1996 Subaru Legacy: fire, smoke or burning smell

6 of the 123 complaints about the 1996 Subaru Legacy describe fire, smoke or burning smell.

owner complaints: 6
of this car's complaints: 5%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 5 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Fire, smoke or burning smell by model year

2025
1
2024
1
2018
2
2017
2
2016
2
2015
4
2014
1
2011
1
2010
1
2009
1
2008
1
2007
1
2006
1
2005
2
2003
1
2002
3
2001
1
2000
4
1998
4
1997
2
1996
6
1995
1
1994
2
1992
1
1990
2

What owners say

Filed Mar 6, 2012 · Transmission · 255,000 miles · PA · fire

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.

Filed Sep 22, 2010 · Transmission · 130,000 miles · OH · fire

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).

Filed May 31, 2002 · Electrical · PA · fire

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.

Filed Sep 28, 2001 · Electrical · VA

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.

Filed Feb 9, 2001 · Electrical · CA · fire

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.

Filed Dec 22, 1999 · Electrical · CA

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.