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
Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.
1996 Subaru legacy recalls 4
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.
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…
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.
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.
1996 Subaru legacy MPG & running costs
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.
What's a 1996 Subaru legacy worth?
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1996 Subaru legacy costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
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
1996 Subaru legacy vehicles on record
1996 Subaru legacy outback4S3BG6851T7971740
1996 Subaru legacy L4S3BK4354T7303294
1996 Subaru legacy Outback4S3BG4851T6383900
1996 Subaru legacy L4S3BK4357T7304083
1996 Subaru legacy Outback4S3BG4850T6373424
1996 Subaru legacy Outback4S3BG4851T6982814
1996 Subaru legacy L4S3BK4350T6318235
1996 Subaru legacy Outback4S3BG4855T6974408
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.