Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Subaru Legacy owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I have a 1996 Subaru Legacy l with an intermittent engine miss with a p0304 (miss in cylinder 4) code. Most of the time it runs fine but when it misses, it is very violent. It seems to resonate. Changing speed usually makes it go away. When it first started, it only occurred once a month. Over the past year, and after several mechanics visits, it now occurs nearly every trip.I have replaced spark plugs (yes ngk), spark plug wires (Subaru original equipment), gas filter, air filter, coil, pcv valve, knock sensor, cam and crankshaft sensors. The injectors have been swapped between cylinders. I have been to an independent mechanic twice. On the second trip he gave up and advised I go to a Subaru dealer. After two visits to the Subaru dealer, I've spent several hundred additional dollars and still have the problem. …
While driving 65mph, warning indicator light on dashboard illuminated and windshield wipers came on. When vehicle was pulled over smoke came from under dashboard. Electrical system was burned; 90 percent of dashlights, headlights, computers, etc, was affected. Dealer was notified. Consumer states that the alternator surged burning out all electrical components including the battery, radio, fuse box, all bulbs in the dash, burned out ABS and transmission computers, speedometer, windshield wiper motor, keyless entry, temperature gauge and heater control.
Consumer was on there way back from a triple traveling down a snake road. Another vehicle pulled up beside him and yelled vehicle was on fire. Consumer pulled over, got out with the children. Flames were bursting from rear of vehicle near fuel tank. Towed to the dealer, they couldn't determine cause.
While driving engine stalled, lost all power.battery acid was leaking from battery cap. Alternator failed which melted fuse box. Battery lost all charging capacity. Dealer contacted. Over a $1000.00 in repairs.
Was returning from a friends house and the entire electrical system shut down. Car was towed to the local Subaru dealership, where it was worked on for 3 1/2 weeks. They were never able to figure out what happened, so they told Subaru of America that it was an "outside source" (whatever that is) that caused the problem. They also insinuated that I had done something and had neglected to tell them. They were very rude, and not at all helpful. I recently found out from a certified Subaru mechanic that there were some problems with the alternators in some of the Subaru's which caused the main fuse to blow. Interesting that that is what happened to my car, but no one seemed to be able to make the connection. I had to pay for the repairs, and deal with the rudeness of the dealer as well as the customer service folks at Subaru of America. …
Request for reimbursement regarding the repair of the 1996 Subaru Legacy driver's side front spring. During a routine inspection, it was discovered that the spring on the left front of the consumers vehicle had failed for the second time. When the original spring failed the first time, it caused damaged to the tire and the spare tire. The ignition wire were worn, the headlight bulb was replaced.
When car started after having stopped for 3 hours, battery warning light and brake warning light illuminated. Checked brakes/fluid and alternator belt - no problem found. Continued driving; various lights, including "check engine light" continued to go on and off. Car finally stalled on highway and had to be towed to dealer. Alternator replaced.
Pe99067, electrical system; while driving all lights on the instrument panel started blinking, there was a huge popping noise, and an electrical burning smell. After pulling onto the shoulder, driver opened the hood to find an electrical meltdown fuses and wires. Vehicle was towed to the dealership. Please provide any further information.
While driving the battery warning light came on followed by engine stalling. Vehicle was towed to a service station , who indicated that this occurred because of alternator failure. The alternator and battery were replaced. The failure recurred. An alternator recall 00i002000 was issued, but this vehicle was not included due to VIN.
Pe99067, intermittently while driving the electrical power was inoperative and vehicle stalled unexpectedly which almost resulted in a crash. Occupant is able to restart vehicle, and electrical system is operating. Please provide further information.
NHTSA investigations
Electrical system
Odi has received 5,820 complaints concerning a variety of electrical system failures that result in the vehicle stalling.our complaint analysis indicates that the majority of these compaints are caused by alternator failure.in some instances, the vehicle is completely dead and will not restart.based on our investigation and the manufacturer's respomse, odi is closing this investigation because the manufacturer has…
Electrical complaints in other Legacy years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 1996 Subaru Legacy?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the electrical system of the 1996 Subaru Legacy, 17% of the model year's 123 complaints. The component named most often is alternator/generator/regulator (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Subaru Legacy electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 1996 Subaru Legacy, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1996 Subaru Legacy electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.