Seven problems related to alternator/generator/regulator have been reported for the 1996 Subaru Legacy. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
While driving the battery warning light came on followed by engine stalling. Vehicle was towed to a service station , who indicated that this occurred because of alternator failure. The alternator and battery were replaced. The failure recurred. An alternator recall 00i002000 was issued, but this vehicle was not included due to VIN.
While driving engine stalled, lost all power. Battery acid was leaking from battery cap. Alternator failed which melted fuse box. Battery lost all charging capacity. Dealer contacted. Over a $1000. 00 in repairs.
While driving on the highway alternator malfunctioned, causing the electrical system to completely shut down. Cause unknown.
Alternator failed. Yh.
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.
Was returning from a friends house and the entire electrical system shut down. Car was towed to the local Subaru dealership, where it was worked on for 3 1/2 weeks. They were never able to figure out what happened, so they told Subaru of America that it was an "outside source" (whatever that is) that caused the problem. They also insinuated that I had done something and had neglected to tell them. They were very rude, and not at all helpful. I recently found out from a certified Subaru mechanic that there were some problems with the alternators in some of the Subaru's which caused the main fuse to blow. Interesting that that is what happened to my car, but no one seemed to be able to make the connection. I had to pay for the repairs, and deal with the rudeness of the dealer as well as the customer service folks at Subaru of America. I would have expected someone along the way to have had some knowledge of problems such as this, and I would also have expected to have been treated a little better as a paying customer who simply wanted to find out what was wrong with their car. They should also be able to provide a better answer to my questions than that it was caused by an "outside source". When there are equipment or parts problems, people should be notified. Minimally, the Subaru mechanics should be aware of problems. What a disappointment it has been to own a Subaru.
While driving vehicle shut down. The dealer indicated that the alternator was bad and stated that it was recalled for Legacy models but not gt Legacy models.