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Air bagsPart report

1996 Subaru Outback Air bags Problems

Complaints
8about this part
Share
17%of 46 total for the year
Median mileage
—not reported
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the air bags of the 1996 Subaru Outback, 17% of the 46 complaints for this model year. 7 of these say a crash was involved, 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.

“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 2001-11

“When traveling 45 and MPH upon applying the brake pedal to make a suden stop, vehicle continued to acclerate ,causing extended stopping distance, resulting in an accident. Upon impact, neither driver's side nor passenger's side air bags deployed. Passenger side frontal damage to the front end. Consumer has contacted the dealer. Please provide any further details.”

NHTSA complaint #847569, filed 1999-09

“While sitting at a intersection waiting for the light to change the air bags went off inadvertently. Driver was not injured, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. A cause could not be determined at this time.”

NHTSA complaint #10115555, filed 2005-03

“Vehicle was rearended by another vehicle. Then Outback rearended another vehicle. Airbags deployed. Passenger's side air bag cover disengaged & shattered windshield. Restraint cover came off completely. Passenger was injured by air bag.”

NHTSA complaint #826834, filed 1998-08

“Vehicle did a 360 degree spin across the highway and rolled over, neither driver's or passenger's side airbags deployed. The roof and the front end caved in. Also the seat belts did not hold.”

NHTSA complaint #834306, filed 1999-02

Air bags: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202556%
202466%
202322%
202261%
2021165%
2020182%
2019131%
201881%
2017162%
2016102%
2015143%
20143818%
20134214%
20123913%
20117311%
20104412%
20093028%
200810446%
20074736%
20064014%
20053814%
20042528%
20031920%
200254%
200132%
200052%
199976%
1998119%
199723%
1996817%

Other parts of the 1996 Subaru Outback

Engine cooling
10 complaints
Brakes
7 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
5 complaints
Suspension
4 complaints
Tires
4 complaints
Vehicle speed control
4 complaints
Body and structure
3 complaints
Wheels
3 complaints
Fuel system
2 complaints
Seat belts
2 complaints
Electrical system
1 complaints
Exterior lighting
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1996 Subaru Outback

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