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
- 46
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Engine and engine cooling
Campaigns on file for 1996
None on file
24% of complaints
Complaints per year
1996: 46 complaints
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 | 277 |
| 2007 | 130 |
| 2008 | 226 |
| 2009 | 106 |
| 2010 | 360 |
| 2011 | 652 |
| 2012 | 295 |
| 2013 | 297 |
| 2014 | 208 |
| 2015 | 509 |
| 2016 | 642 |
| 2017 | 921 |
| 2018 | 816 |
| 2019 | 1,035 |
| 2020 | 903 |
| 2021 | 299 |
| 2022 | 465 |
| 2023 | 89 |
| 2024 | 105 |
| 2025 | 82 |
| 2026 | 21 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine and engine cooling
24% · 11 reportsMost commonly citing engine and exhaust system.
Air bags
20% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing frontal and side/window.
Show complaint excerpts
While sitting at a intersection waiting for the light to change the air bags went off inadvertently. Driver was not injured, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. A cause could not be determined at this time.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-03-22
Vehicle was traveling about 10MPH when the vehicle hit the back tire of a dump truck and the airbag deployed.
NHTSA ODI report, 1997-08-26
Service brakes
15% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Show 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, 2014-02-21
Also filed under Power train and structure
Power train
11% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and universal joint.
Vehicle speed control
9% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing linkages.
Show complaint excerpts
Driving 58MPH w/traffic speed, w/cruise control on; vehicle in front slowing down; tapped brakes, but cruise control failed to disengage; shifted lever fail to disengage cruise control.
NHTSA ODI report, 1997-09-15
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
1998-06-29Suspension98V091000 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.
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R
2001-09-18Suspension01V216000 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…
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…
Buy-smart checklist
1996 Subaru Outback — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 11 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 9 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 7 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 98V091000 · Suspension
- Recall 01V216000 · Suspension
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 engine and engine cooling, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1996 Subaru Outback have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.