1996 Subaru Legacy
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Subaru › Legacy › 1996
These records cover every 1996 Subaru Legacy. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 1996 Subaru Legacy. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
This IS not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. however, it IS deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. vehicle description: passenger vehicles. some of these vehicles have an alternator problem that can result in a loss of charging capability.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the alternator fails, the alternator warning telltale will alert the driver to the problem, giving ample opportunity to seek repair before a loss of battery power, which, if the warning were ignored, could ultimately result in a loss of vehicle power (engine stall).
Remedy
Dealers will replace the alternator with a modified alternator. owners will also be cautioned that, should the alternator telltale warning lamp illuminate, they must seek immediate repair to avoid the eventual loss of electrical power, which could result in an engine stall.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. inadvertent air bag deployment can occur after undercarriage contact of the tow hooks with curbs, dips, speedbumps, potholes, etc.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Unexpected air bag deployment could result in personal injury.
Remedy
Dealers will remove the front tow hooks.
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.
Risk and remedy
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 control.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace if necessary the front suspension support brackets.
Owner complaints
123 complaints26 involved a crash4 involved a fire17 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Power train › Driveline › Differential unit
TL* the contact owns a 1996 subaru legacy. The contact stated that while driving 60 mph, there was a loud noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact then noticed that there was smoke and flames coming from the rear end of the vehicle. The fire department was contacted and a fire report…
TL* the contact owns a 1996 subaru legacy. The contact stated that while driving 60 mph, there was a loud noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact then noticed that there was smoke and flames coming from the rear end of the vehicle. The fire department was contacted and a fire report was filed. The vehicle was then towed to an authorized dealer where they inspected and advised that the differential failed due to the vehicle becoming overheated. The vehicle was not repaired. The vin was not available. The failure and the current mileage was 255,000.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 1996 subaru legacy. The contact was driving 5 mph when another vehicle crashed into his bumper and the air bags deployed. There were no physical damages to the vehicle and there were no injuries reported. A police report was filed of the incident. The vehicle was towed to a…
TL* the contact owns a 1996 subaru legacy. The contact was driving 5 mph when another vehicle crashed into his bumper and the air bags deployed. There were no physical damages to the vehicle and there were no injuries reported. A police report was filed of the incident. The vehicle was towed to a local auto mechanic to have the air bags and the windshield repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the incident. The failure mileage was 108,000.
- Power train › Driveline
My daughter was driving her 96 subaru legacy the other day to the store when she was alerted by another driver that her car was on fire. Luckily they had a fire extinguisher and was able to put it out. beechmont subaru said this was the first time they ever saw a rear differential catch on fire.…
My daughter was driving her 96 subaru legacy the other day to the store when she was alerted by another driver that her car was on fire. Luckily they had a fire extinguisher and was able to put it out. beechmont subaru said this was the first time they ever saw a rear differential catch on fire. I wanted to make subaru aware and maybe get some help on this repair. Making sure it done correctly. It was a very frightening phone call from my daughter. This web site will not allow me to enter the vin. [Xxx]. I will edit the vin till the site accepts my complaint. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *Tr
- Electrical system
1996 suburu legacy shuts down all electrical system. Purchased in utah drove to denver area. Went to dmv to register then car quit. Rests a while then starts. *Tr
- Fuel system, other
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 subaru legacy. the vehicle failed to start and was towed to the dealer. the dealer attributed the cause of failure to the wires inside the fuel tank being burnt because the internal connector had loose terminals. the fuel pump module was replaced. the current mileage IS 85,000 and failure mileage was 84,600.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 subaru legacy. while filling the gas tank the contact noticed a puddle of gas forming under the vehicle. the filler pipe rusted through and caused thin holes. the current and failure mileages were 110,000.*ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap
Dt*: the contact stated an odor of fuel was detected and a puddle began to form on the ground while the vehicle was parked. the vehicle was taken to the dealership and the fuel filler tube was replaced. updated 9/5/2006 - *nm
- Vehicle speed control
Dt: contact stated that while pulling into the garage vehicle accelerated without warning and hit the rear of the garage and did damage to the building. The vehicle was totaled. Dealer said they never heard of this problem. Manufacturer has not been contacted yet. *Ak updated 11/16/2005 - *nm
- Fuel system, other › Storage › Fuel gauge system
Dt: the caller says his gas gauge will show empty when it gets down to half a tank. He states that it does not happen all the time. It has been happening for a month. Dealer and manufacturer have not been contacted yet.*ak the consumer did contact the manufacturer and was told to take the vehicle to the dealer, but there would be a charge to inspect the vehicle. *Jb
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Stone gaurd protecting fuel filler pipe caused dirt to be trapped blocking drain and water to accumulate against filler pipe. rusted filler pipe causing leaking.
