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1990 Subaru Legacy problems

The most common problem on the 1990 Subaru Legacy is body and structure. Its complaint count is close to a typical Legacy model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
81
Recalls
4
Service bulletins
14
Worst area
Body
Fuel economy
20-22mpg

The worst 1990 Subaru Legacy problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 1990 Subaru Legacy

Door locks 26Seat belt 5

Recalls 4

Power train: manual transmissionReported March 23, 1994 · 31,295 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 94V052000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmissionReported May 30, 1991 · 76,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Under certain load conditions, the park gear may not disengage immediately when the transmission lever is moved from park to reverse.
Risk
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.

Recall number 91V082000 · Recall details

Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latchReported October 16, 1990 · 103,744 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Torque of latch screws on front doors may loosen over time due to a gap between the latch base plate and inner door panel under the screw head.
Risk
The affected door may not be opened from inside,preventing exit from that door.
Remedy
Replace front door latch screws with "lock-tight" screws.

Recall number 90V184000 · Recall details

Visibility: defroster/defogger/HVAC systemReported June 4, 1990 · 81,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The defroster lever pin of the defroster shutter door may become dislocated and allow the shutter to close, preventing defroster from functioning.
Risk
Non-functioning defroster would adversely affect drivervisibility.
Remedy
Install a positioning stopper device to prevent dislocation of defroster lever pin to assure defroster operation.

Recall number 90V110000 · Recall details

See all 4 recalls for the 1990 Subaru Legacy

Defect investigations

Hood latch failureOpened June 29, 1994, closed October 31, 1994

There is no summary currently available

PE94051

Reverse delayed engagementOpened January 23, 1991, closed May 30, 1991

There is no summary currently available

PE91039

Technical service bulletins for the 1990 Subaru Legacy 14

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 14 bulletins for the 1990 Subaru Legacy

1990 Subaru Legacy fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.2L 4‑cylFWD18-192621-22
2.2L 4‑cyl4WD1823-2420

What 1990 Subaru Legacy owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 1, 2004 · Locks · 104,000 miles · MI

The lock/latch on my car's passenger door is defective and the recall 90v18400 did not fix the problem. The door is difficult to open and could easiy fail any day and trap my passenger in the car. The same thing is happening to the front drivers door. The manufactuer will not fix the problem at no charge.

Filed Jan 28, 2004 · Transmission · CA

The cv boots on the front of the vehicle constantly need replacing.

Filed Sep 17, 2003 · Locks · 40,000 miles · CA

The vehicle's door locks experienced the defect stated in recall 90 v 184 000 but it's VIN was outside of the remedy scope. The dealership refused to repair the door.

Filed Aug 22, 2002 · Lights · NM

Headlight device is plastic, making it hard to see when turning headlights on. Dealership is not aware of problem.*ak the plastic lens material becomes significantly less transparent with time, diminishing visability at night. The adjacent turn signal lens has not aged. This indicates to consumer that the headlight lens is not made from the same material as the turn signal lens.

Filed Mar 26, 2002 · Body · WA

Consumer states the front passenger door would lock itself whenever the door is shut. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified. Nlm

Filed Feb 19, 2002 · Body · WA

I have a 1990 subaru legacy. Each time I try to exit the car the doors lock automatically. It has automatic door locks that are accuated by pushing the drivers door lock. I have had the lock apart and the problem with all 4 of my door is that a single spring in the lock mechanism is responsible for having the inside door handle return to the closed position and to have the lock buyyon stay open. The handle is attached to the bottom half of the spring and that part of the sping keeps the door lock open. Well, the door lock portion of the spring is worn out and every time you use the door handle from the inside, the weak half of the lock spring closes the lock. I am a battalion chief for a local fire department and I can only imagine what kind of a problem one might have trying to get out of this car in a hurry. I have contacted subaru with no relief. The local dealership says it is a common problem in the 1990 - 1994 models. Our local parts houses have also said that it is a problem. I have other owners that say the same. It is $200.00 a door to repair. Please contact me on this. Thanks [xxx][xxx]or[xxx]. *ak parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Feb 12, 2002 · Locks · WA

Locks on door will lock even when unlocking doors. Locks will automatically lock back up. Consumer has to hold lock u, and then push the door open to get out of vehicle. Contacted dealer. *ak

Filed Dec 20, 2001 · Fuel system · OH

I noticed another incident on the database reporting this same failure. The plastic shield traps debris against the filler pipe causing the pipe to rust through. I don't know how many '90 subaru legacys are still on the road, but I suspect (given the severity of the rust), that almost all of them have this same condition. Even if they haven't rusted through to the point of leaking, they may easily rupture upon impact.

Filed Dec 18, 2001 · Seat belts · OK

Both frontal passive restraint belts fail to operate, will not go around the tracks, leaving driver and passenger without any restraint if vehicle gets involved in a crash. Manufacturer contacted, and willing to go half in repairs. Feel free to provide any further information.

Filed Nov 30, 2001 · Body · VT

Vehicle has a master door lock button on driver's side. 2 rear doors lock when door is closed. Passenger's door should not lock once it's closed. Lock knob has to be held up to open anb close the door. Consumer has gotten locked out a few times because of the problem.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1990 Subaru Legacy before you buy

Compare the 1990 Subaru Legacy

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Other model years

199019911992199319941995199619971998199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010201120122013201420152016201720182019202020212022202320242025

Questions about the 1990 Subaru Legacy

Is the 1990 Subaru Legacy reliable?

Owners have filed 81 complaints about the 1990 Subaru Legacy, close to a typical Legacy model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1990 Subaru Legacy?

Body and structure, with 19 complaints. Next is locks (19).

How many recalls does the 1990 Subaru Legacy have?

4 recalls, covering power train, latches/locks/linkages and visibility.

What year does the Subaru Legacy have the most body problems?

The Subaru Legacy model years with the most body complaints are 1990 (19 complaints), 1991 (14 complaints) and 2015 (10 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 1990 Subaru Legacy get?

Official estimates for the 1990 Subaru Legacy range from 20 to 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.2L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 18-19 city and 26 highway.

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