1996 Subaru Legacy/Outback
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Engine
Engine leads by volume: 32 of 169 complaints (19%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (12) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed fell from 183 in 1995 to 169 in 1996.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | vs. 1996 Compact Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,600–2,950 | 2,500–3,100 | 2,600–2,950 | 2,600–3,100 | |
| Combined MPG | 21–24 | 20–25 | 21–24 | 20–24 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 19–21 / 26–29 | 18–21 / 24–30 | 18–21 / 24–29 | 18–21 / 24–29 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 370–423 | 355–444 | 370–423 | 370–444 | |
| Complaints filed | 183 | 169 | 218 | 241 | |
| Recalls issued | 2 | 4 | 6 | 5 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 34 | 38 | 25 | 26 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 3 | 5 | 4 | 4 | |
| Injuries reported | 28 | 25 | 11 | 20 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
| Configurations compared | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 1996 Subaru Legacy/Outback have?
4 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 1996 Subaru Legacy/Outback?
Engine: 32 of 169 NHTSA complaints (19%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 1996 Subaru Legacy/Outback get?
EPA rates it 20–25 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 1996 Subaru Legacy/Outback?
EPA estimates $2,500–$3,100 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (9)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 2.2L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 21 mpg (high) | 29 mpg | 24 mpg | $2,600 | 370 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.2L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 21 mpg (high) | 30 mpg (high) | 25 mpg (high) | $2,500 (low) | 355 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 2.2L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 19 mpg | 26 mpg | 22 mpg | $2,850 | 404 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.2L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 19 mpg | 26 mpg | 22 mpg | $2,850 | 404 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 2.5L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 18 mpg (low) | 24 mpg (low) | 20 mpg (low) | $3,100 (high) | 444 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 2.2L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize-Large Station Wagons | 21 mpg (high) | 29 mpg | 24 mpg | $2,600 | 370 g/mi |
| Configuration 7 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 2.2L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize-Large Station Wagons | 19 mpg | 26 mpg | 22 mpg | $2,850 | 404 g/mi |
| Configuration 8 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.2L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize-Large Station Wagons | 19 mpg | 26 mpg | 22 mpg | $2,850 | 404 g/mi |
| Configuration 9 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 2.5L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize-Large Station Wagons | 18 mpg (low) | 24 mpg (low) | 20 mpg (low) | $3,100 (high) | 444 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 32 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 13 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 22 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 25 | 9 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Steering | 3 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 22 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 32 | 23 | 0 | 12 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 11 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 12 | 5 | 0 | 6 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (4)
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS · Campaign 01V216000 · Jun 26, 2001
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR · Campaign 00I002000 · Aug 24, 2000
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
AIR BAGS · Campaign 98V315000 · Dec 14, 1998
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT CAN OCCUR AFTER UNDERCARRIAGE CONTACT OF THE TOW HOOKS WITH CURBS, DIPS, SPEEDBUMPS, POTHOLES, ETC.
Consequence: UNEXPECTED AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT COULD RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE FRONT TOW HOOKS.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY:HANGER,BRACKET · Campaign 98V091000 · May 6, 1998
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.