- Electrical system › Ignition · Exterior lighting › Headlights · Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springs
Request for reimbursement regarding the repair of the 1996 subaru legacy driver's side front spring.*mr during a routine inspection, it was discovered that the spring on the left front of the consumers vehicle had failed for the second time. when the original spring failed the first time, it caused damaged to the tire and the spare tire. the ignition wire were worn, the headlight bulb was replaced. *Jb
- Air bags
My 1996 subaru outback experienced an air bag malfunction on 6/14/2005. while driving down our local highway at 55 mph the vehicle's air bag suddenly deployed. the sudden deployment caused the vehicle to stall. the vehicle was taken to the dealer but due to the mileage on the vehicle they…
My 1996 subaru outback experienced an air bag malfunction on 6/14/2005. while driving down our local highway at 55 mph the vehicle's air bag suddenly deployed. the sudden deployment caused the vehicle to stall. the vehicle was taken to the dealer but due to the mileage on the vehicle they refused to contact the manufacturer about repairs. the insurance inspector believes that the failure was due to a malfunction in the system because there was no damage to the front end of the vehicle to indicate a 55 mph crash. *nm *nm
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap
Dt: the filler pipe on fuel tank rotted out and leaked fuel all over the place. Dealer said it was not a safety defect and no recall was noted.
- Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springs
Today, 06/17/05, during a routine nys safety inspection, it was discovered that the spring on the driver's side front of my 1996 subaru legacy failed for a second time. In 1999 the original spring snapped causing damage to both the tire and the spare. At that time the spring was repalced.i…
Today, 06/17/05, during a routine nys safety inspection, it was discovered that the spring on the driver's side front of my 1996 subaru legacy failed for a second time. In 1999 the original spring snapped causing damage to both the tire and the spare. At that time the spring was repalced.i contacted subaru about this unusual failure but they did nothing. In 2001 I received a recall letter from subaru because of spring failures. As instructed, I returned the car to the dealership were both front springs were was fitted with safety devices to prevent another failure. I assumed that the problem was solved and the car would be safe to drive. Eventually I was reimbursed for my repair expenses. today I contacted subaru consumer service department when I learned that the replacement spring failed and needed replacement. I was told by a representative that subaru had met its recall obligations and would do nothing about the failure of the front end replacement spring. Subaru has not solved my problem and I will be requesting reimbursement for a second time.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
The vehicle was slowly moving into driveway and the brakes were applied and failed to stop the vehicle and hit the house. the vehicle was towed. the consumer was informed by dealership that the master cylinder failed. the master cylinder needed to be replaced. *ak the consumer stated that there was no warning. the failure of the master cylinder caused the front brakes rotors and pads to burn up. *sc
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery · Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator
While driving the battery warning light came on followed by engine stalling. Vehicle was towed to a service station , who indicated that this occurred because of alternator failure. The alternator and battery were replaced. The failure recurred. An alternator recall 00i002000 was issued, but this vehicle was not included due to vin. *ak
- Seats › Front assembly › Recliner
My daughter spun her 1996 subaru legacy wagon while trying to miss a deer at about 45 mph. She hit a tree going backwards. in the collision the seat back broke on the drivers seat. This caused her to hit her head and neck and she suffered a broken neck. The seat back should not have broken in a rear end collision. The car was in good shape and only had 60,000 miles.*ak
- Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › Latch
While driving 55 mph the hood flew open, shattering the front windshield. dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
1996 subaru legacy, brighton model sw 65,000 miles I purchased the vehicle new. I have had plugs and wires replaced several times in the past year. this last time one plug wire and plug was bad. the problem I was having was when accelerating at high speeds there was a miss or hesitation in the…
1996 subaru legacy, brighton model sw 65,000 miles I purchased the vehicle new. I have had plugs and wires replaced several times in the past year. this last time one plug wire and plug was bad. the problem I was having was when accelerating at high speeds there was a miss or hesitation in the engine as well as the a shaking. also, the check engine light came on. this also happens more often when the vehicle IS cold or when it IS cold outside. my local dealer finally believes it IS a bad valve guide. he dropped the exhaust manifold and could see one of the guides having down from there. I have not had this fixed yet, I just found this out 1-2-04. I understand there has been several legacy's which were made in 1995 and 1996 that have had this problem. I have also seen a complaint which was filed at this web site regarding the same problem it IS odi ID no. 732588. this IS a costly problem and feel subaru should recall these vehicles. I am hoping to get the problem fixed within the next week or so. I also feel dealerships should be made aware to check this problem when plugs begin to fowl out like mine has done several times now. I will let you know how this goes. jd *la
