Subaru Legacy-awd-wagon 1996

• Recall 4828 [USA]: Depending on the location of the fracture, a broken spring could move past the spring seat and contact a front tire. some tires have deflated due to contact with a broken spring.
  Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with front coil springs originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new york, new jersey, new hampshire, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, virginia, west virginia, and wisconsin, and in the district of columbia. The front coil springs were produced with poor paint quality which, after continued exposure to corrosive salt, can result in breakage of the spring.
  dealers will notifiy customers to bring their vehicle to an authorize dealership to have a spring guard installed on both front struts to prevent tire puncture and replace any broken springs free of charge. Owner notification began september 18, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
  also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

• Recall 6449 [USA]: If the alternator fails, the alternator warning telltale will alert the driver to the problem, giving ample opportunity to seek repair before a loss of battery power, which, if the warning were ignored, could ultimately result in a loss of vehicle power (engine stall).
  This is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Some of these vehicles have an alternator problem that can result in a loss of charging capability.
  dealers will replace the alternator with a modified alternator. Owners will also be cautioned that, should the alternator telltale warning lamp illuminate, they must seek immediate repair to avoid the eventual loss of electrical power, which could result in an engine stall.
  subaru has decided to conduct a service program to replace the alternator. This replacement campaign will be conducted in phases.Owner notification began november 15, 2000.Owners can contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783, concerning this program.

• Recall 10311 [USA]: Unexpected air bag deployment could result in personal injury.
  Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Inadvertent air bag deployment can occur after undercarriage contact of the tow hooks with curbs, dips, speedbumps, potholes, etc.
  dealers will remove the front tow hooks.
  owner notification began june 1, 1999. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

• Recall 10474 [USA]: Such fractures can result in partial or complete separation of the bracket causing a failure of the lower suspension mounting, leading to a loss of vehicle control.
  Vehicle description: passenger station wagon, sedan and sport utility vehicles. Due to improper welding, fractures can occur on the support bracket of the front transverse link.
  dealers will inspect and replace if necessary the front suspension support brackets.
  owner notification began june 29, 1998. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

• Recall 2001183 [Canada]: Other
  Certain passenger vehicles equipped with front coil springs.The front coil springs were produced with poor paint quality which, after continued exposure to corrosive salt, can result in breakage of the spring. Depending on the location of the fracture, a broken spring could move past the spring seat and contact a front tire. Some tires have deflated due to contact with a broken spring. Correction: dealers will notify customers to bring their vehicle to an authorize dealership to have a spring guard installed on both front struts to prevent tire puncture and replace any broken springs free of charge.

• Recall 2000069 [Canada]: Other
  Certain vehicle do not comply with regulation 6 - statement of compliance. Compliance label was not expressed in both official languages in regard to vehicle classification. Correction: no corrective action will be taken for existing vehicles. Correct compliance label will be affixed in current production vehicles.

• Recall 1998107 [Canada]: Suspension
  A weld fracture may occur on the hanger bracket of the front transverse links. This could result in separation of the bracket with subsequent failure of the lower suspension mounting and loss of vehicle control. Correction: front transverse links will be inspected and replaced if necessary.

To ensure accuracy and for your safety, it is recommended to do a free VIN recall check here or here [USA] - UK - Canada.

Bulletins are notices put out by manufacturers in conjunction with the NHTSA to notify the public of manufacturing issues or changes.

• Electrical system investigation as of 19991101

  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 manufacturers respomse, odi is closing this investigation because the manufacturer has agreed to perform the owner nortification program cited above, including quarterly notifications to odi.This program allows owners to get their alternator replaced for free.Further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that no safety-related defect exists.Odi will continue to monitor this matter closely, and the agency reserves the right to take further action on these models if warranted by the circumstances.
  

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• Oversensitive air bag deployment investigation as of 19970430

  In its letter dated december 21, 1998, subaru stated that the vehicles identified above will be recalled.Subaru dealers will remove the front towing/tie-down hooks.Refer to nhtsa recall no. 98v-315 for details.
  

