1996 Subaru Outback Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 15%of 46 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 87,696miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Subaru Outback, 15% of the 46 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 87,696 miles. 3 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.
“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 miles“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“The anti skid system on this vehicle has a major flaw in operational design that only becomes evident in packed snow & ice conditions, and at very low initial speeds, when first beginning to move on a downhill slope. On such slippery surfaces, when the car is barely moving forward downhill by gravity, if you apply the brakes ever so gently to avoid unwanted acceleration, the anti-skid will release rapidly and continuously, destroying any deceleration capabilitity, even though the surface friction characteristics are such that the tires could grip and stop the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #735633, filed 2000-11“The design of the anti-lock brake system (ABS) seems to overcompensate in icy or slick conditions, to the point that no significant braking occurs. This has caused the vehicle to sail through intersections during icy conditions numerous times. The system does not perform as other ABS systems such as chrysler/dodge. This problem is typical for those people driving in northern areas of the u.s. Where winter condition exist. The problem appears to be a design defect, not a maintenance related issue. Constant or increased pressure on the brakes did not affect the outcome. …”
NHTSA complaint #716912, filed 2000-01Related service bulletins
- 10163525Jul 11, 2019This Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips. This will prevent the pad from…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 5% |
| 2025 | 7 | 8% |
| 2024 | 4 | 4% |
| 2023 | 7 | 8% |
| 2022 | 11 | 2% |
| 2021 | 8 | 3% |
| 2020 | 15 | 2% |
| 2019 | 22 | 2% |
| 2018 | 18 | 2% |
| 2017 | 25 | 3% |
| 2016 | 19 | 3% |
| 2015 | 28 | 5% |
| 2014 | 22 | 11% |
| 2013 | 31 | 10% |
| 2012 | 40 | 14% |
| 2011 | 78 | 12% |
| 2010 | 40 | 11% |
| 2009 | 8 | 8% |
| 2008 | 31 | 14% |
| 2007 | 8 | 6% |
| 2006 | 19 | 7% |
| 2005 | 31 | 11% |
| 2004 | 3 | 3% |
| 2003 | 7 | 8% |
| 2002 | 31 | 22% |
| 2001 | 30 | 18% |
| 2000 | 12 | 6% |
| 1999 | 9 | 8% |
| 1998 | 15 | 12% |
| 1997 | 9 | 11% |
| 1996 | 7 | 15% |
Other parts of the 1996 Subaru Outback
10 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsTires
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsWheels
3 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsExterior 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 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