1990 SUBARU LEGACY

4 recalls, 103 complaints - 17 TSBs

POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

Defect Description

WHEN THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN CONTINUOUSLY UNDER EXTREMELY COLD TEMPERATURES (-22 DEGREES F.) AND HIGH HUMIDITY WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE TRANSMISSION BREATHING (AIR) VENT CAN BE BLOCKED DUE TO MOISTURE FREEZING AT THE OIL LEVEL GAUGE. IF THIS OCCURS, PRESSURE INSIDE THE TRANSMISSION CASE WILL INCREASE A... Read more

Consequence

SUDDEN STOPS WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING CAN CAUSE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS TO BE THROWN AROUND THE VEHICLE AND CAUSE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL WHICH CAN RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE OIL GAUGE PIPE AND MODIFY THE OIL LEVEL GAUGE (DIPSTICK) OR REPLACE IT, DEPENDING ON THE TYPE OF DIPSTICK IN THE VEHICLE.

31,295 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Defect Description

UNDER CERTAIN LOAD CONDITIONS, THE PARK GEAR MAY NOT DISENGAGE IMMEDIATELY WHEN THE TRANSMISSION LEVER IS MOVED FROM PARK TO REVERSE.

Consequence

DELAYED RELEASE OF TRANSMISSION FROM PARK CAUSES DELAYEDAND POSSIBLY ABRUPT VEHICLE MOVEMENT THAT COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLECONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy

INSTALL A MODIFIED PARKING BRAKE PAWL TO PREVENT DELAYED RELEASE INTO REVERSE GEAR.

76,000 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

Defect Description

TORQUE OF LATCH SCREWS ON FRONT DOORS MAY LOOSEN OVER TIME DUE TO A GAP BETWEEN THE LATCH BASE PLATE AND INNER DOOR PANEL UNDER THE SCREW HEAD.

Consequence

THE AFFECTED DOOR MAY NOT BE OPENED FROM INSIDE,PREVENTING EXIT FROM THAT DOOR.

Remedy

REPLACE FRONT DOOR LATCH SCREWS WITH "LOCK-TIGHT" SCREWS.

103,744 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

Defect Description

THE DEFROSTER LEVER PIN OF THE DEFROSTER SHUTTER DOOR MAY BECOME DISLOCATED AND ALLOW THE SHUTTER TO CLOSE, PREVENTING DEFROSTER FROM FUNCTIONING.

Consequence

NON-FUNCTIONING DEFROSTER WOULD ADVERSELY AFFECT DRIVERVISIBILITY.

Remedy

INSTALL A POSITIONING STOPPER DEVICE TO PREVENT DISLOCATION OF DEFROSTER LEVER PIN TO ASSURE DEFROSTER OPERATION.

81,000 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Complaint Statistics

103 total complaints 4 crashes 2 fires 4 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH	18
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR	17
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION	6
SEAT BELTS	5
STRUCTURE:BODY	5
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	4
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY	3
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER	3
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE	3
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY	3

Incident date: Feb 1, 2003

THE LOCK/LATCH ON MY CAR'S PASSENGER DOOR IS DEFECTIVE AND THE RECALL 90V18400 DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THE DOOR IS DIFFICULT TO OPEN AND COULD EASIY FAIL ANY DAY AND TRAP MY PASSENGER IN THE CAR. THE SAME THING IS HAPPENING TO THE FRONT DRIVERS DOOR. THE MANUFACTUER WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM AT NO... Read more

Incident date: Jun 12, 1992

THE CV BOOTS ON THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE CONSTANTLY NEED REPLACING. *AK

THE VEHICLE'S DOOR LOCKS EXPERIENCED THE DEFECT STATED IN RECALL 90 V 184 000 BUT IT'S VIN WAS OUTSIDE OF THE REMEDY SCOPE. THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO REPAIR THE DOOR. *NLM