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Common OBD Error codes specific to this vehicle.

• P0304 [1] Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected

Tl* the contact owns a 1996 subaru legacy. The contact stated that while driving 60 mph, there was a loud noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact then noticed that there was smoke and flames coming from the rear end of the vehicle. The fire department was contacted and a fire report was filed. The vehicle was then towed to an authorized dealer where they inspected and advised that the differential failed due to the vehicle becoming overheated. The vehicle was not repaired. The vin was not available. The failure and the current mileage was 255,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 1996 subaru legacy. The contact was driving 5 mph when another vehicle crashed into his bumper and the air bags deployed. There were no physical damages to the vehicle and there were no injuries reported. A police report was filed of the incident. The vehicle was towed to a local auto mechanic to have the air bags and the windshield repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the incident. The failure mileage was 108,000.

My daughter was driving her 96 subaru legacy the other day to the store when she was alerted by another driver that her car was on fire. Luckily they had a fire extinguisher and was able to put it out. Beechmont subaru said this was the first time they ever saw a rear differential catch on fire. I wanted to make subaru aware and maybe get some help on this repair. Making sure it done correctly. It was a very frightening phone call from my daughter. This web site will not allow me to enter the vin. [xxx]. I will edit the vin till the site accepts my complaint. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(b)(6). *tr

1996 suburu legacy shuts down all electrical system. Purchased in utah drove to denver area. Went to dmv to register then car quit. Rests a while then starts. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 1996 subaru legacy. The vehicle failed to start and was towed to the dealer. The dealer attributed the cause of failure to the wires inside the fuel tank being burnt because the internal connector had loose terminals. The fuel pump module was replaced. The current mileage is 85,000 and failure mileage was 84,600.

Tl*the contact owns a 1996 subaru legacy. While filling the gas tank the contact noticed a puddle of gas forming under the vehicle. The filler pipe rusted through and caused thin holes. The current and failure mileages were 110,000.*ak

Dt*: the contact stated an odor of fuel was detected and a puddle began to form on the ground while the vehicle was parked. The vehicle was taken to the dealership and the fuel filler tube was replaced. Updated 9/5/2006 - *nm

Dt: contact stated that while pulling into the garage vehicle accelerated without warning and hit the rear of the garage and did damage to the building. The vehicle was totaled. Dealer said they never heard of this problem. Manufacturer has not been contacted yet. *ak updated 11/16/2005 - *nm

Dt: the caller says his gas gauge will show empty when it gets down to half a tank. He states that it does not happen all the time. It has been happening for a month. Dealer and manufacturer have not been contacted yet.*ak the consumer did contact the manufacturer and was told to take the vehicle to the dealer, but there would be a charge to inspect the vehicle. *jb

Stone gaurd protecting fuel filler pipe caused dirt to be trapped blocking drain and water to accumulate against filler pipe. Rusted filler pipe causing leaking.

Dt: the filler pipe on fuel tank rotted out and leaked fuel all over the place. Dealer said it was not a safety defect and no recall was noted.

My 1996 subaru outback experienced an air bag malfunction on 6/14/2005. While driving down our local highway at 55 mph the vehicle's air bag suddenly deployed. The sudden deployment caused the vehicle to stall. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but due to the mileage on the vehicle they refused to contact the manufacturer about repairs. The insurance inspector believes that the failure was due to a malfunction in the system because there was no damage to the front end of the vehicle to indicate a 55 mph crash. *nm *nm

The vehicle was slowly moving into driveway and the brakes were applied and failed to stop the vehicle and hit the house. The vehicle was towed. The consumer was informed by dealership that the master cylinder failed. The master cylinder needed to be replaced. *ak the consumer stated that there was no warning. The failure of the master cylinder caused the front brakes rotors and pads to burn up. *sc

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. *ak

My daughter spun her 1996 subaru legacy wagon while trying to miss a deer at about 45 mph. She hit a tree going backwards. In the collision the seat back broke on the drivers seat. This caused her to hit her head and neck and she suffered a broken neck. The seat back should not have broken in a rear end collision. The car was in good shape and only had 60,000 miles.*ak

