1992 SUBARU LEGACY

2 recalls, 66 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.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

Defect Description

A MISALIGNMENT OF THE REAR SEAT CUSHION LATCHING BRACKET REINFORCEMENT PLATE TO THE FLOOR REQUIRED A MACHINE TAP TO CLEAR THE OPENING FOR A MOUNTING BOLT. THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK MAY HAVE BEEN PUNCTURED WHEN THE TAP WAS USED.

Consequence

THE PUNCTURE IN THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK COULD CAUSE FUELTO LEAK, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE WHEN LEAKS OCCUR NEAR A SOURCE OFIGNITION.

Remedy

INSPECT THE FUEL TANKS; REPLACE THEM IF THEY ARE PUNCTURED.

9,500 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Complaint Statistics

66 total complaints 8 crashes 8 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
SEAT BELTS	11
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE	6
TIRES	5
STRUCTURE:BODY	4
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR	3
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION	3
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE	2
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD	2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE	2
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	2

Incident date: Apr 2, 2012

I BOUGHT MY YOUNGEST SON A 1992 SUBARU LEGACY STATION WAGON. I WENT TO FILL THE GAS TANK AND WHEN I GOT HOME YOU COULD SMELL GAS FUMES VERY STRONGLY AND LATER WE COULD SEE WHERE IT HAD LEAKED ONTO THE GROUND. I ASKED MY OLDEST SON ABOUT IT SINCE HE IS A CERTIFIED MECHANIC AND HE WAS TELLING ME ABOUT... Read more

Incident date: Jul 22, 2009

CRACKS APPEAR IN CIRCUMFERENTIAL SIPES AFTER 9,000 MILES / 1 YR 10 MO. THIS OCCURRED IN ALL 4 TIRES. SNOWY NORTHEAST CLIMATE, PROPERLY INFLATED TO 29-30 PSI. SIMILAR CRACKING OCCURRED ON IDENTICAL TIRE MODEL ALMOST 2 YRS AGO (DOT # ANRBMC112705), ALSO IN ALL 4 TIRES AFTER 10,000 MILES / 2 YEARS. ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 8, 2001

1) TRAVELING ON I-10 WEST APPROACHING WILCOX, AZ. PASSED UP DIESEL, DIESEL CROSSED INTO LANE (POSSIBLY DUE TO HEAVY CROSSWINDS PROMINENT IN AREA), LOST CONTROL OF CAR AND ROLLED TWICE OFF THE HIGHWAY. 2) ROOF CAVED IN ON DRIVERS SIDE, CAUSING A COMPRESSING FRACTURE TO DRIVERS NECK. DRIVER NOW PARA... Read more

Crash 2 injured

Incident date: Jul 8, 2001

Crash 2 injured

Incident date: Jul 8, 2001

Crash 2 injured

Incident date: Mar 1, 2004

WHILE DRIVING IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC AND UPON PUTTING FOOT ON THE CLUTCH AND THE BRAKES VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD. IT FELT LIKE THE VEHICLE WAS TRYING TO PUSH SOMETHING VERY HEAVY OUT OF THE WAY. *AK

Incident date: Jan 15, 2004

WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH TRANSMISSION FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT VEHICLE LOST POWER, FORCING DRIVER TO VEER OFF THE ROAD. DEALER STATED THAT TRANSMISSION BREATHING VENTS WERE BLOCKED DUE TO FLUID FREEZING. A RECALL 94V052000 WAS ISSUED,HOWEVER THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. *AK

Incident date: Aug 1, 2002

THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN ACCIDENT, CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO BE REPAIRED. DEALERSHIP PRESENTED VEHICLE REPAIRS AS COMPLETE, CONSUMER DISAGREED.*MR REAR GATE RELOCATED. SWITCH CONTROLLING CARGO LAMP AND STATUS PANEL DID NOT FUNCTION. FRONT BUMPER WAS GROSSLY MISALIGNED. FRONT BUMPER TO RIGHT ... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Nov 20, 2002

SEVERAL TULSA DEALERS UNABLE/UNWILLING TO REPAIR SMALL NAIL PUNCTURE OF FT70C TIRE. STATE "THIS TIRE NOT MADE TO BE REPAIRED-SELF SEALING" CONTINUAL LOSS OF AIR NECESSITATES CONSTANT REFILLING. PREVIOUS TIRE REPAIRED BY CERTIFIED TIRE SERVICE FACILITY SHOWED SIDEWALL SEPARATION USING ACCEPTABLE RE... Read more

