1996 Subaru Outback Subaru Outback 1996

We are 103,000+ car owners sharing real-world car information.

Join Us

1996 Subaru Outback repairs by problem area

Engine (54%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (38%)

Brakes and Traction Control (0%)

Suspension and Steering (0%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (8%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (0%)

Other (0%)

Select a problem area

Need advice about a specific Subaru Outback problem?

Chart based on 13 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 1996 Subaru Outback.

1996 Subaru Outback repair cost distribution

$2500+ (0%)

$1000 - $2499 (15%)

$500 - $999 (8%)

$100 - $499 (46%)

< $100 (31%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 13 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

1996 Subaru Outback

Engine not specified

Subaru in New York, United States
Jul 2016 - Sep 2016
Sep 2016

105000 mi
AWD problem, trouble moving forward while turning sharply. Changed fuse to FWD with some improvement. Transmission warning light remained on. Quote to fix quite high. 
Subaru in Ohio, United States
Jun 2014 - May 2015
May 2015

181000 mi
Valve cover gasket leak 
Subaru in Utah, United States
May 2013 - May 2013
May 2013

US $1450
The center differential went out before I bought it. I didn't notice the problem until I drove it in a tight circle which makes the center diff really work to keep all the wheels turning in sync. 

Return to top

1996 Subaru Outback 4-door

4-cylinder manual AWD

Subaru in California, United States
Nov 2010 - Jun 2018
Sep 2010

US $195
Spark plug threads stripped. Hely coil kit installed. 
Jun 2011

247000 mi

US $300
Fixed key-less entry lock/unlock. Fixed reverse switch. replaced dash lights 
Nov 2011

249700 mi

US $200
Oil leak from engine. Oil leaks on exhaust pipe and smells. Oil seamed to be leaking from valve cover gaskets. Decided to renew valve cover gaskets and change oil at the same time. Oil leak still remains, but not from valve covers. Placed dye into oil and asked to return to check leak. Diagnosed as oil leak from cam shaft seal. Recommended replacing timing belt, water pump and drive belts while fixing cam seal(all due) 
Dec 2011

250000 mi
Car must be warm after being driven over 1 hour, happens when warm, during sharp turning only. Transmission transfer case shutters very abruptly. Diagnosed as sticky clutch in awd, recommend 1st change transmission oil. 
May 2012

254300 mi

US $560
Remove and install timing belt, front main seal, cam seals and water pump. 

Return to top

1996 Subaru Outback 4-door

4-cylinder automatic AWD

Subaru in Virginia, United States
Jul 2010 - Sep 2012
Feb 2011

128200 mi

US $200
Right front axle. Replaced a cracked radiator. 
Mar 2011

128000 mi

US $18
Left front axle replaced. 2 year old axle failed due to not enough grease from re-builder. New axle when inspected did not contain enough grease. Packed in more CV grease installed w/new ball joint. Got a full 92.00 refund. Keep receipts! 
Sep 2012

138000 mi

US $1300
oil pump seal 

Return to top

See TrueDelta's information for all Sedans and Wagons.
See TrueDelta's information for all Subaru models.

1996 Subaru Outback Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 1996 Subaru Outback problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.