reliable?
NHTSA has 46 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1996 Subaru Outback. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (20% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1996 Subaru Outback problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 125,453 miles or less.
Does the 1996 Subaru Outback have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning suspension:front:springs:leaf spring assembly:hanger,bracket. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.