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1992 Subaru SVX problems

The most common problem on the 1992 Subaru SVX is transmission and drivetrain, typically around 115,290 miles. It has 57.8 times the complaints of a typical SVX model year.

Typical year57.8x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
231
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
13
Worst area
Transmission
Fuel economy
18mpg
Typical repair
$4,000

The worst 1992 Subaru SVX 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.

  • Transmission
    200
  • Suspension
    19
  • Brakes
    8
  • Acceleration
    7
  • Electrical
    7
  • Wheels
    6
  • Engine
    5
  • Steering
    5
  • Visibility
    4
  • Airbags
    2
  • Locks
    1
  • Tires
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 1992 Subaru SVX

Transmission failure 44Slipping 14Stalling 6

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Technical service bulletins for the 1992 Subaru SVX 13

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

See all 13 bulletins for the 1992 Subaru SVX

1992 Subaru SVX fuel economy

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

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.3L 6‑cyl4WD152318

What 1992 Subaru SVX owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 16, 2013 · Transmission · 151,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 1992 subaru svx. The contact was driving approximately 40 MPH when the transmission seized without warning. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer, who advised that the transmission would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 151,000.

Filed Feb 14, 2009 · Transmission · 150,000 miles · ID

Transmission failure. No specific event or activity lead to the failure. Transmission worsened over a period of weeks - rough shifts and eventually unable to get into all gears.

Filed Nov 18, 2008 · Transmission · 65,000 miles · KS

Transmission failed with 64000 mi. Trans shop "rebuilt" it and added a trans cooler for 2200$ as soon as I fist drove it I noticed the car "binding up" during turns at slow speed. Shop owner said he couldn't replicate or feel anything wrong, with me in the car and it was clearly binding during slow turns, he refused to acknowledge any problem. Also there is a noise, like a bolt inside the torque converter that I hear when I am off the throttle. Also have replaced both rear wheel bearings. Cabin trunk release has failed and all of the hood/trunk struts have failed.

Filed Nov 10, 2008 · Transmission · 120,000 miles · FL

Tl*the contact owns a 1992 subaru svx. While driving 23 MPH, the contact noticed a shifting delay. The vehicle would shut off when driving in reverse and had to be shifted into park in order to be restarted. When the vehicle was placed into drive, the engine would rev while driving. The failures occurred each time the vehicle was driven. The contact was concerned that a crash could occur due to the vehicle shutting off. The dealer inspected the vehicle and found no error codes or failures; however, they stated that the transmission could be the cause of the stalling. A diagnostic could be performed at the cost of $180. The most recent failure occurred on november 10, 2008. The manufacturer has not been notified. The current mileage was approximately 128,000 and failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Filed Sep 28, 2007 · Transmission · WA

Transmission slip between 2nd and 3rd gear.

Filed Jan 18, 2006 · Transmission · 117,000 miles · VT

Dt*: the contact stated the transmission's second gear is inoperative and third gear is slipping. The cooling system was unable to cool the transmission which LED to the failure of the second gear. An independent mechanic determined the transmission needed to be replaced or rebuilt.

Filed Nov 23, 2005 · Transmission · 64,000 miles · CA

The transmission failed on my subaru svx 1992 year model. The vehicle only has 65k miles on it and has been maintained per the manufacturer's recommendations. The transmission failed prematurely.

Filed Sep 14, 2005 · Brakes, Suspension · 165,000 miles · 00

I purchases a subaru svx 1992 model. I test drove it and it seemed fine. Took it to a mechanic to have it looked over and it came back clean except for some suggestions to change brake pads , fluids etc. This was all done. However a couple months later a major problem occurred. The gear would sometimes not shift, the car would make a loud thud sound in reverse and over rev on highway driving. I found out from various forums that this car has a flaw , the transmission is due to failure. Every car owner in this forum has experienced premature transmission failure. The cost to have this completely fixed costs over $4000. A problem that owners should not pay for because of faulty engineering. The later models have the same problem but not as prone to it. Why did subaru never have these cars recalled or parts recalled? Another problem occurred, while driving the car back from the purchase location, there was a humming sound from the trunk, it got louder and louder and at 500 miles later it was a grinding and loud sound. My mechanic listed it as a wheel bearing problem. On subaru forums as well as advice from mechanics the subaru is prone to sever wheel bearing problems. In some cases generating heat that they had recounted cars with molded bearings and broken axles. Another problem is the ABS system. I guess the brake pump is also a component that leaks. I need to have my braked refilled every other day and the fuel pump costs around 2000$ I wish for you to send this report to subaru to voice this concern for me and on behalf of the many subaru svx drivers that are faced with enduring these costly mistakes due to poor engineering. Subaru should have a program to fix these parts or allow a trade in for current blue book refunds or some way or letting individuals know that they are sorry. The car is a fine piece of art and these minor problems makes it a piece of junk.

Filed Apr 28, 2005 · Transmission · 130,000 miles · OR

1992 subaru svx transmission failure. Everything on the car works great but 3rd and 4th gear.. Subaru needs to help us out since the repairs would cost $4200, that's more then blue book.

Filed Feb 20, 2005 · Transmission · NY

Transmission has failed for the second time after being fixed. No warning this time, just wouldn't go in reverse. Transmission is being rebuilt by subaru. It is a 1992 subaru svx.

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Compare the 1992 Subaru SVX

Other model years

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Questions about the 1992 Subaru SVX

Is the 1992 Subaru SVX reliable?

Owners have filed 231 complaints about the 1992 Subaru SVX, 57.8 times a typical SVX model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1992 Subaru SVX?

Transmission and drivetrain, with 200 complaints, typically around 115,290 miles. Next is suspension (19).

How many recalls does the 1992 Subaru SVX have?

No recalls on record.

What year does the Subaru SVX have bad transmission?

The Subaru SVX model years with the most transmission complaints are 1992 (200 complaints), 1994 (22 complaints) and 1995 (17 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 1992 Subaru SVX get?

Official estimates for the 1992 Subaru SVX range from 18 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.3L 6-cyl, 4WD) gets 15 city and 23 highway.

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