1991 Subaru Loyale: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 13 owner complaints on record; most reports concern power train.
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 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 1991 Subaru Loyale. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the automatic seat belt continuously opened and retracted independently, failing to secure the contact inside the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the automatic seat belt tightener system and observed an oil gasket leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 309,000.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2024
“The contact owns a 1991 Subaru Loyale equipped with a replacement CV-axle from Master Pro, Part Number: SB8003. The contact indicated that while driving in reverse, the vehicle suddenly stopped moving and would not drive forward or backwards. The vehicle was towed to the residence and examined by an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the CV-axle had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact indicated that the failure had also occurred on a second vehicle using the same part. The failure mileage was unknown.”Owner report · Equipment · Dec 2021
“Tl* - on a cold day while trying to drive in reverse the would not engage in the reverse gear. The contact waited for the vehicle to warm up, and was able to drive for sometime, until the transmission suddenly failed , causing the vehicle to slow down and eventually come to a complete stop. The contact has the vehicle at speedy transmission where they will rebuild the transmission. The contact feltthat vehicle should be covered under NHTSA recallcampaign 94v052000.*ak”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 2006
Show 6 more owner reports
“The hood came unlatched and was folded back against the windshield by the wind while the consumer was driving. (ohio traffic crash report) *yh”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Aug 2001
“When driving at any speed vehicle jerks and vibrates. Also, engine head gasket had a leakage. Consumer put the vehicle in repair shop for repairs, but problem has returned. Vehicle has been in repair shop four times, and dealer can't determine the cause of the problem. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 1999
“While driving the vehicle at highway speeds, the automatic transmission malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to slow down suddenly, and almost caused an accident. Dealer put 4 rebuilt transmissions, and problem is still occurring. Cause unknown. Please provide further details.”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 1998
“The drivers and front passenger shoulder belts did not restrain the occupants in an accident causing further injury. Please describe. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Apr 1996
“2 front automatic seatbelts don't retract/ automatic windows all 4 won't come down/ rear back up lights do not come on, and 4 -wheel drive does not work. *ak”Owner report · Visibility
“Upon starting engine races up to 3000 rpm's for appox. 10 minutes before it settles down, dealer's made several attempts to correct, was told to live with it.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - 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.
TRANSMISSION SHIFT LINKAGE MAY BE INCORRECTLY ADJUSTED AND WOULD NOT BE ENGAGED IN A FULL PARK POSITION WHEN PLACED IN PARK.
Remedy: REPAIR THE TRANSMISSION PARK MECHANISM.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1991 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Counts are not adjusted for time on the road here - see all Loyale years ranked fairly for the age-adjusted comparison.
Check your exact Loyale 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 1991 Subaru Loyale reliable?
NHTSA has 13 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1991 Subaru Loyale. The most complained-about area is power train.
Does the 1991 Subaru Loyale have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning power train. 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.