While driving 55 mph the hood flew open, shattering the front windshield. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak

Consumer made an appointment with the dealer about two weeks ago for recall 01v216000 repairs regarding front coil springs. The consumer had taken the vehicle to the dealer on 7/11/2003, and the dealer stated no parts were available, and there was nothing they could do to further assist them. *ak *scc *nlm

1996 subaru legacy - auto trans. Car binds on slow turns. Subaru tech. States that vehicle needs about $1000 in repair to the awd system, this includes transfer clutches, housing, etc. Only 44,000 miles on vehicle! Tech stated that he has never seen this problem on a vehicle with such low mileage. Called subaru of america and they stated that they will not assist in repairs. I purchasd the vehicle to have awd and this is the system that is failing! Since awd is the benchmark of subaru, i would have thought they would stand behind their product. Please advise.*ak

Subaru 1996 engine defect in which exhaust valve guides prematurely fail around 70-90000 miles, falling into the engine area and causing misfiring and other engine damage. *nlm

After a prolonged period of smelling burning oil, a mechanic found defective seals on the crankshaft pulley and elsewhere. This has now happened three times. The details are essentially identical to those described in complaint odi id#855347. In two cases, this has resulted in fouled timing belts, which had to be replaced. In the last case -- march '03 at 90,000 miles -- the valve cover gaskets failed as well. Plainly the seals, their design, or the geometry of the engine fitting itself is defective. *jb

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. They replaced plugs, knock, cam, and crankshaft sensors.Doesn't subaru have diagnostics to identify what this problem is. I took the car to them with the expectation that they could identify what is wrong instead of just replacing highly suspect parts. They don't seem to be doing any better than i have done on my own.*ak i've seen others post problems here and at edmunds with driveability issues. I've never seen a posting that indicated it was actually solved. Surely subaru knows about this problem and has a fix. It has gone from an annoyance to a safety issue. Does anyone have any suggestions? Are some subarus just lemons?

While driving at any speed and no warning tire tread is starting to separate on front driver's side and passenger's side. It could cause a future blow out. Dealer notified. Please provide the size and dot#.*ak

Car was parked, with emergency brake on and in gear on a hill. Owner heard a sharp metallic noise after car had been parked for 10 min. And saw car begin rolling downhill from the parked position, picked up speed and crashed. No one was in the vehicle, and when the crash was over it was found with e-brake disengaged and still in gear. *ts *nlm *dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12-12-02 cut over to artemis**764464

Vehicle was rear ended and force into the back of a pick up and neither bag bags deployed. Feel free to provide any further information.

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. *ak 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. *slc

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. *ak *cb

On august the 12 after going up a steep hill the engine started missing really bad to the point i thought it was going to quit . This problem has been reoccuring every time the car is driven. I contacted my dealer on august the 11 and they had me to bring in the car to decarbon the engine . This didnot stop the problem. Itook the car back to the dealer on sept. 12 to have it decarboned again. The service manager told me that subaru has known about this problem for a year and a half and still has no known fix for this lost power and rough engine problem which they say is due to carbon build up in the engine.*ak

Battery blew up. Started car and loud explosion and smoke came from under the hood. All the tops off the battery cells were off and the housing cracked.*ak

Vehicle was at a stand still when it was hit head on. Front air bags did not deploy until passenger went through windshield, and driver hit steering wheel. Consumer has not yet made any contact with manufacturer or dealer.*ak

While driving engine light becomes illuminated, then cuts off. Engine will turn over when restarted. Dealer was contacted, but was unable to locate problem. *ak consumer states the vehicle will fail at the same place daily, was told by a subaru engineer that the vehicle had lifters installed which were too small and suggested that only very thin synthetic oil be used, consumer tried this and vehicle operates normally for about 1200 miles, dealer has replaced the following to try and correct probleml maf sensor, crank and cam sensors, plugs and wires, coil, computer, starter, altnernator, ignition switch, and timing belt. *slc

