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

Show all problems

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 transmission repair cost distribution

$2500+ (0%)

$1000 - $2499 (20%)

$500 - $999 (0%)

$100 - $499 (20%)

< $100 (60%)

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

Chart based on 5 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

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. 
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

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. 

Return to top

1996 Subaru Outback 4-door

4-cylinder automatic AWD

128200 mi

US $250
Right front axle. 
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! 

Return to top

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

1996 Subaru Outback Transmission Problems

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.