1996 Subaru Outback Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 11%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 5 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1996 Subaru Outback, 11% of the 46 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 87,696 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, 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.
“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 2004-11Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 5% |
| 2025 | 5 | 6% |
| 2024 | 6 | 6% |
| 2023 | 5 | 6% |
| 2022 | 18 | 4% |
| 2021 | 12 | 4% |
| 2020 | 48 | 5% |
| 2019 | 16 | 2% |
| 2018 | 14 | 2% |
| 2017 | 47 | 5% |
| 2016 | 45 | 7% |
| 2015 | 37 | 7% |
| 2014 | 25 | 12% |
| 2013 | 60 | 20% |
| 2012 | 108 | 37% |
| 2011 | 216 | 33% |
| 2010 | 94 | 26% |
| 2009 | 8 | 8% |
| 2008 | 12 | 5% |
| 2007 | 9 | 7% |
| 2006 | 17 | 6% |
| 2005 | 17 | 6% |
| 2004 | 10 | 11% |
| 2003 | 13 | 14% |
| 2002 | 20 | 14% |
| 2001 | 23 | 13% |
| 2000 | 42 | 20% |
| 1999 | 29 | 26% |
| 1998 | 19 | 15% |
| 1997 | 8 | 10% |
| 1996 | 5 | 11% |
Other parts of the 1996 Subaru Outback
10 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsBrakes
7 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