1996 Subaru Outback engine and engine cooling problems
10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine and engine cooling on the 1996 Subaru Outback — 22% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“While driving very busy highway, the temperature gauge went all the way to "h". I pulled over and noticed some steam under hood. Added some water. A little later, still on "h". Mechanic who has serviced my 1996 subaru outback since I got it in 1998 said it had a blown head gasket, common with…”
filed Jan 14, 2010
“Car overheated without warning. Suspect headgasket failure allowing coolant to escape and engine to overheat . (potential for car to unexpectedly stall on interstate) upon internet search found that hundreds of the subaru 2.5l engines suffer from same condition (1995-1999)…”
filed Oct 26, 2009
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
This bulletin is to advise of SOAâ s revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
09-51-08R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 7, 2021
Engine and Engine Cooling problems in other Outback years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Outback | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 Outback | 1 | 0% |
| 2021 Outback | 2 | 1% |
| 2020 Outback | 3 | 0% |
| 2019 Outback | 1 | 0% |
| 2016 Outback | 3 | 0% |
| 2015 Outback | 3 | 1% |
| 2014 Outback | 1 | 0% |
| 2013 Outback | 1 | 0% |
| 2012 Outback | 2 | 1% |
| 2011 Outback | 8 | 1% |
| 2010 Outback | 23 | 6% |
Other reported problem areas on the 1996 Subaru Outback
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.