1992 Subaru SVX: complete transmission failure

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 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 Mar 14, 2004 · Transmission · 98,000 miles · NV

My svx, although it is a 92' the front differential failed at about 98,000 miles. I expected the life of the transmission to last a lot longer. The car is in good condition, but it will cost me over $6000 to fix as reno subaru says I will need a complete new transmission to fix the problem. The car is probabley only worth about that much. My car is sitting in my drive way, I don't want to scrap it but don't want to spend the entire worth of the car to fix the problem.

Filed Mar 2, 2004 · Transmission · 138,000 miles · PA

Transmission failure due to design and construction flaws of the manufacturer.

Filed Jul 7, 2003 · Transmission · 35,500 miles · NM

Automatic transmission failure: contacted subaru about 1 year prior about problem and was told the slipage was normal. Now the transmission is permanently slipping and does not drive in any direction. Is 36000 miles normal for a replacement transmission?......along with the rest of the svx owners.

Filed Feb 16, 2003 · Transmission · 141,845 miles · FL

Power train - automatic transmission despite regular professional car care at either a subaru dealer in 80 - 100 mile radius) or local automotive shops, car experienced a second instance of transmission failure. In consulting several subaru svx - related sites, I learned problems of this nature have been prevalent.

Filed Nov 15, 2002 · Transmission · 93,495 miles · CA

I purchased this as a used vehicle, but purchased an extended warranty due to the potential (expensive) problems. I was assured by the dealer that this vehicle did not have a recall on the transmission and that the car was in excellent condition. I started experiencing slippage and "clanking" within 6 months. I took it to the dealer three times complaining about the transmission. I was assured that no problem could be found. Less than 6 months after last the inspection, the transmission failed completely. After some additional research I found this to be a significant problem with this model since inception/introduction. I am investigating the possibility of a class action lawsuit. It appears subaru has ignored this problem, and dealers continue to sell these models, misrepresenting the potential for extensive and very expensive repairs. Subaru and its representatives should acknowledge and accept responsibility for this defect.------- dims 11 ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis-----769750.

Filed Apr 18, 2002 · Transmission · MD

Consumer states that the vehicle has had repeated transmission failures. The transmission will shut down while driving. The dealer has replaced the transmission one time. Nlm

Filed Mar 28, 2002 · Transmission · MD

Original transmission failed at 58,000 miles and was replaced by subaru under warranty. Second transmission just failed at 107000 miles and subaru denies any responsibility. Reputable mechanics advise that 3 transmissions in 107000 miles on a luxury car of this vintage is not only unusual, but also indicative of manufacturing problems. Many transmission complaints appear on the internet, but subaru's corporate offices deny any knowledge of transmission problems with this car. Nlm