1996 Subaru Legacy
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1987 | 1 |
| 1988 | 1 |
| 1989 | 1 |
| 1990 | 81 |
| 1991 | 78 |
| 1992 | 55 |
| 1993 | 77 |
| 1994 | 60 |
| 1995 | 182 |
| 1996 | 123 |
| 1997 | 139 |
| 1998 | 114 |
| 1999 | 94 |
| 2000 | 94 |
| 2001 | 77 |
| 2002 | 54 |
| 2003 | 60 |
| 2004 | 49 |
| 2005 | 182 |
| 2006 | 87 |
| 2007 | 33 |
| 2008 | 65 |
| 2009 | 65 |
| 2010 | 150 |
| 2011 | 167 |
| 2012 | 90 |
| 2013 | 66 |
| 2014 | 53 |
| 2015 | 159 |
| 2016 | 145 |
| 2017 | 118 |
| 2018 | 116 |
| 2019 | 122 |
| 2020 | 121 |
| 2021 | 31 |
| 2022 | 32 |
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2024 | 15 |
| 2025 | 6 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
15% of complaints: air bags — 18 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
AIR BAG INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED CAUSING DRIVER TO LOOSE CONTROL AND STRIKE ANOTHER VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 19960904
DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN A FRONTAL COLLISION AT 35 MPH. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960229
DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN A FRONTAL COLLISION AT 35 MPH. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960229
10% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 12 distinct reports on file.
CRASH9% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 11 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 7 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: electrical system — 7 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
OVERSENSITIVE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT
OVERSENSITIVE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY THE FRONT SUSPENSION SUPPORT BRACKETS.
Campaign 98V091000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT CAN OCCUR AFTER UNDERCARRIAGE CONTACT OF THE TOW HOOKS WITH CURBS, DIPS, SPEEDBUMPS, POTHOLES, ETC.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE FRONT TOW HOOKS.
Campaign 98V315000 — check if this car was fixed
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
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 TH
Campaign 00I002000 — check if this car was fixed
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, M
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 C
Campaign 01V216000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1996 Subaru Legacy — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 98V091000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 98V315000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 00I002000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 01V216000 (suspension) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1996 Subaru Legacy reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 Subaru Legacy is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Subaru Legacy?
The most-reported component is air bags:frontal, accounting for 15% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Subaru Legacy have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.