1996 Subaru Outback Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 9%of 46 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 186,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 1996 Subaru Outback, 9% of the 46 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 186,000 miles. 1 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.
“The contact owns a 1996 Subaru Outback. When the contact placed her vehicle into reverse and then drive, it sped off on its own and did not respond when the brake and accelerator pedals were depressed. The contact did not have control over the steering as well. She attempted to steer the vehicle into tall grass; however, approximately 25 feet later, the vehicle suddenly began to respond and she was able to take control. She called several dealers, but they claimed to never have heard of the failure. The vehicle has not been repaired and the manufacturer was not notified. …”
NHTSA complaint #10255943, filed 2009-01, 186,000 miles“Driving 58mph w/traffic speed, w/cruise control on; vehicle in front slowing down; tapped brakes, but cruise control failed to disengage; shifted lever fail to disengage cruise control. Was not able to stop until swerved to miss another vehicle, and hit side of mountain; air bags deployed. Occupants not seriously injured. Treatment at emergency room. Vehicle totaled.”
NHTSA complaint #817299, filed 1997-09“Vehicle experiencing bucking on two occasions when the foot is taken of the accelerator / when making a turn due to solenoid failure. Repairs were done. Problem still exist.”
NHTSA complaint #548376, filed 1999-09Vehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 10% |
| 2025 | 2 | 2% |
| 2024 | 3 | 3% |
| 2023 | 3 | 3% |
| 2022 | 4 | 1% |
| 2021 | 19 | 6% |
| 2020 | 18 | 2% |
| 2019 | 26 | 3% |
| 2018 | 21 | 3% |
| 2017 | 29 | 3% |
| 2016 | 22 | 3% |
| 2015 | 26 | 5% |
| 2014 | 14 | 7% |
| 2013 | 26 | 9% |
| 2012 | 8 | 3% |
| 2011 | 26 | 4% |
| 2010 | 13 | 4% |
| 2009 | 2 | 2% |
| 2008 | 6 | 3% |
| 2007 | 17 | 13% |
| 2006 | 98 | 35% |
| 2005 | 40 | 15% |
| 2004 | 20 | 22% |
| 2003 | 9 | 10% |
| 2002 | 12 | 8% |
| 2001 | 17 | 10% |
| 2000 | 14 | 7% |
| 1999 | 9 | 8% |
| 1998 | 13 | 10% |
| 1997 | 8 | 10% |
| 1996 | 4 | 9% |
Other parts of the 1996 Subaru Outback
10 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsTires
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