Incident date: Aug 1, 2002

HEADLIGHT DEVICE IS PLASTIC, MAKING IT HARD TO SEE WHEN TURNING HEADLIGHTS ON. DEALERSHIP IS NOT AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK THE PLASTIC LENS MATERIAL BECOMES SIGNIFICANTLY LESS TRANSPARENT WITH TIME, DIMINISHING VISABILITY AT NIGHT. THE ADJACENT TURN SIGNAL LENS HAS NOT AGED. THIS INDICATES TO CONSUM... Read more

Incident date: Jul 1, 2000

CONSUMER STATES THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR WOULD LOCK ITSELF WHENEVER THE DOOR IS SHUT. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. NLM

Incident date: Jan 1, 1999

I HAVE A 1990 SUBARU LEGACY. EACH TIME I TRY TO EXIT THE CAR THE DOORS LOCK AUTOMATICALLY. IT HAS AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS THAT ARE ACCUATED BY PUSHING THE DRIVERS DOOR LOCK. I HAVE HAD THE LOCK APART AND THE PROBLEM WITH ALL 4 OF MY DOOR IS THAT A SINGLE SPRING IN THE LOCK MECHANISM IS RESPONSIBLE F... Read more

Incident date: Jan 1, 2001

LOCKS ON DOOR WILL LOCK EVEN WHEN UNLOCKING DOORS. LOCKS WILL AUTOMATICALLY LOCK BACK UP. CONSUMER HAS TO HOLD LOCK U, AND THEN PUSH THE DOOR OPEN TO GET OUT OF VEHICLE. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK *YH

Incident date: Aug 1, 2001

I NOTICED ANOTHER INCIDENT ON THE DATABASE REPORTING THIS SAME FAILURE. THE PLASTIC SHIELD TRAPS DEBRIS AGAINST THE FILLER PIPE CAUSING THE PIPE TO RUST THROUGH. I DON'T KNOW HOW MANY '90 SUBARU LEGACYS ARE STILL ON THE ROAD, BUT I SUSPECT (GIVEN THE SEVERITY OF THE RUST), THAT ALMOST ALL OF THEM... Read more

Incident date: Jan 15, 2001

BOTH FRONTAL PASSIVE RESTRAINT BELTS FAIL TO OPERATE, WILL NOT GO AROUND THE TRACKS, LEAVING DRIVER AND PASSENGER WITHOUT ANY RESTRAINT IF VEHICLE GETS INVOLVED IN A CRASH. MANUFACTURER CONTACTED, AND WILLING TO GO HALF IN REPAIRS. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Incident date: Aug 1, 2001

VEHICLE HAS A MASTER DOOR LOCK BUTTON ON DRIVER'S SIDE. 2 REAR DOORS LOCK WHEN DOOR IS CLOSED. PASSENGER'S DOOR SHOULD NOT LOCK ONCE IT'S CLOSED. LOCK KNOB HAS TO BE HELD UP TO OPEN ANB CLOSE THE DOOR. CONSUMER HAS GOTTEN LOCKED OUT A FEW TIMES BECAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK

Incident date: Oct 1, 2000

PASSENGER FRONT DOOR-LOCK FAILED INITIALLY REQUIRING PASSENGER TO MANUALLY PUSH LATCH AND PULL DOOR LEVER SIMUTANEOUSLY IN ORDER TO OPEN DOOR. REAR DOOR-LOCKS DO NOT WORK NOW AND REQUIRE SAME EFFORT. ALL DOORS WILL LOCK ON THEIR OWN WHILE GETTING IN AND OUT. IN CASE OF ACCIDENT OR FIRE, THE OCCUP... Read more

Incident date: Jul 13, 2001

FUEL FILLER PIPE LEAKING - FUEL PIPE RUSTED CAUSING FUEL TO DRIP FROM FILLER PIPE NEAR PASSENGER REAR TIRE. RUST CAUSED BY MUD/DIRT AND MOISTURE GETTING STUCK BETWEEN PLASTIC PIPE SHIELD AND FUEL PIPE.*AK

