1996 Subaru Legacy: check engine light

Filed Jan 4, 2004 · Engine · WV

1996 subaru legacy, brighton model sw 65,000 miles I purchased the vehicle new. I have had plugs and wires replaced several times in the past year. This last time one plug wire and plug was bad. The problem I was having was when accelerating at high speeds there was a miss or hesitation in the engine as well as the a shaking. Also, the check engine light came on. This also happens more often when the vehicle is cold or when it is cold outside. My local dealer finally believes it is a bad valve guide. He dropped the exhaust manifold and could see one of the guides having down from there. I have not had this fixed yet, I just found this out 1-2-04. I understand there has been several legacy's which were made in 1995 and 1996 that have had this problem. I have also seen a complaint which was filed at this web site regarding the same problem it is odi id no. 732588. This is a costly problem and feel subaru should recall these vehicles. I am hoping to get the problem fixed within the next week or so. I also feel dealerships should be made aware to check this problem when plugs begin to fowl out like mine has done several times now. I will let you know how this goes. Jd

Filed Jun 25, 2001 · Engine · AL

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.

Filed Sep 26, 2000 · Engine · MD

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.

Filed Nov 3, 1999 · Engine · SC

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.

Filed Nov 1, 1999 · Engine · MD · 1 injury

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 .

Filed Jan 23, 1999 · Brakes, Electrical · MN

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.