Consumer received recall 01v216 and had recall work done and is now requesting reimbursement. *slc

No summary listed for abov evehicle. *ak

The front crank seal started leaking for the second time at approximately 102,000 miles. The original seal starting leaking at approximately 44,000 miles and was replaced under warranty at 59,195 miles. Heavy smoke and a strong burning odor is emitted from the sides and front of the engine area. In addition, smoke will be emitted from the center dash hvac vents. The car just failed pa state inspection on 11/1/01 as the seal is leaking badly and is considered a fire hazard. I contacted subaru of america via email on 10/2/01 but have not received a reply. I contacted them again on 11/1/01 and 11/2/01 but still no reply.*ak

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.*ak

At approximately 90,000 miles i started to experience binding in slow speed turns. At times, the car is difficult to control while turning. The problem, as described by others who have experienced the problem, is that a bearing or seal wears a groove in the aluminum extension housing. This groove causes a pressure imbalance within the transfer clutch and, as a result, causes the binding problem. The resolution is addressed in a technical service bulletin (i currently don't have a copy of the bulletin at my current location) and basically says to check the duty c solenoid, transfer clutch and replace the aluminum extension housing with a steel reinforced replacement part. I contacted subaru of america on 10/2/01 and received the following reply on 10/8/01: thank you for your recent e-mail to subaru of america, inc. We appreciate you taking the time to contact us. We are sorry to learn of the difficulties you are experiencing with your 1996 subaru outback. Our records do not indicate that there are any service programs or recalls regarding this concern. Service bulletins are provided to dealers in order to explain the operation of a certain component of the vehicle or to provide some feedback as to tests or repairs to perform on a vehicle if it comes in with a certain concern. They are solely for informational purposes and they are not an indication of an upcoming recall or anything along those lines. If you have any further questions, or should you need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at subaru customer/dealer services at 1-800-subaru3 (800-782-2783) and refer to case number xxxxxx. Thank you for the opportunity to be of service.*ak

Brake pedal would go down 1/2" to 3/4" to floor only when vehicle was sitting for a while or while applying brake at a stop position. Dealer/manufacturer were not notified at this time. Please feel free to provide any further details on this matter. *ak

Consumer was forced off of road where she impacted a tree. Airbags did not deploy during this event. *ak

Vehicle hit deer, minimum damage to vehicle. But, both airbags deployed. Passenger's air bag broke, passenger injured face. Passenger had seatback all the way, and was leaning back at time of deployment. *ak

Airbags failed to deploy on 35mph front-end impact with another vehicle. Car sustained $7000 damages, front-end is crushed. *ak

Car wouldn't start after warm. Took 6 times to get it corrected. Also, has had three oil leaks in 6 years. *ak

While driving at highway speeds steering wheel turned vehicle into a spin, causing a collision. *ak

Car did not stop in time to prevent crash. Raining. Car in front stopped. Our car going about 25mph. Braked at about 25 yards from other vehicle; crash occured. Is there a requirement that a vehicle stopped within a certain distance at a given speed if properly braked? Thank you. Jonas morris

My wife had rightt front tire blowout @ 65 miles an hr. I had these tires repaced yesterday 9-13-2000 . I was afraid for her to drive the car with these tires on it . The tire air pressure was maintained per the manufactures specs. The lt rear tire has a broken belt and its a shame i spent my good money for such poor tires with such a rich price tag,that are suppose to have been the best on the market .*ak( dot number: tire size: 185-70-14 )

The air conditioner condenser failed sometime in may 2000 (5/15/2000 & 82,200 miles are estimates). This is the second time that the condenser has failed. The previous owner had the original replaced at approximately 38,000 miles by the dealership. The previous owner has identified the spot of failure as matching that identified by my mechanic (not a dealership mechanic). Neither the dealership nor subaru of america customer service considers this a defective part and has indicated that they will not replace or even provide me the part unless i pay for it since the previous condenser replacement was more than 1 year ago. I contend that the condenser is defective and should be replaced at no cost to me. However, in light of their position on the matter, i will have it replaced and will attempt to seek reimbursement unless i am contacted by june 28, 2000 by subaru indicating that they will replace the condenser or at least just provide the part at no cost to me. *ak