Incident date: Apr 30, 2001

MFG REFUSED TO FIX REAR DOOR LATCHES UNDER NHTSA RECALL 90V18400. THE PROBLEM IS THE SAME AS WITH THE FRONT DOORS. FAILURE OF THE LATCHES WOULD NOT PERMIT EXIT FROM CAR IN A WRECK AND WHO IS LIKELY TO RIDE IN THE REAR..CHILDREN WHO WOULD PANIC. I WAS CHARGED $140 TO CORRECT THESE MANUFACTURE DEFE... Read more

Incident date: May 12, 2000

I ALSO PURCHASED AN 1992 SUBARU SVX THAT HAS A FAILED TRANSNISSION (SAME STYLE TRANNY) THIS CAR HAS 146000 MILES ON IT, II'VE DONE SOME RESEARCH ON THIS AND IT APPEARS THESE TRANSMISSIONS ARE PRONE TO FAILURE, OUR LEGACY'S WENT OUT ON THE INTERSTATE, AND COULD EASILY HAVE BEEN FATAL

Incident date: Jan 1, 1998

LEFT FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE DOOR LOCKS ENGAGE AFTER UNLOCKING MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO ENTER OR EXIT VEHICLE. YH

THE LAP BELTS IN THIS VEHICLE HAVE COME APART AT THE "FLAP" WHERE THE BELTS SNAP INTO THE RECEPTACLE. WE HAVE HAD THE CAR IN SEVERAL SHOPS, AND NONE CAN GET REPLACEMENT BELTS. THE LATEST ATTEMPT WAS WITH THE SUBARU DEALER IN NEW ORLEANS, AND THEY HAVE "ORDERED THEM FROM JAPAN". SO FAR, NO BELTS. ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 14, 1995

POWER DOOR LOCKS LOCK BY THEMSELVES. *AK

THE DOOR HANDLE WHEN OPENED CAUSES THE DOOR TO AUTOMATICALLY LOCK WHEN OPENED FROM THE INSIDE. THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT BROKE IN 1993. THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR DOOR BROKE IN 1998. THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT DOOR BROKE IN 1999 WHICH IS THE MOST ANNOYING AS IT LOCKS ALL THE DOOR EVERY TIME THE HANDLE IS U... Read more

Incident date: Jul 7, 1999

DESIGN FLAW OF RIGHT FRONT AXLE CAME OFF THE WHEEL, CAUSING VEHICLE TO DEPEND ON REAR WHEEL DRIVE ONLY AND ALLOWED THE FRONT RIGHT DRIVE LINE SPIN AIMLESSLY, RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO COMPONENTS IN TRANSFER CASE. *AK

WHEN DRIVER TOOK OFF FROM A STOP WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKES, VEHICLE TOOK OFF. SHIFTING THE VEHICLE TO NEUTRAL AND HEAVY BRAKE APPLICATION STOPPED THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE HAD BEEN DRIVEN FOR ABOUT 15 MINTUES BEFORE THIS HAPPENED. *AK

TIRES WORN OUT PREMATURELY. (YAMAHA) YH

SUDDEN ACCELERATION CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO RUN 90 MPH. YH

TIRES WORN OUT PREMATURELY. (YAMAHA) YH

SUDDEN ACCELERATION CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO RUN 90 MPH. YH

TIRES WORN OUT PREMATURELY. (YAMAHA) YH

SUDDEN ACCELERATION CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO RUN 90 MPH. YH

Incident date: Apr 8, 1996

POWER STEERING PIPE A AND PIPE B

Incident date: Jul 1, 1997

(1) THE AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR IS FINE; BUT IT COMES ON ONLY OCCASIONALLY; MECHANICS UNABLE TO FIND PROBLEM. (2) DOORS AUTOMATICALLY LOCKING CAUSES GREAT INCONVENIENCE; (3) SUN VISOR FALLING DOWN IMPAIRS VISION; VELCRO AND EVEN DUCT TAPE WON'T KEEP IT UP. *AK

Incident date: Jul 1, 1997

SUN VISORS DO NOT STAY UP. MJS

DOOR LOCKS FAILED ON ALL DOORS. MJS

WHEEL BEARING FAILED.

