1990 Subaru Legacy transmission problems

14 complaints (17% of all complaints for this car). 1 crash reported.

owner complaints: 14
of this car's complaints: 17%
crashes: 1
recalls: 2

Which part fails

Automatic transmission
6
Axle assembly
3
Driveline: constant velocity joint
2
Manual transmission
1
Axle assembly: axle shaft
1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k

25k-50k

50k-75k

75k-100k

100k-125k

125k-150k

150k-175k

175k-200k

200k+

Subaru Legacy transmission problems in other years

Related recalls

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

Related investigations

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

There is no summary currently available

PE91039

What 1990 Subaru Legacy owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 28, 2004 · Transmission · CA

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

Filed Sep 16, 2000 · Transmission · KY

I also purchased an 1992 subaru svx that has a failed transnission (same style tranny) this car has 146000 miles on it, ii've done some research on this and it appears these transmissions are prone to failure, our legacy's went out on the interstate, and could easily have been fatal

Filed Nov 24, 1999 · Transmission · ID

Design flaw of right front axle came off the wheel, causing vehicle to depend on rear wheel drive only and allowed the front right drive line spin aimlessly, resulting in damage to components in transfer case.

Filed Feb 18, 1999 · Transmission · VA

When driving 55 MPH or above transmission malfunctions. Vehicle does not downshift, cause unknown. Dealer cannot identify the problem. Please give any further details.

Filed May 28, 1998 · Transmission · TX

Transaxle failed.

Filed Mar 9, 1998 · Transmission · CO

Transmission malfunctions.

Filed Oct 16, 1997 · Suspension, Transmission · NY

Front and rear struts failed.

Filed Jul 31, 1997 · Transmission · FL

Cv joint failure.

Filed May 7, 1997 · Lights, Transmission · NJ

Brake light failure.

Filed May 14, 1996 · Transmission · NY · fire

While driving vehicle caught on fire at the rear axle, overheat failure part viscous coupler in the transmission.

Questions about the 1990 Subaru Legacy transmission

Does the 1990 Subaru Legacy have transmission problems?

Owners have filed 14 complaints about the transmission of the 1990 Subaru Legacy, 17% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1990 Subaru Legacy transmission problems start?

Not enough complaints include the mileage to tell.

Was there a recall on the 1990 Subaru Legacy transmission?

Yes, 2 recalls: 94V052000, 91V082000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Subaru Legacy have bad transmission?

The Subaru Legacy model years with the most transmission complaints are 2010 (50 complaints), 2011 (47 complaints) and 2012 (34 complaints).