Subaru · Known Issues

1996 Subaru Legacy Problems: 4 Known Issues

1996 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated August 2026

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1996 Subaru Legacy has 4 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are EJ25 DOHC (Phase I) internal head gasket failure ($1,500-$2,800 repair) and Interference engine: neglected timing belt destroys valves ($500-$4,000 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $250 to $4,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Subaru Legacy problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1996 Subaru Legacy has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: EJ25 DOHC (Phase I) internal head gasket failure, Interference engine: neglected timing belt destroys valves, 4EAT AWD torque bind (Duty C solenoid / transfer clutch). Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Subaru Legacy reliable?

The 1996 Subaru Legacy has 4 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: EJ25 DOHC (Phase I) internal head gasket failure and Interference engine: neglected timing belt destroys valves. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Subaru Legacy problems?

Repair costs for known Subaru Legacy issues range from $250 to $4,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, EJ25 DOHC (Phase I) internal head gasket failure, typically costs $1,500-$2,800 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 1996-1999 Subaru Legacy EJ25 DOHC (Phase I) internal head gasket failure?

The first 2.5L boxer in the Legacy, the EJ25D DOHC (Phase I), used a composite head gasket that fails internally around the 100,000-mile mark. Unlike the later external-leak variant, this failure lets coolant and combustion gases mix, causing loss of compression, coolant in the o… Repairs typically run $1,500-$2,800. Severity: high.

What is the 1996-1999 Subaru Legacy Interference engine: neglected timing belt destroys valves?

The DOHC EJ25 and the 1997-and-later SOHC EJ boxers are interference designs - if the rubber timing belt breaks or jumps teeth, the pistons strike open valves and bend them, often ruining the heads. (The pre-1997 SOHC EJ22 is non-interference; the change to interference on the SO… Repairs typically run $500-$4,000. Severity: high.

What is the 1990-1999 Subaru Legacy 4EAT AWD torque bind (Duty C solenoid / transfer clutch)?

Automatic-transmission Legacys use an electronically controlled transfer clutch (governed by the Duty C solenoid) to send torque to the rear wheels. When the clutch pack sticks engaged or the Duty C solenoid gets dirty/sticky, the AWD stays locked on dry pavement and cannot relie… Repairs typically run $300-$2,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 1990-1999 Subaru Legacy Front wheel bearing wear and noise?

The Legacy's front hubs use tapered roller bearings that require correct axle-nut preload. On these cars they are a common wear item: an improperly torqued axle nut, high mileage, or water intrusion leads to a growing hum/roar that rises with road speed and changes when loading t… Repairs typically run $250-$550. Severity: medium.

1996 Subaru Legacy Problems: 4 Known Issues

All 4 Known Issues

1996-1999 Subaru Legacy: EJ25 DOHC (Phase I) internal head gasket failure#

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1996-1999 Subaru Legacy: Interference engine: neglected timing belt destroys valves#

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1990-1999 Subaru Legacy: 4EAT AWD torque bind (Duty C solenoid / transfer clutch)#

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1990-1999 Subaru Legacy: Front wheel bearing wear and noise#

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Other Subaru Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Subaru Legacy problems?

Is the Subaru Legacy reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Subaru Legacy problems?

What is the 1996-1999 Subaru Legacy EJ25 DOHC (Phase I) internal head gasket failure?

What is the 1996-1999 Subaru Legacy Interference engine: neglected timing belt destroys valves?

What is the 1990-1999 Subaru Legacy 4EAT AWD torque bind (Duty C solenoid / transfer clutch)?

What is the 1990-1999 Subaru Legacy Front wheel bearing wear and noise?