FRONT AND REAR STRUTS FAILED.

Incident date: Apr 21, 1996

DOORS WOULD LOCK BY THEMSELVES. WHEN PUSHED OR PULLED FROM EITHER OUTSIDE OR INSIDE, DOORS WILL NOT OPEN PROPERLY. *AK

Incident date: Aug 19, 1997

DOOR LOCKS ON ITS OWN PUSHING ON LOCK INSIDE. PULLING LEVER OUTSIDE DOOR LOCKS SOMETIMES WORKS. WOULD NOT OPEN PROPERLY DUE TO PROBLEM WITH LOCKS.*AK *ML

Incident date: Jan 1, 1998

LEFT FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE DOOR LOCKS ENGAGE AFTER UNLOCKING MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO ENTER OR EXIT VEHICLE. YH

Incident date: Feb 1, 1999

I HAVE REPORTED THIS TO SUBARU(EVEN THE CEO).SUBARU CASE # 203430.SUBARU WAS NOT INTERESTED IN RECEIVING THE PART FOR EVALUATION AND DETERMING THE ROOT CAUSE OF FAILURE.(I STILL HAVE THE ABS UNIT ) THE PROBLEM WAS THAT THE ABS HOUSING FELL APART. THREE BOLTS CAME OUT AND ONE WAS BROKEN OFF WITHIN TH... Read more

Incident date: Feb 1, 1999

Incident date: Jun 10, 1995

DOOR LOCKS FAIL IN THE LOCKED POSITION AND WILL NOT STAY OPEN WITHOUT MANUALLY HOLDING THE LOCK OPEN. THE DOOR CANNOT BE OPENED UNLESS YOU USE ONE HAND TO HOLD THE LOCK OPEN AND THE OTHER TO PULL THE HANDLE. IF YOU CANNOT REACH THE DOOR LOCK WITH 2 HANDS YOU ARE A VIRTUAL CAPTIVE UNLESS SOMEONE HELP... Read more

WHEN DRIVING 55 MPH OR ABOVE TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONS. VEHICLE DOES NOT DOWNSHIFT, CAUSE UNKNOWN. DEALER CANNOT IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Incident date: Apr 1, 1997

THE PASSENGER'S DOOR LOCKS THE PASSENGER IN THE CAR.IF DOOR IS IN THE UNLOCKED POSITION, IT MOVES ON ITS OWN TO THE LOCKED POSITION WHEN A PASSENGER ATTEMPTS TO OPEN DOOR.DEALER IS WAITING FOR PARTS. *AK

AIR CONDITIONER PRESSURE HOSE FAILED.

DOOR HANDLES CONTINUALLY CRACKING.

Incident date: Aug 18, 1998

DOOR LOCK FAILED.

Incident date: Jul 1, 1997

PASSENGER'S INSIDE DOOR HANDLE FAILS TO OPEN AND UNLOCK WITHOUT MANEUVERING DOOR HANDLE AND LOCK. *AK

Incident date: Sep 10, 1998

RIGHT PASSENGER DOOR COULD NOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE. THE DEALER HAS REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. *AK CONSUMER STATES THIS WAS DUE TO A BROKEN INTERNAL LATCH ASSEMBLY OF THE RIGHT FRONT DOOR. *SLC

LOCK HAS BEEN DISENGAGED, THE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN. A RECALL WAS ISSUED ON VEHICLE MAKE AND MODEL. THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED UNDER THE RECALL. MANUFACTURER AND DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK *JB

ALL DOOR LOCKS DO NOT WORK AS DESIGNED. IN ORDER TO GET OUT OF VEHICLE, CONSUMER MUST USE TWO HANDS; ONE TO HOLD DOWN THE LOCK/UNLOCK BUTTON, AND WITH THE OTER HAND SIMULTANEOUSLY PULL THE HANDLE.

