1993 Subaru Legacy: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 77 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (19% 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 77 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Two year old tires (all 4, purchased at same time) have circumferential cracks in tread grooves - tire seller says these are very abnormal and is replacing all of them. Have only 20,000 miles of wear on tires rated for 80,000. No catastrophic failures. Tires a goodrich traction t/a 195/60r15 88h. Dot code on all 4 tires: anrbmc112705. *tr”Owner report · Tires · Oct 2007
“Dt*: the contact stated there was a recall on the vehicle, NHTSA #94v052000 concerning the manual transmission. The recall work was performed prior to purchase. The transmission locked up while driving 25 mph. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop, but has not been inspected.”Owner report · Power Train · Feb 2006
“Dt: the contact stated the shoulder harness on both front seat belts did not provide adequate restraint when in use. The straps gave way when properly buckled. The seat belts were not covered under warranty. He purchased replacement straps and planned to replace the straps himself. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jan 2005
Show 7 more owner reports
“The consumer purchased four new firestone tires. The right rear tire went flat. The vehicle was parked. The cord that meets the rim of the wheel separated from the tire. Contacted the manufacturer was told she could purchase another tire for half price. Please provide any further information. *jb”Owner report · Tires · Oct 2004
“Fuel filler pipe had all kinds of dirt, debris and rust causing it to fail and leak oil. The filer tube rusted and caused fuel to leak from the vehicle. When the consumer pulled the plastic shroud away from the filler pipe he noticed all kinds of road dirt, rust and debris had accumulated and caused the pipe to fail. The consumer also has a 1995 legacy l/l and is concerned that the failure may occur in that vehicle. The consumer requested reimbursement. *nlm”Owner report · Structure · Jul 2003
“Consumer noticed the front seat belts doesn't come up properly, dealer replaced the belt three times and the problem still reoccuring. Nlm”Owner report · Seat Belts · Sep 2002
“The clutch on this vehicle has failed three (3) times. It was replaced by the dealer in 1995, replaced again in 1999 and has failed a third time in december 2001. The failure of the clutch is a severe safety hazard as the driver suddenly finds the vehicle can't move. All of the replacements have been performed by the original dealer using subaru original parts.*ak”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 2001
“Consumer states that the driver side front door has defective locks, the locks will intermittenly lock. Contacted dealer and the dealer is not willing to do anything. Nlm”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Sep 2001
“Driving on highway at approximately 65mhp when belts began to make noise. Shortly following car loss power, including steering. It was reported by a mechanic that the crankshaft pulley had come loose and the crankshaft had been damaged beyond repair. Car will need small block overhaul or replacement engine to function again.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 2001
“5 minutes after parking vehicle, ignition turned off consumer noticed smoke on inside of vehicle. Fire department put out fire. Vehicle not taken to dealer amount of damage unknown. Consumer stated tha tfire caused by automatic track seat belt motor. Passenger door panel, seat and head rest were melted. Please add further comments.*ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · May 2001
When filing, owners marked a crash in 9 of these complaints and injuries in 7 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
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 1993 Subaru Legacy reliable?
NHTSA has 77 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1993 Subaru Legacy. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (19% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1993 Subaru Legacy problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 114,385 miles or less.
Does the 1993 Subaru Legacy have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has 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.