A fuse had blown out five times, causing engine to stall . Also, affecting windows and fan. *ak

While driving at highway speed hood flew up, blocking the drivers view. Dealer and subbaru has been notivied. *ak .*et

When changing lane, car malfunctioned. Car lurched to right, then left, then fishtailed across 3 lanes of superhighway. Total loss of control. Car unresponsive to driver's commands. Fishtailed across 3 lanes. Abs brakes applied appropriately ... Car skidded diagonally. Car skidded into back of an suv then into axle of 18-wheeler. Car totalled. Destruction of left front end, driver's side front wheel, windshield, drivers window, dash, steering column. Airbags deployed. Mirror flew into driver's head. Seat pushed back and bent.*ak

Car fishtailed out of control. *ak

While applying brakes to stop about 5 mph, consumer bumped into vehicle in front, and both air bags deployed without a prior warning. *ak

Driver experienced loss of steering control resulting in accident. Yh

Smelling oil for about two months. Finally took vehicle in 6 weeks ago for routine maintenance & discovered oil leaks. Was told by the mechanic leaks camefrom crankshaft or camshaft gasket and cylinders. Contacted dealer replaced crankshaft gaskets/water pump. Another leak in the back of engine caused by separator cover gasket. *ak

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. *ak

4 incidents engine failure. First time i pushed accelator and there was no power. Continued to apply gas pedal and no power, it was as if i was not applying the gas at all. Chech engine light began to flash, car began to shake, and as soon as check engine stopped blinking and light remained on, the car ran smoothly. The second incident was exactly the same as the first. The third incident the car did the same exact thing but this time it stalled out as well. 4th time was very much like the first two. Have been to the dealer 3 times and they have absolutely no idea what the problem is.

Abs does not seem to slow or stop vehicle quick enough, in emergency situation. *et

Repeated episodes w/out resolution. Car will stall at any given time with no warning. Check engine light blinks and car will loose power or completely stall. No warning, no brakes, no reason after repeated visits to dealer. Major safety concern, car should not be driven .

While driving on the highway alternator malfunctioned, causing the electrical system to completely shut down. Cause unknown. *ak *ml

Request for reimbursement regarding the repair of the 1996 subaru legacy driver's side front spring.*mr 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. *jb

First instance was in dec 98, 2nd 6-21-99 cruise control stays on, cannot cancel or turn off, brakes go to the floor with no effect what so ever, have to turn the ignition key off and restart the engine in order to get out of cruise and get the brakes back (this is a little scarry when you have power steering). This was a life and death situation in traffic at highway speed on an approach to a severe turn on a exit ramp. *ak

Alternator failed. Yh

While driving engine check light came on. Had been repaired before. Dealership knows about problem & had ordered parts from japan. *ak

Vehicle hit a pole head-on at 30 to 35mph and neither driver's side nor passenger's side airbags deployed. Also, seat belt did not hold. Driver sustained injuries. *ak

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. *ak

Consumer was driving and another car hit him, and driver's airbag didn't deploy. *ak

When applying the abs brakes in cold weather conditions pedal goes to the floor, causing extended stopping distance, cause unknown. *ak

No summary

Front crank seal is leaking oil onto exhaust system. *ak the seal that separates the block from the oil pump has failed several times, each time, a cloud of smoke rises from the exhaust as the oil is sprayed back onto it, on one occasion the seal completely dumped several quarts of oil onto the ground. *jb

Gas gauge is inoperative, cannot indicate how much gas is in the vehicle which may cause stalling. Dealer needs to replace the fuel sender unit. *ak

When the rear clutch pack fails the rear of car binds and on slippery roads the car's back end will lock up upon letting off the gas. The rear end swings around and causes the car to spin out of control. Original repair was done at 35000 miles the same piece has failed again at 67000 miles. Each transmission has started to bind at virtually the same mileage. Subaru refuses to admit there is an issue. Subaru claims tire rotation can cause the problem. I have had all service work performed by subaru per their service guidelines.

