1996 Subaru Legacy Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 17%of 123 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 64,434miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the electrical system of the 1996 Subaru Legacy, 17% of the 123 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 64,434 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a 1996 Subaru Legacy l with an intermittent engine miss with a p0304 (miss in cylinder 4) code. Most of the time it runs fine but when it misses, it is very violent. It seems to resonate. Changing speed usually makes it go away. When it first started, it only occurred once a month. Over the past year, and after several mechanics visits, it now occurs nearly every trip.I have replaced spark plugs (yes ngk), spark plug wires (Subaru original equipment), gas filter, air filter, coil, pcv valve, knock sensor, cam and crankshaft sensors. The injectors have been swapped between cylinders. …”
NHTSA complaint #10025205, filed 2003-06, 75,000 miles“While driving engine stalled, lost all power.battery acid was leaking from battery cap. Alternator failed which melted fuse box. Battery lost all charging capacity. Dealer contacted. Over a $1000.00 in repairs.”
NHTSA complaint #8008581, filed 2002-08, 53,869 miles“While driving the battery warning light came on followed by engine stalling. Vehicle was towed to a service station , who indicated that this occurred because of alternator failure. The alternator and battery were replaced. The failure recurred. An alternator recall 00i002000 was issued, but this vehicle was not included due to VIN.”
NHTSA complaint #10088009, filed 2004-08“Request for reimbursement regarding the repair of the 1996 Subaru Legacy driver's side front spring. During a routine inspection, it was discovered that the spring on the left front of the consumers vehicle had failed for the second time. When the original spring failed the first time, it caused damaged to the tire and the spare tire. The ignition wire were worn, the headlight bulb was replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10130211, filed 2005-07“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 1999-01Related service bulletins
- 10219491Aug 23, 2022This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
- 10209915Mar 18, 2022This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic essential information during diagnosis and repair of the Infotainment concerns. (Applicable to all…
- 10198758Jun 17, 2021This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 | 29% |
| 2023 | 1 | 10% |
| 2022 | 3 | 9% |
| 2021 | 5 | 16% |
| 2020 | 15 | 12% |
| 2019 | 35 | 28% |
| 2018 | 40 | 34% |
| 2017 | 30 | 25% |
| 2016 | 51 | 35% |
| 2015 | 37 | 23% |
| 2014 | 11 | 21% |
| 2013 | 6 | 9% |
| 2012 | 4 | 4% |
| 2011 | 19 | 11% |
| 2010 | 12 | 8% |
| 2009 | 4 | 6% |
| 2008 | 9 | 14% |
| 2007 | 5 | 15% |
| 2006 | 17 | 20% |
| 2005 | 25 | 14% |
| 2004 | 1 | 2% |
| 2003 | 2 | 3% |
| 2002 | 2 | 4% |
| 2001 | 1 | 1% |
| 2000 | 6 | 6% |
| 1999 | 2 | 2% |
| 1998 | 9 | 8% |
| 1997 | 17 | 12% |
| 1996 | 21 | 17% |
| 1995 | 20 | 11% |
| 1994 | 1 | 2% |
| 1993 | 3 | 4% |
| 1992 | 3 | 5% |
| 1991 | 3 | 4% |
| 1990 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 1996 Subaru Legacy
22 complaintsEngine cooling
22 complaintsBrakes
18 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 28, 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