Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 4 complaints on file for the 1989 Subaru Loyale — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
4
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
3
Investigations
2
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed Control | 2 | 50% | new |
| Fuel System | 1 | 25% | new |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 25% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
UNDER CERTAIN LOAD CONDITIONS, THE PARK GEAR MAY NOT DISENGAGE IMMEDIATELY WHEN THE TRANSMISSION LEVER IS MOVED FROM PARK TO REVERSE.
Consequence
DELAYED RELEASE OF TRANSMISSION FROM PARK CAUSES DELAYEDAND POSSIBLY ABRUPT VEHICLE MOVEMENT THAT COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLECONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
INSTALL A MODIFIED PARKING BRAKE PAWL TO PREVENT DELAYED RELEASE INTO REVERSE GEAR.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“AFTER PUTTING VEHICLE INTO DRIVE, THE THROTTLE STUCK, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO INCREASE SPEED, RESULTING IN A COLLISION/INJURIES. *AK”
“FUEL FILLER TUBE RUSTS PREMATURELY AND ALLOWS GASOLINE TO SPILL INTO THE WHEEL WELL OF THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL. DEALER CONTACTED AND CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK”
The record is thin — 4 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1989 Subaru Loyale. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Loyale years to avoid are 1992. The cleanest record among Loyale years belongs to 1988.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.