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
While traveling at 35 mph head gasket blew out, driver lost power steering, and engine died. vehicle was towed to a mechanic, who indicated that engine needed to be replaced along with some other components. *Ak
- Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springs
Consumer made an appointment with the dealer about two weeks ago for recall 01v216000 repairs regarding front coil springs. the consumer had taken the vehicle to the dealer on 7/11/2003, and the dealer stated no parts were available, and there was nothing they could do to further assist them. *ak *scc *nlm
- Power train › Automatic transmission
1996 subaru legacy - auto trans. car binds on slow turns. subaru tech. States that vehicle needs about $1000 in repair to the AWD system, this includes transfer clutches, housing, etc. only 44,000 miles on vehicle! tech stated that he has never seen this problem on a vehicle with such low…
1996 subaru legacy - auto trans. car binds on slow turns. subaru tech. States that vehicle needs about $1000 in repair to the AWD system, this includes transfer clutches, housing, etc. only 44,000 miles on vehicle! tech stated that he has never seen this problem on a vehicle with such low mileage. called subaru of america and they stated that they will not assist in repairs. I purchasd the vehicle to have AWD and this IS the system that IS failing! since AWD IS the benchmark of subaru, I would have thought they would stand behind their product. please advise.*ak
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Crankcase (pcv) · Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system · Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap
I have a 1996 subaru legacy l with an intermittent engine miss with a p0304 (miss in cylinder 4) code. Most of the time it runs fine but when it misses, it IS very violent. It seems to resonate. Changing speed usually makes it go away. When it first started, it only occurred once a month. Over the…
I have a 1996 subaru legacy l with an intermittent engine miss with a p0304 (miss in cylinder 4) code. Most of the time it runs fine but when it misses, it IS very violent. It seems to resonate. Changing speed usually makes it go away. When it first started, it only occurred once a month. Over the past year, and after several mechanics visits, it now occurs nearly every trip.i have replaced spark plugs (yes ngk), spark plug wires (subaru original equipment), gas filter, air filter, coil, pcv valve, knock sensor, cam and crankshaft sensors. The injectors have been swapped between cylinders. I have been to an independent mechanic twice. On the second trip he gave up and advised I go to a subaru dealer. After two visits to the subaru dealer, I've spent several hundred additional dollars and still have the problem. they replaced plugs, knock, cam, and crankshaft sensors.doesn't subaru have diagnostics to identify what this problem IS. I took the car to them with the expectation that they could identify what IS wrong instead of just replacing highly suspect parts. They don't seem to be doing any better than I have done on my own.*ak I've seen others post problems here and at edmunds with driveability issues. I've never seen a posting that indicated it was actually solved. surely subaru knows about this problem and has a fix. it has gone from an annoyance to a safety issue. does anyone have any suggestions? Are some subarus just lemons?
- Power train › Transfer case (4-wheel drive)
While traveling at 10 mph through the snow vehicle got stuck in the snow. vehicle was suppose to be equipped with all wheel drive, but didn't perform like it.*ak
- Vehicle speed control
Consumer states that the vehicle lurches foward unexpectedly. cause unknown. please provide any further information.**ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Electrical system
Odi has received 5,820 complaints concerning a variety of electrical system failures that result in the vehicle stalling.our complaint analysis indicates that the majority of these compaints are caused by alternator failure.in some instances, the vehicle IS completely dead and will not restart.based on our…
Odi has received 5,820 complaints concerning a variety of electrical system failures that result in the vehicle stalling.our complaint analysis indicates that the majority of these compaints are caused by alternator failure.in some instances, the vehicle IS completely dead and will not restart.based on our investigation and the manufacturer's respomse, odi IS closing this investigation because the manufacturer has agreed to perform the owner nortification program cited above, including quarterly notifications to odi.this program allows owners to get their alternator replaced for free.further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that no safety-related defect exists.odi will continue to monitor this matter closely, and the agency reserves the right to take further action on these models if warranted by the circumstances.
