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Subaru Outback

1996–2000 only

71 classified complaints

1996–2000 Subaru Outback models have 71 classified complaints on record for these years specifically. The most common issue in this range is Subframe, cradle and frame corrosion, typically surfacing around 150,569 miles.

Computed directly from stored federal records for 1996–2000 model years only — not blended with the rest of this vehicle's production run. See the full Subaru Outback report for every year combined.

Where this range fits

1996–2000

2001–2005

2006–2010

2011–2015

2016–2020

2021–2025

Complaints filed per 5-year model-year window — highlighted bars link to their own dedicated page.

What breaks, and when — 1996–2000 only

Subframe, cradle and frame corrosion · Suspension 14 complaints

Median onset: 150,569 miles.

More common in older model years.

Tank, lines and filler · Fuel system 12 complaints

Median onset: 134,600 miles.

More common in older model years.

Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting · Transmission 9 complaints

Median onset: 100,000 miles. 33.3% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

Tends to show up earlier than this model's other issues.

Head gasket and cylinder head · Engine 7 complaints

Median onset: 100,000 miles.

Tends to show up earlier than this model's other issues. · More common in older model years. · Typical repair: $1,620–$3,010 nationally.

Body control and other modules · Electrical 5 complaints

Median onset: 160,000 miles.

More common in newer model years.

Master cylinder and booster · Brakes 3 complaints

Median onset: 87,696 miles. 66.7% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

Tends to show up earlier than this model's other issues. · More common in older model years.

Calipers, hoses and lines · Brakes 3 complaints

Median onset: 168,000 miles.

More common in older model years. · Typical repair: $230–$880 nationally.

Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim · Body and interior 3 complaints

Median onset: 155,500 miles. 66.7% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.

More common in newer model years.

From owner-filed complaints to NHTSA, not independently verified. Federal mileage reporting on recent complaints is sparse — see how it works. Cost ranges are national estimates from book labor hours and parts pricing, not this vehicle's actual repair history — they don't account for your location or shop type.

Cost estimator: what will this one cost you?

Enter the car's year and mileage. See which known problems are due in your next 3 years, what each costs at your state's labor rates, which ones to ask the seller about, and routine maintenance to budget for.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — complaints and recalls, scoped to 1996–2000 model years. See the full Subaru Outback report for every year and full specs/safety data.