VehicleVerdict

1992 Subaru Loyale problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 51 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.1 times the median Loyale year — the 1992 model ranks #1 of 8 Loyale years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 43% of all reports (22 of 51), far ahead of transmission at 5.

51

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1992 compare to other Loyale years?

Loyale NHTSA complaints by model year, 1992 highlighted51 complaints1987: 0 complaints1988: 0 complaints1989: 4 complaints1990: 16 complaints1991: 19 complaints1992: 51 complaints1993: 16 complaints1994: 1 complaints
Loyale NHTSA complaints by model year, 1992 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Loyale years to avoid →

What are the most common 1992 Subaru Loyale problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine2243%
Seat Belts510%
Transmission510%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)48%
Body & Structure36%
Fuel System36%
Brakes24%
Electrical System24%
Tires & Wheels24%
Suspension12%
Latches & Locks12%
Other12%

Does the 1992 Subaru Loyale have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“BROKEN BELT CAUSED CAR TO ESSENTIALLY BE WITHOUT POWER, REPLACE TIMING BELT, ALTERNATOR, WATER PUMP, OIL PUMP, ANE RESEAL THE ENGINE, ALL WITHIN 100,000 MILES.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine

“VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AT APPROXIMATELY 20-25 MPH. UPON IMPACT, BOTH FRONT SEAT BELTS FAILED TO LOCK INTO PLACE. BOTH DRIVER & PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELTS SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. *AK *YC”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · October 14, 1999 · crash

“DRIVING VEHICLE AT 30 MPH WAS EXITING FREEWAY WHEN VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING & VIBRATING; LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE; PUT HAZARDS ON & PULLED OVER; CALLED & HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO SHREVER'S AUTO; INFORMED IT WAS FRONT AXLE THAT BROKE. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 24, 1997

1992 Subaru Loyale — common questions

Is the 1992 Subaru Loyale reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 51 complaints put the 1992 model at #1 of 8 Loyale years. It is one of the Loyale years to avoid.

What are the most common 1992 Loyale problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (22 complaints), transmission (5 complaints), seat belts (5 complaints).

Does the 1992 Subaru Loyale have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1992 Subaru Loyale. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.