1996 Subaru Outback Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 9%of 46 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 169,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the suspension of the 1996 Subaru Outback, 9% of the 46 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 169,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
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.
“According to Subaru in NHTSA recall no. 01v-216, the protective paint was applied incorrectly to '96 Subaru legacy Outback springs which leads them to rust and break. Subaru will replace the front springs but will not replace the rear springs, even though the same problem occurs on both front and rear springs. Both of my front springs broke, one of my rear springs broke, and the other rear spring is cracked and breaking. …”
NHTSA complaint #10158744, filed 2006-06, 169,000 milesRelated recalls
- 01V216000Jun 25, 2001Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with front coil springs originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware…Covers: Subaru Outback 1995–1999, Legacy 1995–1999
- 98V091000May 4, 1998Vehicle description: passenger station wagon, sedan and sport utility vehicles. Due to improper welding, fractures can occur on the support bracket of the…Covers: Subaru Outback 1996–1997, Legacy 1996–1997
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 5% |
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2024 | 3 | 3% |
| 2022 | 3 | 1% |
| 2021 | 2 | 1% |
| 2020 | 3 | 0% |
| 2019 | 7 | 1% |
| 2018 | 9 | 1% |
| 2017 | 6 | 1% |
| 2016 | 1 | 0% |
| 2015 | 5 | 1% |
| 2014 | 5 | 2% |
| 2013 | 15 | 5% |
| 2012 | 4 | 1% |
| 2011 | 21 | 3% |
| 2010 | 26 | 7% |
| 2009 | 5 | 5% |
| 2008 | 12 | 5% |
| 2007 | 14 | 11% |
| 2006 | 37 | 13% |
| 2005 | 56 | 21% |
| 2004 | 4 | 4% |
| 2003 | 9 | 10% |
| 2002 | 4 | 3% |
| 2001 | 19 | 11% |
| 2000 | 24 | 12% |
| 1999 | 13 | 12% |
| 1998 | 3 | 2% |
| 1997 | 4 | 5% |
| 1996 | 4 | 9% |
Other parts of the 1996 Subaru Outback
10 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 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 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