1996 Subaru Outback problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 1996 Subaru Outback is among the quieter years of the Outback on NHTSA's books: 57 complaints (78% below the model's median year), 2 recalls, and no open investigations. Complainants reported 14 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (11), airbags (9), and tires & wheels (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

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NCAP overall

How does 1996 compare to other Outback years?

Outback NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Outback years to avoid →

What are the most common 1996 Subaru Outback problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Engine	11	19%	new
Airbags	9	16%	new
Tires & Wheels	7	12%	new
Brakes	7	12%	▲ up
Transmission	5	9%	new
Speed Control	4	7%	▲ up
Suspension	4	7%	new
Body & Structure	3	5%	new
Seat Belts	2	4%	new
Fuel System	2	4%	new
Lighting	1	2%	new
Electrical System	1	2%	new
Visibility & Wipers	1	2%	new

Does the 1996 Subaru Outback have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

01V216000SuspensionJune 25, 2001 · 180,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FRONT COIL SPRINGS ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, NEW HAMPSHIRE, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN, AND IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS WERE PRODUCED WITH POOR PAINT QUALITY WHICH, AFTER CONTINUED EXPOSURE TO CORROSIVE SALT, CAN RESULT IN BREAKAGE OF THE SPRING.

Consequence

DEPENDING ON THE LOCATION OF THE FRACTURE, A BROKEN SPRING COULD MOVE PAST THE SPRING SEAT AND CONTACT A FRONT TIRE. SOME TIRES HAVE DEFLATED DUE TO CONTACT WITH A BROKEN SPRING.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL NOTIFIY CUSTOMERS TO BRING THEIR VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE A SPRING GUARD INSTALLED ON BOTH FRONT STRUTS TO PREVENT TIRE PUNCTURE AND REPLACE ANY BROKEN SPRINGS FREE OF CHARGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 18, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.

98V091000SuspensionMay 4, 1998 · 29,442 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER STATION WAGON, SEDAN AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. DUE TO IMPROPER WELDING, FRACTURES CAN OCCUR ON THE SUPPORT BRACKET OF THE FRONT TRANSVERSE LINK.

Consequence

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 CONTROL.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY THE FRONT SUSPENSION SUPPORT BRACKETS.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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 filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 23, 2009

“WHEN TRAVELING 45 AND MPH UPON APPLYING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO MAKE A SUDEN STOP, VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCLERATE ,CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. UPON IMPACT, NEITHER DRIVER'S SIDE NOR PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. PASSENGER SIDE FRONTAL DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END.…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · crash

“WHEN TRAVELING 45 AND MPH UPON APPLYING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO MAKE A SUDEN STOP, VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCLERATE ,CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. UPON IMPACT, NEITHER DRIVER'S SIDE NOR PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. PASSENGER SIDE FRONTAL DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END.…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · crash

“CONSUMER LOSS CONTROL OF VEHICLE WHEN THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL BROKE AT THE MACPHERSON STRUT CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO FLIP OVER ONCE AND COME TO REST ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. CONSUMER WALKED AWAY WITH ABRASIONS AND BRUISING. *NLM ”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · crash

“RECENTLY PURCHASED (1/17/14) VEHICLE A CATASTROPHIC LOSS AFTER PAX SIDE T-BONE @ A/B PILLAR SUBSEQUENT TO HILL HOLDER SELF-ACTIVATION CAUSED UNRECOVERABLE YAWED SLIDE/SKID (TO A NON-INPUTTED STOP FROM 40-0MPH IN +/- .25MI.) DURING BRAKE/DOWNSHIFT CONTROL INPUT ON (ISTHA FOIA FILE)% UPHILL GRADE IN…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 5, 2014 · crash

1996 Subaru Outback — common questions

Is the 1996 Subaru Outback reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 57 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Outback year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 1996 Outback problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (11 complaints), airbags (9 complaints), tires & wheels (7 complaints).

Does the 1996 Subaru Outback have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1996 Subaru Outback. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Subaru Outback years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Outback years to avoid are 2019, 2020, 2017, 2018, 2011, 2016, 2015, 2022, 2010, 2013, 2021, 2006, 2005, 2003, 2004. The cleanest record among Outback years belongs to 1995.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 1996 compare to other Outback years?

What are the most common 1996 Subaru Outback problems?

Does the 1996 Subaru Outback have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

1996 Subaru Outback — common questions

Is the 1996 Subaru Outback reliable?

What are the most common 1996 Outback problems?

Does the 1996 Subaru Outback have recalls?

Which Subaru Outback years should you avoid?

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