1996 Subaru Legacy Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 22about this part
- Share
- 18%of 123 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1996 Subaru Legacy, 18% of the 123 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,000 miles.
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 traveling at 35 MPH head gasket blew out, driver lost power steering, and engine died. Vehicle was towed to a mechanic, who indicated that engine needed to be replaced along with some other components.”
NHTSA complaint #10051936, filed 2003-12, 90,000 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“Subaru 1996 engine defect in which exhaust valve guides prematurely fail around 70-90000 miles, falling into the engine area and causing misfiring and other engine damage.”
NHTSA complaint #10018781, filed 2003-05, 83 miles“On august the 12 after going up a steep hill the engine started missing really bad to the point I thought it was going to quit . This problem has been reoccuring every time the car is driven. I contacted my dealer on august the 11 and they had me to bring in the car to decarbon the engine . This didnot stop the problem. Itook the car back to the dealer on sept. 12 to have it decarboned again. …”
NHTSA complaint #752197, filed 2001-09Related service bulletins
- 10198749Jun 7, 2021This bulletin is to advise of SOAâs revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
- 10019343Feb 1, 2006Rubbing mark on timing belt. Subaru.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 17% |
| 2021 | 1 | 3% |
| 2016 | 1 | 1% |
| 2015 | 1 | 1% |
| 2013 | 2 | 3% |
| 2011 | 6 | 4% |
| 2010 | 4 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 2 | 6% |
| 2006 | 4 | 5% |
| 2005 | 29 | 16% |
| 2004 | 2 | 4% |
| 2003 | 9 | 15% |
| 2002 | 9 | 17% |
| 2001 | 11 | 14% |
| 2000 | 16 | 17% |
| 1999 | 11 | 12% |
| 1998 | 30 | 26% |
| 1997 | 31 | 22% |
| 1996 | 22 | 18% |
| 1995 | 17 | 9% |
| 1994 | 4 | 7% |
| 1993 | 17 | 22% |
| 1992 | 4 | 7% |
| 1991 | 6 | 8% |
| 1990 | 2 | 2% |
Other parts of the 1996 Subaru Legacy
22 complaintsElectrical system
21 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 27, 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