Violent deployment of driver's/passenger's air bags during front end collision. Deployment of passenger's side air bag shattered the front windshield/broke rearview mirror, and sent glass throughout the vehicle.

False deployment of passenger's air bag resulting in a cracked windshield and injury. (qcaw)

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. I would have expected someone along the way to have had some knowledge of problems such as this, and i would also have expected to have been treated a little better as a paying customer who simply wanted to find out what was wrong with their car. They should also be able to provide a better answer to my questions than that it was caused by an "outside source". When there are equipment or parts problems, people should be notified. Minimally, the subaru mechanics should be aware of problems. What a disappointment it has been to own a subaru.

During front impact at less than 5 mph, the passenger's side air bag deployed without reason, causing passenger to sustain burns to the skin. Please provide details. 838195 dup of 824824; posted on 09-07-1999. *ak

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. *ak

Driving at approximately 20 mph , began applying brakes, vehicle did not stop, or slow down, resulting in a rear end collision, airbags also did not deploy. *ak

Engine failed , loud knocking at engine startup. Subaru replaced entire engine short-block at 18k miles. Replacement engine failed at 19k miles operation with same problem (or 37k miles on car). Subaru claims it is a piston related problem. After many complaints to subaru, they have agreed to repair it. Currently at the dealer getting new: pistons, pins, rods and bearings as needed. This is a wide spread problem that subaru is now telling dealers and owners "it is a normal operating noise if the noise goes away after 5 minutes of operation". It is not normal ! And in my opinion will only get worse if not repaired. I plan to sell my car after repaired. *ak

Consumer was driving into carport when she was unable to stop vehicle due to floor carpet interfering with brake pedal, causing vehicle to hit the brick wall of carport which was extensively damaged. Dealer notified. *ak

Abs brake failure. *ak

Brake failure.

No summary

Subaru legacy has had a widely reported history of a hesitation or highspeed miss. In the case of this vehicle, it was returned for service five times with the #1 valve guide replaced twice. In 2000, subaru dealership in catonsville md. Identified the problem from compression test as a "miscast cylinder head" and replaced on warranty. However, this problem was not addressed for four years, and we wonder if subaru knows of this problem in casting cylinder heads and has not conducted a voluntary recall. The carguys on pbs have had four similar complaints over the last year regarding subaru legacy and outback vehicles which sound similar in complaint to this vehicle. The symptoms are a high speed misfire on a cylinder (60 mph) and subsequent setting of the check engine light. Another service dealer informed us that subarus are known for "bad valves". If there is a known casting problem in the cylinder heads, these vehicles should be recalled.*ak

When vehicle was involved in a head-on crash going about (55) mph on the highway there was no deployment of air bags. Vehicle was totalled. *ak

False deployment of air bags.

Vehicle was involved in an accident during which both air bags deployed; however, the passenger's side air bag shattered the windshield, causing glass to fly all over the vehicle. Also, it shattered the door opener which was attached to the visor. *ak

Antilock brakes locked up, causing brakes to overheat/smoke.

Had abs braking failure during extreme adverse conditions, it was rainy/snowy weather.. The system seems to work, but can feel pulsation. Stopping distance is further than normal. *ak

Owner has abs brakes, he states that his abs system does not work well in wet or icy wheather, this mostly occurs in the winter time, abs failed, resulting in an accident. Cannot find anything wrong with vehicle. *ak

While stopping vehicle idled highly w/no warning. A few minutes later the husband drove because he thought his wife pushed accelerator. Again, vehicle accelerated, resulting in rear end collision w/no air bag deployment. Dealership unable to detect defect. *ak

Electrical short, when driving vehicle completely lost of power, had to pull off highway and restart. *ak

Bridgestone tires blew out twice.

