1996 Subaru Outback Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 4%of 46 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 135,906miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the fuel system of the 1996 Subaru Outback, 4% of the 46 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 135,906 miles.
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.
“Dt: the consumer states that the 1996 Subaru Outback was having a problem with the gas tank filler guard and pipe. The guard rusted from debris over the years, and dirt and debris were getting underneath the guard. The result was rusting and leaking gas from the gas tank. The gas tank was noticed leaking last week. The owner has contacted the dealer, has e-mailed and contacted Subaru via phone. They seemed not interested in the fact that the car was old.”
NHTSA complaint #10133703, filed 2005-08, 135,906 miles“Dt: 1996 Subaru Outback caller complained about the fuel injection .system. When starting the car it shut off again. When driving it didn't have any speed, the speed odometer was 60 MPH when going 40 MPH. Sometimes it will pick up speed and sometimes it won't. Took vehicle to dealer and he would not work on this car. The car will not accelerate, and he would not listen . The car was parked on the road side now and it will not run. The car vibrated when trying to start the car today. And the car will not start. This has been happening for the last two weeks and today the car just died.”
NHTSA complaint #10129375, filed 2005-07Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 4% |
| 2024 | 2 | 2% |
| 2023 | 2 | 2% |
| 2022 | 6 | 1% |
| 2021 | 10 | 3% |
| 2020 | 15 | 2% |
| 2019 | 32 | 3% |
| 2018 | 46 | 6% |
| 2017 | 16 | 2% |
| 2016 | 13 | 2% |
| 2015 | 18 | 4% |
| 2014 | 13 | 6% |
| 2013 | 15 | 5% |
| 2012 | 4 | 1% |
| 2011 | 16 | 2% |
| 2010 | 5 | 1% |
| 2009 | 7 | 7% |
| 2008 | 3 | 1% |
| 2007 | 6 | 5% |
| 2006 | 40 | 14% |
| 2005 | 19 | 7% |
| 2004 | 6 | 7% |
| 2003 | 4 | 4% |
| 2002 | 32 | 22% |
| 2001 | 32 | 19% |
| 2000 | 12 | 6% |
| 1999 | 4 | 4% |
| 1998 | 4 | 3% |
| 1997 | 5 | 6% |
| 1996 | 2 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1996 Subaru Outback
10 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsTires
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsWheels
3 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 29, 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