1992 Subaru Legacy: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 55 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is seat belts (36% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 1994
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 55 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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 a recall on that year because of how the company put in the back seat. I contacted my local subaru dealer (kelly cadillac) and they said it was not that year or VIN number and that they could not help me. They acted like if it was not a new vehicle then it did not matter. This is my son's only way to college every day but it worries me whether this car is safe or not. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Apr 2012
“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. Previous tires, and these tires, were different lots. Bf goodrich traction t/a. No catastrophic failure either time - found on state inspection. *tr”Owner report · Tires · Jul 2009
“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”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Mar 2004
Show 7 more owner reports
“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”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2004
“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 repair equipment. Tire make has been discontinued. Now manufactured under different model designation. *nlm”Owner report · Tires · Nov 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”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2002
“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 paralyzed from neck down. Driver is approximately 5'0 tall so amount of damage done is unacceptable. Car was traveling about 45 mph when car rolled over (speed lost while trying to gain control of vehicle) 3) vehicle totalled”Owner report · Structure · Jul 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. The tire looks as though it had been peeled off of the wheel. I'm scared to drive the car now.*ak (dot number: 1857014 tiresize: ft70c 87s)”Owner report · Tires · Jul 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”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2001
“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 VIN to be sure it is applicable for my vehicle and it is.*ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Oct 2000
When filing, owners marked a crash in 6 of these complaints and injuries in 4 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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 AND PUSH OUT THE REAR OIL SEAL, CAUSING TRANSMISSION OIL LEAKAGE. THE LACK OF LUBRICATION CAN BURN THE INTERNAL COMPONENTS OF THE TRANSMISSION, CAUSE THE TRANSMISSION TO SEIZE AND THE VEHICLE TO COME TO A SUDDEN STOP.
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.
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.
Remedy: INSPECT THE FUEL TANKS; REPLACE THEM IF THEY ARE PUNCTURED.
How other years compare
Check your exact Legacy by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1992 Subaru Legacy reliable?
NHTSA has 55 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1992 Subaru Legacy. The most complained-about area is seat belts (36% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1992 Subaru Legacy problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 124,900 miles or less.
Does the 1992 Subaru Legacy have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning power train:manual transmission. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.