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.
1996 Subaru Legacy engine complaints
Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 22 of 22, newest first, as owners wrote them.
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.
A fuse had blown out five times, causing engine to stall . Also, affecting windows and fan.
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.
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.
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 .
Consumer noticed rust on the engine. Dealer has been contacted andtold consumer to look over the rust. Please provide further information.
No summary
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.
Computer sensor control unit failed.
Left turn signal fails intermittently.
Engine stalls.
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