1996 Subaru Legacy Problems & Reliability

If you’re a car enthusiast or just someone who appreciates a reliable ride, you’ve probably heard of the Subaru Legacy. Known for its all-wheel-drive capability and rugged dependability, the Legacy has been a staple in the automotive world for decades. But like any vehicle, it has its quirks and challenges, especially when you look back at models from the mid-’90s. Today, we’re diving into the 1996 Subaru Legacy to explore some of the common problems owners have faced and to assess its overall reliability. Whether you’re considering buying a used one or just curious about its history, this post will give you a clearer picture of what to expect from this classic ride. The 1996 Subaru Legacy, while beloved by many, wasn’t without its issues. From engine troubles to transmission quirks, this model year had its fair share of challenges. However, it’s important to remember that no car is perfect, and the Legacy’s problems were often balanced by its strong points, like its impressive handling and durability. In this post, we’ll break down the most common problems reported by owners and discuss how these issues impact the car’s reliability. So, buckle up and join us as we take a trip down memory lane to see what made the 1996 Subaru Legacy both a beloved and sometimes frustrating choice for drivers.
Body Components

Parts Assessed:

Windows, power locks, manual locks, doors, trunk, tailgate, mirrors, power and manual seat controls, seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defects.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Brake pads, brake rotors, brake calipers, anti-lock braking system (ABS), brake lines, brake master cylinder, brake booster, parking brake, brake sensors, regenerative braking system (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

  • Failure in ABS causes pump to run continuously and wear down battery

Analysis:

The 1996 Subaru Legacy seems to have a notable issue with its ABS system, where a failure can cause the pump to run non-stop, eventually draining the battery. This kind of problem can be pretty inconvenient, especially if you’re not aware of it until your car won’t start. While Subarus are generally known for their reliability, this specific issue could be a headache for Legacy owners.

Parts Assessed

Air conditioning compressor, AC condenser, AC evaporator, heater core, blower motor, automatic climate control system, refrigerant leaks, HVAC electrical components, temperature sensors, ventilation system.

Reported Problems:

  • Failure in ABS causes pump to run continuously and wear down battery

Analysis:

The 1996 Subaru Legacy seems to have a notable issue with its ABS system, where a failure can cause the pump to run non-stop, eventually draining the battery. This kind of problem can be pretty inconvenient, especially if youre not aware of it until your car wont start. While Subarus are generally known for their reliability, this specific issue could be a headache for Legacy owners.

Parts Assessed

CV joints, driveshaft, axles, differential, limited-slip differential (if applicable), traction control system, electronic stability control (ESC), four-wheel-drive (4WD) components, all-wheel-drive (AWD) components, transfer case, driveline vibration.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Infotainment system, GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, touchscreen display, phone pairing, backup camera, rear entertainment system, head-up display, instrument cluster, digital gauges.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Radiator, radiator hoses, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, engine coolant reservoir, overheating prevention system, intercooler (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Alternator, battery, ignition switch, ignition coil, spark plugs, ignition wires, engine control module (ECM), electronic ignition system, auto stop/start function, battery cables, engine wiring harness, fuse box, relays, starter motor.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Engine rebuilds, cylinder head, head gasket, timing chain, timing belt, camshaft, crankshaft, connecting rods, turbocharger or supercharger (if applicable), valve train, piston rings, oil control system, engine knocking, engine misfires.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Muffler, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, exhaust pipes, oxygen (O₂) sensors, resonator, exhaust leaks, emissions control system.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel rail, fuel pressure regulator, throttle body, fuel gauge sensor, evaporative emissions system, EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) valve, charcoal canister, fuel filter, fuel tank, vapor leaks.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

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Onboard Electronics

Parts Assessed

Cruise control, keyless entry system, push-button start, wiper motor, warning lights, power mirrors, interior lighting, exterior lighting, dashboard indicators, electronic parking brake, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), alarm and security system, remote engine start, heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, wireless charging pad.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Dashboard rattles, squeaks, wind noise, door seals, weather stripping, water leaks, air leaks, excessive road noise, suspension noise, drivetrain noise, exhaust rattles, engine bay noises.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Paint durability, clear coat protection, rust prevention, corrosion resistance, body panel alignment, door seals, window trim, plastic trim, metal finishes, fading, cracking, peeling.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Struts, shocks, control arms, sway bars, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, power steering pump, power steering fluid leaks, electronic power steering (EPS), steering rack and pinion, steering linkage, alignment issues, torsion bars, springs, air suspension (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Transmission rebuild, transmission replacement, torque converter, transmission solenoids, gear selector, gear shifting, transmission control module (TCM), transmission fluid leaks, clutch (manual transmission), automatic transmission valve body, CVT (continuously variable transmission) components, dual-clutch transmission (DCT) components.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Conclusion

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