VehicleVerdict

1991 Subaru Loyale problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 19 complaints on file for the 1991 Subaru Loyale — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

19

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1991 compare to other Loyale years?

Loyale NHTSA complaints by model year, 1991 highlighted51 complaints1987: 0 complaints1988: 0 complaints1989: 4 complaints1990: 16 complaints1991: 19 complaints1992: 51 complaints1993: 16 complaints1994: 1 complaints
Loyale NHTSA complaints by model year, 1991 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Loyale years to avoid →

What are the most common 1991 Subaru Loyale problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission526%
Engine421%
Seat Belts316%
Latches & Locks211%
Electrical System15%
Visibility & Wipers15%
Other15%
Speed Control15%
Suspension15%

Does the 1991 Subaru Loyale have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

94V052000TransmissionMarch 23, 1994 · 31,295 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

SUDDEN STOPS WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING CAN CAUSE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS TO BE THROWN AROUND THE VEHICLE AND CAUSE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL WHICH CAN RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.

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.

91V091000TransmissionJune 11, 1991 · 19,763 units

Defect

TRANSMISSION SHIFT LINKAGE MAY BE INCORRECTLY ADJUSTED AND WOULD NOT BE ENGAGED IN A FULL PARK POSITION WHEN PLACED IN PARK.

Consequence

IF TRANSMISSION PARK MECHANISM IS NOT IN PARK WHILE THEVEHICLE IS RUNNING OR ON AN INCLINE, A RUNAWAY SITUATION WOULD OCCUR WHICHCOULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy

REPAIR THE TRANSMISSION PARK MECHANISM.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 1, 1998

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 2, 1999

“THE DRIVERS AND FRONT PASSENGER SHOULDER BELTS DID NOT RESTRAIN THE OCCUPANTS IN AN ACCIDENT CAUSING FURTHER INJURY. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · April 1, 1996 · crash

“THE HOOD CAME UNLATCHED AND WAS FOLDED BACK AGAINST THE WINDSHIELD BY THE WIND WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT) *YH ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Latches & Locks · August 30, 2001

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers

1991 Subaru Loyale — common questions

Is the 1991 Subaru Loyale reliable?

The record is thin — 19 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1991 Loyale problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (5 complaints), engine (4 complaints), seat belts (3 complaints).

Does the 1991 Subaru Loyale have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1991 Subaru Loyale. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1991 Subaru Loyale under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Subaru Loyale years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Loyale years to avoid are 1992. The cleanest record among Loyale years belongs to 1988.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.