Incident date: Feb 4, 2003

MICHELIN TIRES KEEP BLOWING OUT. THE SIDEWALLS ARE SEPARATING FROM THE TIRES. PH

Incident date: Feb 7, 2002

ENGINE QUITS ON HILLS WHEN SHIFTING INTO A HIGHER GEAR AT ABOUT 35 MPH. ENGINE ALSO QUITS AT ABOUT 40 MPH, AGAIN WHEN RPM ABOUT 3000 ON A COLD ENGINE.*AK

Incident date: Oct 1, 2000

IN THE CAR'S MANUAL AND, FROM WHAT I'VE HEARD FROM TALKING WITH FRIENDS, THERE IS A FUSE UNDER THE HOOD OF THE CAR THAT ALLOWS YOU TO SWITCH FROM 4WD/AWD TO FWD FOR TOWING ETC. MY CAR LACKS THIS FUSE/HOLDER AND IF IT WERE TO EVER BE TOWED THE TRANSMISSION COULD BE DAMAGED. I HAD A FRIEND LOOK UP MY... Read more

Incident date: Sep 20, 2001

VIN # JF2 BJ65C3 NH903488. NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK

Incident date: Jul 6, 2001

FRONT RIGHT TIRE COMPLETELY FELL OFF THE WHEEL WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. THE TIRES HAD ONLY BEEN PUT ON 6 MONTHS PRIOR, AND THEY WERE NOT BALD. MY CAR SPUN OUT OF CONTROL, AND MY HUB CAP ROLLED OUT INTO THE MIDDLE OF THE FREEWAY, CAUSING A CAR TO HIT THE BACK OF A CAR IN FRONT OF IT. TH... Read more

Crash

Incident date: May 23, 2001

WHILE STOPPING AT A TRAFFIC SIGNAL ALL OF ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS STOPPED, AND VEHICLE STOPPED OPERATING. A BLACK FUSE CABLE IN FUSE BOX, FUSE LINK: 82301GA060 BURNED UP, AND BURNED A MARK ON COVER OF FUSE BOX. *AK *SLC

INTERMITTENTLY DRIVER AND PASSENGER RESTRAINTS BECOME INOPERABLE.*AK

ENGINE STALLS WHEN GOING UPHILL, BACKFIRES, PINGS AND COME TO A STOP. APPEARS TO HAPPEN WHEN ENGINE IS UNDER VERY MODEST STRAIN. MORE LIKELY TO HAPPEN ON COLD ENGINE BUT NOT NEARLY ALL THE CASE. CAN'T TELL IF CHOKE IS IMPLEMENTED FOR SOME REASON.*AK

Incident date: Mar 21, 2000

DRIVER'S SIDE MOTOR BELT FAILED TO OPERATE, LEAVING DRIVER WITHOUT ANY RESTRAINT WHILE DRIVING. DEALER/MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED AT THIS TIME. *AK

WHEN ACCELERATING OR BACKING UP I NOTICED THE CAR WAS SLUGGISH. WHEN THE HOOD WAS POPPED, THE PART HOLDING THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY IN PLACE HAD ALMOST FALLEN OFF. IT TOOK QUIT A WHILE TO OBTAIN THE PART NEEDED. THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE PART IMFORMED ME THAT THIS WAS A PROBLEM FOR THE 92... Read more

FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY FILLER, NOT MADE FROM STAINLESS STEEL, HAS ROTTED OUT, CAUSING FUEL TO LEAK .PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

Incident date: Oct 1, 1999

I HAVE SPENT $60 EACH TIME TO REPLACE SUN VISORS THAT APPEAR TO BE MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. PLEASE IMPROVE THE SUN VISORS THIS IS A SAFEY ISSUE AND COULD LEAD INJURIES. *AK

Incident date: Jul 1, 1999

THE AUOTMATIC SEAT BELT WAS REPLACED LAST APRIL 1999 AND FAILED AGAIN. WE ALSO REPLACED THE PASSENGER SIDE SEATBELT 11/1999. WE WOULD LIKE ASSISTANCE FROM THE MANUFACTURER WITH THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT AS IT WAS PROVIDE THROUGH A MANUFACTURER. DEALER AGREEMENT WITH EACH PARTY PAYING $250 TO REPLACE I... Read more

Incident date: Jul 1, 1999

Incident date: Nov 8, 1999

PASSENGER'S SHOULDER SEATBELT DOES NOT RETRACT WHICH WON'T PROPERLY RESTRAIN THE OCCUPANT IN EVENT OF A CRASH. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

Incident date: May 15, 1999

WHEN CONSUMER STARTED UP VEHICLE MOTORIZED SEAT BELT STARTED WORKING, BUT EVENTUALLY DID NOT WORK AT ALL. *AK

Incident date: Mar 12, 1998

WHEN DRIVING THERE WAS A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. ALSO, THE VEHICLE WILL FREEZE UP ON THE ROAD, AND WHEN IN THIRD/FOURTH AND FIFTH GEAR CAN HEAR THE KNOCKING NOISE. *AK

Incident date: Mar 12, 1998

Incident date: Aug 15, 1998

DRIVER SIDE SUNVISOR HAS CEASED TO FUNCTION. WILL NO LONGER RATCHET UP AND DOWN. WILL FALL DOWN AND CANNOT BE ADJUSTED.

