1996 Subaru Outback
This year had at least 30% fewer 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 |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 2 |
| 1996 | 46 |
| 1997 | 79 |
| 1998 | 127 |
| 1999 | 111 |
| 2000 | 207 |
| 2001 | 171 |
| 2002 | 143 |
| 2003 | 93 |
| 2004 | 90 |
| 2005 | 273 |
| 2006 | 276 |
| 2007 | 129 |
| 2008 | 226 |
| 2009 | 105 |
| 2010 | 359 |
| 2011 | 649 |
| 2012 | 290 |
| 2013 | 295 |
| 2014 | 208 |
| 2015 | 505 |
| 2016 | 639 |
| 2017 | 917 |
| 2018 | 803 |
| 2019 | 1029 |
| 2020 | 890 |
| 2021 | 291 |
| 2022 | 453 |
| 2023 | 85 |
| 2024 | 89 |
| 2025 | 65 |
| 2026 | 8 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
15% of complaints: air bags — 7 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 10MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE HIT THE BACK TIRE OF A DUMP TRUCK AND THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19970826
13% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 6 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: wheels — 3 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
CONSUMER STATES WHEELS ARE OXDIZING/CORRODING AND AIR IS LEAKING IN ALL TIRES. CHECKED BY DEALER WHO OXIDIZED THE TIRES.*JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20020924
7% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 3 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: structure — 3 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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...
NHTSA ODI report, 20140221
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 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 Outback — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for wheels issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 98V091000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 01V216000 (suspension) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1996 Subaru Outback reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 Subaru Outback is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Subaru Outback?
The most-reported component is air bags:frontal, accounting for 15% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Subaru Outback have?
2 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.