Menu

1996 Subaru OutbackProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 46 owner complaints about the 1996 Subaru Outback, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

78
CarFlaw IndexOne of the best years72% below the Outback median · #29 of 29 years by complaints
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints4619 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage115kEngine and engine cooling, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 5, 2014. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1996 Subaru Outback has problems

46 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine and engine cooling100
Air bags87
Power train53
Suspension41
Vehicle speed control41
Service brakes, hydraulic41
Tires41
Wheels31
Service brakes32
6 other systems103

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

1996 Subaru Outback recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Springs: coil springs

Recall 01V-216 · Jun 25, 2001 · 180,000 vehicles

Risk. DEPENDING ON THE LOCATION OF THE FRACTURE, A BROKEN SPRING COULD MOVE PAST THE SPRING SEAT AND CONTACT A FRONT TIRE.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Leaf spring assembly: hanger,bracket

Recall 98V-091 · May 4, 1998 · 29,442 vehicles

Risk. SUCH FRACTURES CAN RESULT IN PARTIAL OR COMPLETE SEPARATION OF THE BRACKET CAUSING A FAILURE OF THE LOWER SUSPENSION MOUNTING, LEADING TO A LOSS OF VEHICLE…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Subaru.

Best & worst years

1996 vs. every other Outback year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Outback median. How we score

'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What Outback owners report

Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

WHILE DRIVING VERY BUSY HIGHWAY, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WENT ALL THE WAY TO "H". I PULLED OVER AND NOTICED SOME STEAM UNDER HOOD. ADDED SOME WATER. A LITTLE LATER, STILL ON "H". MECHANIC WHO HAS SERVICED MY 1996 SUBARU OUTBACK SINCE I GOT IT IN 1998 SAID IT HAD A BLOWN HEAD GASKET, COMMON WITH…
Complaint 10299746 · Jan 14, 2010 · 100,000 miles
CAR OVERHEATED WITHOUT WARNING. SUSPECT HEADGASKET FAILURE ALLOWING COOLANT TO ESCAPE AND ENGINE TO OVERHEAT. (POTENTIAL FOR CAR TO UNEXPECTEDLY STALL ON INTERSTATE) UPON INTERNET SEARCH FOUND THAT HUNDREDS OF THE SUBARU 2.5L ENGINES SUFFER FROM SAME CONDITION (1995-1999).…
Complaint 10289921 · Oct 26, 2009 · 166,000 miles
1. JUST BOUGHT FROM DEALER. GOING TO GET GAS. 2. OVERHEATING. AUTO MECHANIC SAID OIL IN THE ANTIFREEZE. HEAD GASKET. 3. REPAIRED HEAD GASKET ETC. *TR
Complaint 10225852 · Apr 28, 2008 · 161,423 miles

Own a 1996 Outback?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.