After car is warm and you have driven a while, when you stop, turn off the engine, say to get gas, when you start up again the engine runs between 1500 and 2000 rpms. If you don't wait until the idle comes down, you will have trouble slowing down without using the brake. Even if you shift down, you will be idling at a speed of about 30 -35 mph and you expect to be slowing down. This has been a problem from the very start. We took it back to thomason and they said they could not make the car do what we said it was doing and there was nothing they could do about it. All they said was it was to new and it should be alright after a few miles. We took it back before the 30,000 mile warranty was up and they basically said the same thing. There was nothing they could do about it. We then to the car to carr chevrolet in beaverton, or. They did a lot of checking on the car and said they would like a factory rep. Take a look at it. We made an appointment with a factory rep. And he drove the car and said that it was doing just what we had said and that he had heard of a couple other complaints of the same type. He was going to check and get back to us. He never did, so we contacted chris, who was out contact at carr, and he said that there was nothing they could do at this time. That the car was performing as it was made to do. We are currently waiting for another appointment with the factory rep. To have him drive it again and decide what they are going to do. We feel that this is a safety hazard, because you have to constantly be on your toes. You may think you will slow down if you take your food off the gas and shift down, but you will still be going at a speed you may not want to be going. This is not the way a 5 speed should work. My wife doesn't drive the car as much as i do and she feels very uncomfortable and unsafe when she does. The last we heard is that the car is performing as manufactured. That may be so, but it was manufactured wrong.

Vibration at speeds over 67 mph.

Both airbag's deployed during front end collison. The passenger's side air bag shattered the front windshield, broke the rear view mirror free of it's mounting bracket, and sent glass throughout the vehicle.534534 dup of 540917; posted on 09-07-1999. *ak

When driving the vehicle, the vehicle jumps out of drive into netural. *ak

Air bag inadvertently deployed causing driver to loose control and strike another vehicle.

While sliding on snow in parking lot approximately 3 to 5mph, vehicle's left front very lightly tapped another stopped vehicle, both airbags deployed. *ak

Keyless entry failed due to pinched wire in driver's door.

Driver's and passenger side airbags did not deploy in a frontal collision at 35 mph. *ak

Vehicle stalls out at any speed, dealer can not locate the problem. Tt

While vehicle was involved in an accident, 11 years old son who was buckled into his seat belt was thrown forward/back at which point his head hit a piece of hard plastic embedded in the top of the back seat and got a bump on the head.

Engine failed causing noise during startup in cold weather.

No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak

The abs brakes do not perform well in snow and ice. While applying brakes in these road conditons, vehcile will not stop. Dealer noted that vehicle is operating to specs. *ak

The front brake rotors warped, causing the brakes to become mushy, resulting in extended stopping distance. The dealer and manufacturer have been notified. *ak

While driving vehicle shut down. The dealer indicated that the alternator was bad and stated that it was recalled for legacy models but not gt legacy models. *nlm

Consumer states that the vehicle lurches foward unexpectedly. Cause unknown. Please provide any further information.**ak

While traveling at 35 mph head gasket blew out, driver lost power steering, and engine died. Vehicle was towed to a mechanic, who indicated that engine needed to be replaced along with some other components. *ak

Fastening bolt for windshield wiper blade worked itself loose, causing windshield wiper to stick.

Anti lock brakes lock up on occasions causing extended stopping distances.

Lighting behind climate control buttons failed.

Computer sensor control unit failed.

Vehicle experienced sudden acceleration when applying brakes. *yc

Vehicle designed with low rear bench seat and no head restraints.

Hard plastic which was designed to hold the back of the seat in place when folded down caused injury when child struck his head on it.

I contact suburu they say there is nothing to do to fix the problem

The front passenger side door seat belt came apart . Please describe .*ak

The vehicle will shut off at speeds of 30 to 35 mph for no apparent reason. Since everything is powered the brakes and steering no longer operate and the car cannot get off the road.

The front brake rotors warped, causing the brakes to become mushy, resulting in extended stopping distance. The dealer and manufacturer have been notified. *ak

Consumer noticed rust on the engine. Dealer has been contacted andtold consumer to look over the rust. Please provide further information. *ak

New design headlights have poor illumination. Owner has details of distance. Tt