Tl* the contact owns a 1991 subaru legacy. While the vehicle was parked, the contact's elbow was cut several times on the door jam while attempting to exit. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 56,000.
The worst 1991 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.
- Seat belts19
- Transmission17
- Body14
- Locks14
- Brakes11
- Engine7
- Acceleration6
- Visibility6
- Suspension5
- Electrical3
- Airbags2
- Fuel system2
- Lights2
- Steering1
- Tires1
- Wheels1
Specific symptoms reported on the 1991 Subaru Legacy
Recalls 3
Power train: manual transmission
- 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 transmission
- 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: latch
- 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
See all 3 recalls for the 1991 Subaru Legacy
Defect investigations
Hood latch failure
There is no summary currently available
PE94051
Technical service bulletins for the 1991 Subaru Legacy 14
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a...
- This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for...
- This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic essential information during...
- This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for...
- This bulletin is to advise of SOA’s revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
- To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has developed...
- Special Service Tools Cross Reference List.
- All Models (Vehicle Cleaning- COVID-19Best Practices)
- Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newletter.
- Headlight bulb socket repairs
1991 Subaru Legacy fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2L 4‑cyl | FWD | 17-19 | 23-27 | 19-22 |
| 2.2L 4‑cyl | 4WD | 16-18 | 22-24 | 18-20 |
What 1991 Subaru Legacy owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Drivers side automatic seat belt drive cable slips out of track making seat belt useless and dangerous.
Tl* the contact owns a 1991 subaru legacy. The contact was sitting at a traffic stop when he attempted to shift into drive and the gear shifter detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for inspection or repairs. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer for inspection of the failure. The failure and the current mileage was 123,259.
Tl*the contact owns a 1991 subaru legacy. The contact stated when driving 50 MPH and faster, the vehicle would stall without warning. The check engine light would briefly illuminate after the vehicle had stalled. The contact was advised by an independent mechanic that the failure could potentially be caused by a defective throttle sensor. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer did not offer any assistance. The failure mileage was 193,100 and the current mileage was 193,250.
Tl*the contact owns a 1991 subaru legacy. The contact stated that the electric seat belt jams in the middle and renders the seat belt inoperable. The dealer will not repair the vehicle free of charge. The current and failure mileages were 176,000. The consumer stated the seat belt was replaced and on august 10, 2007 it failed again. The seat belt was replaced again on september 9, 2007. Updated 09/27/07.
Consumer noticed that driver side seat belt webbing was separating. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, and dealer informed consumer that vehicle was not under warranty, and that consumer had to pay for repairs.
The multi-function switch that controls headlights and turn signal malfunctioned. Driver tried to use the turn signal and headlights turned off without any warning. While driving approximately 35 MPH consumer's vehicle was involved in a collision due to another vehicle not seeing the headlights. Driver sustained chest and sternum injuries.
After starting vehicle driver put shifter in drive and vehicle took off, driver had no control. As a result, vehicle hit a brick wall before coming to a stop. Upon impact, none of the airbags deployed.
Within one week both seat belts came apart. Dealer said it would cost $975.00 to replace them. Do I have any other recourse? Thank you.
When opening the door using the inside handle, upon release of the door handle the locking mechanism is triggered which causes all of the doors to lock and the driver's door lock is jammed in the locked position. The driver's door is only supposed to lock upon closing when the outer door handle is engaged *and* the door has been locked. When the door lock is jammed it remains locked upon closing without engaging the outer door handle.
Compare the 1991 Subaru Legacy
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Other model years
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Questions about the 1991 Subaru Legacy
Is the 1991 Subaru Legacy reliable?
Owners have filed 78 complaints about the 1991 Subaru Legacy, close to a typical Legacy model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1991 Subaru Legacy?
Seat belts, with 19 complaints. Next is transmission (17).
How many recalls does the 1991 Subaru Legacy have?
3 recalls, covering power train and latches/locks/linkages.
What year does the Subaru Legacy have the most seat belts problems?
The Subaru Legacy model years with the most seat belts complaints are 1994 (26 complaints), 1992 (22 complaints) and 1991 (19 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1991 Subaru Legacy get?
Official estimates for the 1991 Subaru Legacy range from 18 to 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.2L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 17-19 city and 23-27 highway.
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