One problem related to manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe has been reported for the 1996 Subaru Legacy. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
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.