1996 Subaru Legacy Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 7%of 123 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 144,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the suspension of the 1996 Subaru Legacy, 7% of the 123 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 144,000 miles. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Today, 06/17/05, during a routine nys safety inspection, it was discovered that the spring on the driver's side front of my 1996 Subaru Legacy failed for a second time. In 1999 the original spring snapped causing damage to both the tire and the spare. At that time the spring was repalced.I contacted Subaru about this unusual failure but they did nothing. In 2001 I received a recall letter from Subaru because of spring failures. As instructed, I returned the car to the dealership were both front springs were was fitted with safety devices to prevent another failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #10125650, filed 2005-06, 144,000 miles“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“Consumer made an appointment with the dealer about two weeks ago for recall 01v216000 repairs regarding front coil springs. The consumer had taken the vehicle to the dealer on 7/11/2003, and the dealer stated no parts were available, and there was nothing they could do to further assist them.”
NHTSA complaint #10027091, filed 2003-08Related recalls
- 01V216000Jun 25, 2001Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with front coil springs originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware…Covers: Subaru Legacy 1995–1999, Outback 1995–1999
- 98V091000May 4, 1998Vehicle description: passenger station wagon, sedan and sport utility vehicles. Due to improper welding, fractures can occur on the support bracket of the…Covers: Subaru Legacy 1996–1997, Outback 1996–1997
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 3% |
| 2018 | 3 | 3% |
| 2017 | 2 | 2% |
| 2016 | 2 | 1% |
| 2015 | 4 | 3% |
| 2014 | 1 | 2% |
| 2012 | 4 | 4% |
| 2011 | 19 | 11% |
| 2010 | 7 | 5% |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 2 | 6% |
| 2006 | 4 | 5% |
| 2005 | 7 | 4% |
| 2004 | 1 | 2% |
| 2003 | 2 | 3% |
| 2002 | 6 | 11% |
| 2001 | 6 | 8% |
| 2000 | 13 | 14% |
| 1999 | 8 | 9% |
| 1998 | 7 | 6% |
| 1997 | 9 | 6% |
| 1996 | 8 | 7% |
| 1995 | 14 | 8% |
| 1994 | 2 | 3% |
| 1992 | 1 | 2% |
| 1991 | 5 | 6% |
| 1990 | 3 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1996 Subaru Legacy
22 complaintsEngine cooling
22 complaintsElectrical system
21 complaintsBrakes
18 complaintsFuel system
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 30, 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