Incident date: May 1, 1998

FRONT SEAT BELT CAME APART.

Incident date: Mar 1, 1998

MOTORBELT FAILED.

Incident date: May 23, 1998

MOTORBELT ON DRIVER'S SIDE FAILS TO RETRACT.

Incident date: May 5, 1998

CABLE BROKE ON THE LEFT FRONT SIDE OF THE DRIVER'S PASSIVE RESTRAINTS. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

Incident date: Feb 1, 1997

DRIVER'S SIDE SHOULDER RESTRAINT FAILED .

Incident date: Feb 10, 1998

LEFT FRONT SEAT BELT FAILURE

Incident date: Jan 20, 1998

SAFETY BELT FAILED.

Incident date: Sep 3, 1997

SEATBELT AND RAIL ASSEMBLY FAILURE.

Incident date: Sep 30, 1996

SEAT BELT RETRACTOR FAILED.

Incident date: Sep 11, 1997

VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A REAREND COLLISION WHICH RESULTED IN VEHICLE SLAMMING INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE, CAUSING DIRECT FRONTAL DAMAGE, AND THERE WAS NO DEPLOYMENT OF DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG, CAUSE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED.*AK *JB

Crash 2 injured

WHILE DRIVING, EXPERIENCED TIRE BLOW OUT, REPLACED TIRE WITH TEMPORARY (T-TIRE), DROVE APPROX. 20 MILES TO NEAREST GARAGE AT 45MPH, AS DIRECT RESULT FROM USING T-TIRE, NOTICED RUBBER BURNING SMELL, REAR DIFFERENTIAL SEVERLY OVERHEATED, CAUSING DAMAGE TO REAR AXEL. *AK

Incident date: Feb 1, 1997

BRAKE FAILURE.

Incident date: Jan 2, 1997

MANUAL 5-SPEED TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP WHILE A RIGHT HAND TURN OUT OF PARKING LOT AND SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR. WITHOUT WARNING THE FRONT WHEELS LOCKED, VEHICLE WA STHROWN INTO A SKID AND BROUGHT IT TO A COMPLETE STOP. *AK

Incident date: Nov 1, 1996

SEAT BELT COMES ACROSS NECK.

Incident date: Apr 17, 1996

TO AVOIDING IMPACT DRIVER RAN OFF THE ROAD HITTING A TELEPHONE POLE, AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY, PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK

Crash

Incident date: Jan 1, 1992

'KNOCK SENSOR' FAILED TWICE, CAUSING 'CHECK ENGINE' WARNING LIGHT TO COME ON. *DH

Incident date: Jan 1, 1996

HOOD LATCH FAILED TO STAY LOCKED. *AK

Incident date: Jan 1, 1996

DRIVER'S DOOR LATCH FAILED, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO EXIT VEHICLE FROM INTERIOR/INABILITY TO LOCK OR UNLOCK THE VEHICLE WITH A KEY. *AK

Incident date: Jan 1, 1996

REAR HATCH RUSTED, PREFVENTING IT FROM BEING RECLOSED ONCE OPENED. *AK

Incident date: Sep 12, 1995

BOTH FRONT AUTOMATIC RESTRAINT SEATBELTS ARE BROKEN AND DO NOT MOVE UP OR DOWN THE TRACK.PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK

Incident date: Feb 29, 1996

ENGINE SURGES INTERMITTENTLY. *DH

Showing 50 of 66 complaints.

EPA Fuel Economy, 1992 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	22.0	Regular	$2,850
2.2L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	20.0	27.0	23.0	Regular	$2,700

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, 1992 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 (current)	2	66
1991	3	121	View
1990	4	103	View
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

1992 SUBARU LEGACY

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

EPA Fuel Economy, 1992 SUBARU LEGACY

Technical Service Bulletins, 1992 SUBARU LEGACY

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, SUBARU LEGACY

SUBARU LEGACY - All Years Overview

SUBARU LEGACY - Year by Year

Other SUBARU Models