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.

- Clarksburg, WV, USA

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.

- Salt Lake City, UT, USA

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.

- Annandale, VA, USA

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.

- Downingtown, PA, USA

Front crank seal is leaking oil onto exhaust system. 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.

- Glen Burnie, MD, USA

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 Subaru are known for "bad valves". if there is a known casting problem in the cylinder heads, these vehicles should be recalled.

- Columbia, MD, USA

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.

- Belchertown, MA, USA