1996 Subaru Outback Problems
- Complaints
- 46filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 125,453miles, 14 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1996 Subaru Outback (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 46 consumer complaints for the 1996 Subaru Outback. The part named most often is engine cooling, with 10 complaints (22% of the total), followed by air bags (8) and brakes (7). 14 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 125,453 miles. Of all complaints, 12 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 8 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 14 technical service bulletins for this model year. Engine cooling complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine cooling10 22%
- Air bags8 17%
- Brakes7 15%
- Suspension4 8.7%
- Tires4 8.7%
- Vehicle speed control4 8.7%
- Body and structure3 6.5%
- Wheels3 6.5%
- Fuel system2 4.3%
Also reported: Seat belts (2), Electrical system (1), Exterior lighting (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Engine cooling: “Car seemed to be running fine but radiator temp was high. Took car into repair shop, cracked head gasket. Called Subaru, they offered no help or advice. Cost to repair is at a total loss to me, a college student. Subaru dealer said cracked head gasket is a problem in subarus. I would have not bought this car if I knew it would have these kind of problems. Part to be replaced is head gasket.”
NHTSA complaint #10145111, filed 2005-12, 185,000 milesAir bags: “In head-on collision with both cars at 30 MPH, both front air bags deployed. Passenger side air bag burst through the windshield and ended up on the hood. Passenger never touched the air bag, but was restrained by the seat/shoulder belt. No other known reason for windshield damage before or during the crash.”
NHTSA complaint #754754, filed 2001-11Brakes: “Whenever the car has been parked in sub-zero temperatures for a minimum of three hours, the check valve in the brake booster vacuum hose will freeze in place and results in no power assist braking. The first application of the brakes would be normal as there was residual vacuum in the booster. Additional application of the brakes would have no power assist at all. Multiple pumps of the brake pedal would be required to break loose the check valve and restore normal braking. This car was new to me in 2013 and I was unaware of this defect. …”
NHTSA complaint #10577563, filed 2014-04, 258,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “I drive a 1996 Outback with 116,000 miles on it. I've read about possible recalls pertaining to the transmissions binding in turns, which is what I'm expereincing now. I've been told that if it gets too bad, it may break an axle or something. If it is a recognized problem/mistake, I'd really like to see a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10100137, filed 2004-11Mileage when problems were reported
0% of the 14 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 97,600 and 169,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Recalls and investigations
- 01V216000Jun 25, 2001Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springsCovers: Subaru Outback 1995–1999, Legacy 1995–1999
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with front coil springs originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new…
- 98V091000May 4, 1998Suspension › Front › Springs › Leaf spring assembly › Hanger,bracketCovers: Subaru Outback 1996–1997, Legacy 1996–1997
Vehicle description: passenger station wagon, sedan and sport utility vehicles. Due to improper welding, fractures can occur on the support bracket of the front transverse link.
Recall details for the 1996 Subaru Outback → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 14 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10240110Jul 11, 2023Equipment. This bulletin announces the recommended cleaning procedures to followed when encountering vehicles with long time exposure to pollen on painted surfaces on vehicles imported from Japan. This…
- 10219492Aug 23, 2022Equipment. This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 10219491Aug 23, 2022Electrical system, Equipment. This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
- 10209915Mar 18, 2022Electrical system. This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic essential information during diagnosis and repair of the Infotainment concerns. (Applicable to all models with Harman or…
- 10198758Jun 17, 2021Equipment, Electrical system. This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models
- 10198749Jun 7, 2021Equipment, Engine cooling. This bulletin is to advise of SOAâs revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
- 10187315Feb 1, 2021Equipment. To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate Special Service Tool.
- 10179378Aug 4, 2020Equipment. Special Service Tools Cross Reference List.
- 10174543Apr 30, 2020Equipment. All Models (Vehicle Cleaning- COVID-19Best Practices)
- 10163525Jul 11, 2019Brakes. This Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips. This will prevent the pad from dragging due to…
Other model years of the Subaru Outback
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 21 | — | 0 | — | 24 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 83 | 2,000 | 0 | 5 | 25 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 105 | 3,395 | 0 | 5 | 25 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 89 | 7,500 | 2 | 5 | 25 | 0 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 465 | 13,947 | 4 | 5 | 26 | 77 · More | Stable |
| 2021 | 299 | 3,600 | 4 | 5 | 29 | 59 · Typical | Falling |
| 2020 | 902 | 5,750 | 6 | 5 | 29 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2019 | 1,036 | 10,194 | 3 | 5 | 28 | 87 · More | Falling |
| 2018 | 816 | 16,794 | 3 | 5 | 28 | 72 · More | Falling |
| 2017 | 921 | 30,000 | 4 | 5 | 28 | 68 · More | Falling |
| 2016 | 643 | 35,000 | 4 | 5 | 28 | 54 · Typical | Falling |
| 2015 | 510 | 20,000 | 5 | 5 | 28 | 70 · More | Falling |
| 2014 | 208 | 35,000 | 10 | 5 | 24 | 13 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2013 | 297 | 44,100 | 12 | 5 | 24 | 21 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 294 | 90,000 | 16 | 4 | 22 | 3 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2011 | 653 | 85,000 | 16 | 4 | 22 | 46 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 360 | 68,000 | 18 | — | 22 | 37 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 106 | 70,350 | 13 | — | 20 | 0 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2008 | 226 | 79,150 | 8 | — | 20 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 130 | 81,147 | 8 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 277 | 95,316 | 7 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 273 | 82,000 | 9 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 90 | 67,693 | 10 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 93 | 73,762 | 14 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 143 | 70,500 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 171 | 72,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 207 | 68,318 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 111 | 89,500 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 127 | 91,486 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 79 | 103,995 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 46 | 125,453 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Subaru Outback model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1996 Subaru Outback have?
NHTSA recorded 46 consumer complaints for the 1996 Subaru Outback as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1996 Subaru Outback is reported most often?
Engine cooling is named most often, in 10 complaints (22% of the total), followed by air bags with 8.
Has the 1996 Subaru Outback been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 1996 Subaru Outback reported?
Among the 14 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 125,453 miles and the middle half falls between 97,600 and 169,000 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.