1996 Subaru Legacy Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 7%of 123 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 102,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1996 Subaru Legacy, 7% of the 123 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 102,500 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“1996 Subaru Legacy - auto trans. Car binds on slow turns. Subaru tech. States that vehicle needs about $1000 in repair to the awd system, this includes transfer clutches, housing, etc. Only 44,000 miles on vehicle! Tech stated that he has never seen this problem on a vehicle with such low mileage. Called Subaru of america and they stated that they will not assist in repairs. I purchasd the vehicle to have awd and this is the system that is failing! Since awd is the benchmark of Subaru, I would have thought they would stand behind their product. Please advise.”
NHTSA complaint #10025556, filed 2003-07, 44,000 miles“While traveling at 10 MPH through the snow vehicle got stuck in the snow. Vehicle was suppose to be equipped with all wheel drive, but didn't perform like it.”
NHTSA complaint #10025015, filed 2003-06, 75,000 miles“The contact owns a 1996 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, there was a loud noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact then noticed that there was smoke and flames coming from the rear end of the vehicle. The fire department was contacted and a fire report was filed. The vehicle was then towed to an authorized dealer where they inspected and advised that the differential failed due to the vehicle becoming overheated. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure and the current mileage was 255,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10450528, filed 2012-03, 255,000 miles“At approximately 90,000 miles I started to experience binding in slow speed turns. At times, the car is difficult to control while turning. The problem, as described by others who have experienced the problem, is that a bearing or seal wears a groove in the aluminum extension housing. This groove causes a pressure imbalance within the transfer clutch and, as a result, causes the binding problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #754022, filed 2001-11“When the rear clutch pack fails the rear of car binds and on slippery roads the car's back end will lock up upon letting off the gas. The rear end swings around and causes the car to spin out of control. Original repair was done at 35000 miles the same piece has failed again at 67000 miles. Each transmission has started to bind at virtually the same mileage. Subaru refuses to admit there is an issue. Subaru claims tire rotation can cause the problem. I have had all service work performed by Subaru per their service guidelines.”
NHTSA complaint #754979, filed 2001-11Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 3% |
| 2021 | 2 | 6% |
| 2020 | 7 | 6% |
| 2019 | 1 | 1% |
| 2018 | 2 | 2% |
| 2017 | 4 | 3% |
| 2016 | 13 | 9% |
| 2015 | 15 | 9% |
| 2014 | 6 | 11% |
| 2013 | 12 | 18% |
| 2012 | 34 | 38% |
| 2011 | 47 | 28% |
| 2010 | 50 | 33% |
| 2009 | 2 | 3% |
| 2008 | 6 | 9% |
| 2007 | 1 | 3% |
| 2006 | 8 | 9% |
| 2005 | 13 | 7% |
| 2004 | 2 | 4% |
| 2003 | 5 | 8% |
| 2002 | 7 | 13% |
| 2001 | 2 | 3% |
| 2000 | 14 | 15% |
| 1999 | 18 | 19% |
| 1998 | 14 | 12% |
| 1997 | 17 | 12% |
| 1996 | 8 | 7% |
| 1995 | 9 | 5% |
| 1994 | 5 | 8% |
| 1993 | 9 | 12% |
| 1992 | 5 | 9% |
| 1991 | 16 | 21% |
| 1990 | 14 | 17% |
Other parts of the 1996 Subaru Legacy
22 complaintsEngine cooling
22 complaintsElectrical system
21 complaintsBrakes
18 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsSuspension
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