- Oversensitive air bag deployment
In its letter dated december 21, 1998, subaru stated that the vehicles identified above will be recalled.subaru dealers will remove the front towing/tie-down hooks.refer to nhtsa recall no. 98V-315 for details.
- Oversensitive air bag deployment
Odi has reviewed 33 complaints of oversensitive' air bag deployment (i.e., any non-crash deployment) received by odi and subaru involving model year 1995 subaru impreza & legacy vehicles and all other impreza & legacy vehicles equipped with air bag systems identical or similar to those in the 1995 impreza & legacy…
Odi has reviewed 33 complaints of oversensitive' air bag deployment (i.e., any non-crash deployment) received by odi and subaru involving model year 1995 subaru impreza & legacy vehicles and all other impreza & legacy vehicles equipped with air bag systems identical or similar to those in the 1995 impreza & legacy; they are late 1994-1996 impreza and all1995 & 1996 legacy (33 complaints out of 165,385 vehicles).odi's analysis indicates that certain impreza & legacy vehicles - - late 1994 & early 1995 impreza and all 1995 & early 1996 legacy (29 complaints out of 95,678 vehicles) -- have much higher complaint rate than the remaining vehicles which are different in vehicle structure or equipped with different air bag sensing system.most of the complaints (26 of the 29) indicate that the vehicle's dual air bags deployed from an undercarriage impact with a curb, bump, dip, pothole, etc.in the remaining 3 complaints, the driver alleged that the air bags deployed inadvertently or without any impact.in 13 of the 29 cases, only the vehicle's front tow hooks reportedly were found damaged or showed evidence of impact, and in 6 other cases both tow hooks and other undercarriage components were reportedly damaged or impacted; no details were given in the 10 remaining cases.this pe has been upgraded to ea97-010
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10240110This bulletin announces the recommended cleaning procedures to followed when encountering vehicles with long time exposure to pollen on painted surfaces on vehicles imported from Japan. This bulletin does not apply to SIA built vehicles.
- 10219492This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 10219491This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
- 10209915This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic essential information during diagnosis and repair of the Infotainment concerns. (Applicable to all models with Harman or Denso CP1 Infotainment).
- 10198758This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models
- 10198749This bulletin is to advise of SOAs revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
- 10187315To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate Special Service Tool.
- 10179378Special Service Tools Cross Reference List.
- 10174543All Models (Vehicle Cleaning- COVID-19Best Practices)
- 10163525This Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips. This will prevent the pad from dragging due to corrosion buildup which may result in uneven or premature wear of the replacement brake pads. This additional instruction applies to all models with brake pads using the upper and lower pad clips and has been added to the brake pad installation procedures found in the related Service Manuals.
- 10161824Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newletter.
- 10161813To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate Special Service Tool.
- 10037968Subaru: there IS a steering wheel vibration at highway speeds due to an imporper wheel balance.
- 10022343Headlight bulb socket repairs.
- 10019343Rubbing mark on timing belt. Subaru.
- 10001726Clutch pedal sticking.
- 10000642New procedure for replacing rear wheel bearings.
- 631078Subject regarding shifter rattle.
- 627826Information regarding front spring guard bulletin update.
- 626926Information regarding seat belt latch slides to the lower seat belt anchor. Updated
- 625877Subject on regarding steering knocking/rattle noise when turning.
- 618425Some vehicles may experience a loss of alternator charging due to a broken brush wire.
- 608198Vehicles equipped with manual transmissions may exhibit first gear popping out while driving.
- 605951Subject regarding front tow-hook removal campaign.
- 605778Information on installing rear differential protector .
- 604953Service manual supplement volume 7 for the ABS 5.3I system.
- 602763Procedures on transverse link assemblies.
- 602130Some vehicles experience moisture accumulation in the headlights.
- 601879Subject on transverse link assemblies.
- 54208Vehicles may experience loss of voltage regulation from the alternator due to insufficient wiring contact to the alternator ic regulator.
- 512551995-97 legacy rear wheel bearing/seal noise.
- 46649Accessory protective bumper cover adhesion.
- 46644Crossbar kit installation.
Every Subaru Legacy model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.