1994 Subaru Legacy: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 60 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is seat belts (41% of complaints).
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
60
owner complaints
4
fire reports
125,000
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Among the quietest Legacy years (#32 of 34 by complaints, age-adjusted)No recall campaignsProblems tend to appear late (median 125,000 mi)Weak spot: seat belts (41%)4 fire reports
Common problems
Computed from 60 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Seat Belts41% · 24 complaints
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)8% · 5 complaints
Service Brakes, Hydraulic (brakes)7% · 4 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)7% · 4 complaints
Fuel System, Gasoline (fuel pump, tank, lines)7% · 4 complaints
Steering (steering wheel, rack, power assist)7% · 4 complaints
“A few months ago, my son was driving my older subaru and said the brakes went down to the floor when he applied them not far from home. He pumped them and slow crept home with the car. I found a rusted out leak at the rear passenger side connection location near the frame on the side of the gas tank. I just saw there were a number of recalls for this exact same problem. I have never received or saw one before. Are they still valate? Whom do I contact for service if so? My son was just lucky he wasn't on a highway!”Owner report · Service Brakes · Sep 2020
“I will be accelerating at any mph and the car will suddenly turn itself off. The battery is still powering the car (radio playing, lights on), but the engine will be completely stopped. Steering and brakes will both lock and require muscling in order to get to the roadside and stop the car. This has occurred 4 times since the date given (6/09). The first time was on the interstate and was a very close call. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2009
“1994 subaru legacy transmission will not shift out of 1st gear. After car warms up, within a short distance the transmission fails altogether and the car will not move. After a cooling off period, the car will proceed for a short duration. This is apparently a common issue due to design deficiencies causing an over heating and component failure. It is not corrected yet. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2008
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl*the contact owns a 1994 subaru legacy. The contact stated that the odometer stopped working for approximately one year. The vehicle was also leaking exhaust fumes, which caused her to have headaches. While driving approximately 25 mph in dry weather, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull over without crashing. The dealer has been notified. The current and failure mileages were 142,000. Updated 02-14-08. *kb the consumer stated have since sold the vehicle to d auto 214-629-0941 but wishes to pursue health damage in respiratory and mental anguish. Updated 02/14/08 *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2006
“Spontaneous explosion and fire destroying 1994 subaru and damaging another car and adjacent home. Fire inspector assessed cause as ruptured power steering hose.”Owner report · Steering · Jan 2003
“I was stopped at a light it felt like my car was rolling back, so I applied my brake and the air bag went off. The car has been tested three times at the request of sabaru corp. To see what went wrong, they can not find the reason, there was no collision, the car starts and runs, I was told it should not do this. They want me to pay $500.00 of the $1000 to repair it and I don't feel that I should have to pay for something that was not my fault.”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 2002
“While driving heard a bang that came from the left front tire. Then, could hear a clocking noise. Took vehicle to dealer, where they found out that coil spring was broken just like mentioned in recall 01 v 216 000. *ak”Owner report · Suspension · Jan 2002
“Motorized seatbelt is stuck in one position. Motor still runs upon opening/closing of car door, but belt does not move in track. Two feet of track cable has fallen out of its housing.*ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jun 2001
“While driving under winter weather conditions vehicle was making noises and handling improperly. Dealership examined vehicle and determined that front coil springs were broken. *ak consumer feels that due to improper springs the following also had to be replaced, shocks, shafts, stabilizing links, and bearings. *slc”Owner report · Suspension · Mar 2001
“Vehicle experienced flame shooting out of filler neck upon taken off gas cap. Manufacturer notified, and informed consumer to take vehicle to a local dealer. Dealer claimed that nothing could be found, and dealer's technician informed consumer that static from consumer's hand may have triggered flames. Please fill free to provide any further details on this matter. *ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Dec 2000
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 5 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
How other years compare
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Is the 1994 Subaru Legacy reliable?
NHTSA has 60 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 1994 Subaru Legacy. The most complained-about area is seat belts (41% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1994 Subaru Legacy problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 125,000 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.