1992 Subaru SVX problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 303 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 75.8 times the median SVX year — the 1992 model ranks #1 of 7 SVX years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
The trouble concentrates in one system: transmission issues account for 74% of all reports (224 of 303), far ahead of suspension at 20.
303
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
5
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1992 compare to other SVX years?
What are the most common 1992 Subaru SVX problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 224 | 74% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 20 | 7% | new |
| Electrical System | 11 | 4% | new |
| Brakes | 9 | 3% | new |
| Speed Control | 7 | 2% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 7 | 2% | new |
| Steering | 6 | 2% | new |
| Other | 6 | 2% | new |
| Engine | 5 | 2% | new |
| Visibility & Wipers | 4 | 1% | new |
| Airbags | 2 | 1% | new |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 0% | new |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 0% | new |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“CONSTANT PROBLEM WITH TRANSMISSION. HAD TO BE REPLACED WITH LOW ORIGINAL MILES ON IT. REAR BEARING FAILED. 4 TIMES ON REAR PASS SIDE, 1 TIME ON REAR DRIVER SIDE. ALL FAIL AT LOW MILES ON CAR. UNDER 60K, ALL HIGHWAY MILES”
“TRANSMISSION STALLS A BIT BETWEEN SHIFTING OF GEARS, SPECIFICALLY FROM 1 TO 2 GEAR. IT EFFECTS THE DRIVER BECAUSE IN THE MIDST OF DRIVING, THE VEHICLE LOSES CONTROL OVER ACCELERATION OVER THE PERIOD OF TIME BETWEEN SHIFTING. ALSO, THE WHOLE SUSPENSION SYSTEM RATTLES AND SEEMS LOOSE LIKE IT WILL…”
“CONSUMER GOT IN THE CAR THE ALARM WAS OFF TRY TO START CAR THE ALARM CAME ON AND LOCK CONSUMER IN THE CAR, DEALER HAD AREADY REPLACED THE ALARM KILL THE BATTERY . CONSUMER STATES DEALER REPAIRED A LOOSE WIRE THAT WAS SHORTING OUT THE SYSTEM CAUSING ALL THE PROBLEMS, ONE LOOSE WIRE WAS DRAINING THE…”
“WHEN DRIVING IN TRAFFIC AND APPLYING BRAKES EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY. WHEN DRIVING AT SLOW SPEEDS THE PROBLEM DOES NOT OCCUR, DEALER IS NOT AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK”
“WHILE DRIVING AND TRYING TO STOP THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. CAR WENT INTO A TREE AND STOPPED. DEALER IS NOT AWARE OF THE INCIDENT OR THE PROBLEM. *AK”
1992 Subaru SVX — common questions
Is the 1992 Subaru SVX reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 303 complaints put the 1992 model at #1 of 7 SVX years. It is one of the SVX years to avoid.
What are the most common 1992 SVX problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (224 complaints), suspension (20 complaints), electrical system (11 complaints).
Does the 1992 Subaru SVX have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1992 Subaru SVX.
Which Subaru SVX years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the SVX years to avoid are 1992, 1994. The cleanest record among SVX years belongs to 1997.
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.