1996 Subaru Legacy Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 15%of 123 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 121,562miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Subaru Legacy, 15% of the 123 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 121,562 miles. 6 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The vehicle was slowly moving into driveway and the brakes were applied and failed to stop the vehicle and hit the house. The vehicle was towed. The consumer was informed by dealership that the master cylinder failed. The master cylinder needed to be replaced. The consumer stated that there was no warning. The failure of the master cylinder caused the front brakes rotors and pads to burn up.”
NHTSA complaint #10091563, filed 2004-09, 85,123 miles“Car was parked, with emergency brake on and in gear on a hill. Owner heard a sharp metallic noise after car had been parked for 10 min. And saw car begin rolling downhill from the parked position, picked up speed and crashed. No one was in the vehicle, and when the crash was over it was found with e-brake disengaged and still in gear. *dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12-12-02 cut over to artemis**764464”
NHTSA complaint #10009393, filed 2002-07, 158,000 miles“When car started after having stopped for 3 hours, battery warning light and brake warning light illuminated. Checked brakes/fluid and alternator belt - no problem found. Continued driving; various lights, including check engine light continued to go on and off. Car finally stalled on highway and had to be towed to dealer. Alternator replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #702504, filed 1999-01“Car did not stop in time to prevent crash. Raining. Car in front stopped. Our car going about 25mph. Braked at about 25 yards from other vehicle; crash occured. Is there a requirement that a vehicle stopped within a certain distance at a given speed if properly braked? Thank you. Jonas morris”
NHTSA complaint #727212, filed 2000-08“When braking pedal pulsates. Dealer replaced front and rear rotors in june and august of 1999 at 27000 miles. In aug of 2001, rear rotors were replaced. Front rotors are to be replaced in the near future. Repair shop owner stated that the rotors were too thin for vehicle weight, they warp and can not be reshaped, consumer requested to be reimbursed due to this brake problem being a design defect, manufacturer does not agree.”
NHTSA complaint #896077, filed 2001-09Related service bulletins
- 10163525Jul 11, 2019This Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips. This will prevent the pad from…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 17% |
| 2024 | 1 | 6% |
| 2022 | 1 | 3% |
| 2021 | 2 | 6% |
| 2020 | 2 | 2% |
| 2019 | 2 | 2% |
| 2018 | 6 | 5% |
| 2017 | 5 | 4% |
| 2016 | 8 | 5% |
| 2015 | 13 | 8% |
| 2014 | 2 | 4% |
| 2013 | 4 | 6% |
| 2012 | 7 | 8% |
| 2011 | 18 | 11% |
| 2010 | 13 | 9% |
| 2009 | 9 | 14% |
| 2008 | 13 | 20% |
| 2007 | 3 | 9% |
| 2006 | 10 | 11% |
| 2005 | 31 | 17% |
| 2004 | 3 | 6% |
| 2003 | 4 | 7% |
| 2002 | 7 | 13% |
| 2001 | 7 | 9% |
| 2000 | 7 | 7% |
| 1999 | 12 | 13% |
| 1998 | 14 | 12% |
| 1997 | 27 | 19% |
| 1996 | 18 | 15% |
| 1995 | 29 | 16% |
| 1994 | 6 | 10% |
| 1993 | 7 | 9% |
| 1992 | 1 | 2% |
| 1991 | 10 | 13% |
| 1990 | 4 | 5% |
Other parts of the 1996 Subaru Legacy
22 complaintsEngine cooling
22 complaintsElectrical system
21 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsSuspension
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsSeats
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsTires
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Subaru Legacy
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology