VehicleVerdict

1993 Subaru Loyale problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 16 complaints on file for the 1993 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.

16

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1993 compare to other Loyale years?

Loyale NHTSA complaints by model year, 1993 highlighted51 complaints1987: 0 complaints1988: 0 complaints1989: 4 complaints1990: 16 complaints1991: 19 complaints1992: 51 complaints1993: 16 complaints1994: 1 complaints
Loyale NHTSA complaints by model year, 1993 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Loyale years to avoid →

What are the most common 1993 Subaru Loyale problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine319%
Speed Control213%
Electrical System213%
Fuel System213%
Tires & Wheels16%
Transmission16%
Airbags16%
Visibility & Wipers16%
Latches & Locks16%
Other16%
Seats16%

Does the 1993 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.

“THIS CAR HAS DIED ON THREE OCCASIONS WITH NO WARNING, AND WITH ONE INCIDENT OCCURING ON THE INTERSTATE AT 60+ MPH. DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS. MY CONCERN IS SAFETY - THIS FORTUNATELY HAS SO FAR NOT RESULTED IN ANY INJURY. THE DEALER HAS NOT REPORTED THIS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 24, 1997

“FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM FAILED DURING COLD OR HUMID WEATHER, CAUSING VEHICLE TO LOSE POWER. ALSO ELETRICAL SYSTEM AND POWER WINDOWS FAILED.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System

“FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM FAILED DURING COLD OR HUMID WEATHER, CAUSING VEHICLE TO LOSE POWER. ALSO ELETRICAL SYSTEM AND POWER WINDOWS FAILED.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System

“FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM FAILED DURING COLD OR HUMID WEATHER, CAUSING VEHICLE TO LOSE POWER. ALSO ELETRICAL SYSTEM AND POWER WINDOWS FAILED.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers

1993 Subaru Loyale — common questions

Is the 1993 Subaru Loyale reliable?

The record is thin — 16 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1993 Loyale problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (3 complaints), electrical system (2 complaints), fuel system (2 complaints).

Does the 1993 Subaru Loyale have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1993 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.