Showing 50 of 103 complaints.

EPA Fuel Economy, 1990 SUBARU LEGACY

Trim / Engine	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG	Fuel Type	Annual Fuel Cost
2.2L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	19.0	26.0	21.0	Regular	$2,950
2.2L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	19.0	26.0	22.0	Regular	$2,850

CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Compact Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

Technical Service Bulletins, 1990 SUBARU LEGACY

17 manufacturer communications from 11 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
350000 EQUIPMENT	9
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	3
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER	1
357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER	1
021600 SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING	1
121000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS	1
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	1

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic essential information during diagnosis and repair of the Infotainment concerns. (Applicable to all models with Harman or Denso CP1 Infotainment).

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin is to advise of SOAa??s revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin is to advise of SOAa??s revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.

350000 EQUIPMENT

To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate Special Service Tool.

350000 EQUIPMENT

Special Service Tools Cross Reference List.

350000 EQUIPMENT

All Models (Vehicle Cleaning- COVID-19Best Practices)

350000 EQUIPMENT

Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newletter.

350000 EQUIPMENT

To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate Special Service Tool.

121000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

HEADLIGHT BULB SOCKET REPAIRS. *KB

021600 SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING

NEW PROCEDURE FOR REPLACING REAR WHEEL BEARINGS. *TT

357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

VARIOUS INSTRUCTIONS AND PROCEDURES ON AIR CONDITIONING RETROFIT. *YC

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

KNOCK SENSOR. *SD

NHTSA Safety Investigations, SUBARU LEGACY

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1995

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

ODI HAS RECEIVED 5,820 COMPLAINTS CONCERNING A VARIETY OF ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURES THAT RESULT IN THE VEHICLE STALLING.OUR COMPLAINT ANALYSIS INDICATES THAT THE MAJORITY OF THESE COMPAINTS ARE CAUSED BY ALTERNATOR FAILURE.IN SOME INSTANCES, THE VEHICLE IS COMPLETELY DEAD AND WILL NOT RESTART.BASED... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1990

REVERSE DELAYED ENGAGEMENT

There is no summary currently available

SUBARU LEGACY - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the SUBARU LEGACY across all model years (1990, 2023).

219 Total Recalls

4,163 Total Complaints

2 Investigations

381 Reported Crashes

79 Reported Fires

6 Reported Deaths

SUBARU LEGACY - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2025	0	10	View
2024	0	26	View
2023	2	12	View
2022	2	42	View
2021	3	43	View
2020	6	143	View
2019	3	142	View
2018	3	162	View
2017	2	140	View
2016	3	192	View
2015	3	232	View
2014	10	73	View
2013	12	84	View
2012	16	119	View
2011	16	236	View
2010	18	218	View
2009	13	75	View
2008	9	83	View
2007	9	45	View
2006	7	135	View
2005	9	248	View
2004	11	55	View
2003	15	69	View
2002	5	71	View
2001	8	90	View
2000	4	119	View
1999	3	119	View
1998	5	155	View
1997	6	179	View
1996	4	161	View
1995	2	230	View
1994	0	67	View
1993	1	90	View
1992	2	66	View
1991	3	121	View
1990 (current)	4	103
1989	0	1	View
1988	0	1	View
1987	0	1	View

Other SUBARU Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
IMPREZA	321	3,425	View
OUTBACK	288	12,131	View
SOLTERRA	259	109	View
WRX	190	1,208	View
FORESTER	134	8,512	View
ASCENT	112	1,248	View
TRIBECA	70	51	View
CROSSTREK	42	1,453	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

1990 SUBARU LEGACY

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

EPA Fuel Economy, 1990 SUBARU LEGACY

Technical Service Bulletins, 1990 SUBARU LEGACY

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, SUBARU LEGACY

SUBARU LEGACY - All Years Overview

SUBARU LEGACY - Year by Year

Other SUBARU Models