Model year guide

1996 Subaru legacy

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1996 Subaru legacy is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 9 on record.

1996 Subaru legacy at a glance

Safety recalls4
Owner complaints141
Combined25 mpg
Typical price$1,150

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

1996 Subaru legacy recalls 4

Electrical System:alternator/generator/regulator NHTSA Campaign #00I002000 · 15/05/2000

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.

Fix: 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.

Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs NHTSA Campaign #01V216000 · 25/06/2001

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 …

Fix: 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 AUTHORIZ…

Suspension:front:springs:leaf Spring Assembly:hanger,bracket NHTSA Campaign #98V091000 · 04/05/1998

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.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY THE FRONT SUSPENSION SUPPORT BRACKETS.

Air Bags NHTSA Campaign #98V315000 · 11/12/1998

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT CAN OCCUR AFTER UNDERCARRIAGE CONTACT OF THE TOW HOOKS WITH CURBS, DIPS, SPEEDBUMPS, POTHOLES, ETC.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE FRONT TOW HOOKS.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

1996 Subaru legacy common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 141 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Fuel System
Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
Gasoline
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Other
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

1996 Subaru legacy MPG & running costs

Combined25 mpg
City21 mpg
Highway30 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,500

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 1996 Subaru legacy worth?

Low
$700
Typical price
$1,150
High
$2,300

From 6 comparable 1996 Subaru legacy listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1996 Subaru legacy costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$12,500
Fuel only$12,500
Per mile$0.17

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

1996 Subaru legacy trims & engines on record

Trims
outback · L
Engines
2.2L · 2.5L

1996 Subaru legacy vehicles on record

Other Subaru legacy model years

1996 Subaru legacy — frequently asked questions

Does the 1996 Subaru legacy have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 1996 Subaru legacy. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 1996 Subaru legacy?

Based on 141 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are fuel system, gasoline, power train.

What gas mileage does the 1996 Subaru legacy get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 1996 Subaru legacy at about 25 mpg combined (21 city / 30 highway).

How much is a 1996 Subaru legacy worth?

Comparable 1996 Subaru legacy listings run roughly $700–$2,300, typically around $1,150 (from 6 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.