1990 Subaru Legacy Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 5%of 81 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the fuel system of the 1990 Subaru Legacy, 5% of the 81 complaints for this model year. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #755871, filed 2001-12“Fuel filler pipe leaking - fuel pipe rusted causing fuel to drip from filler pipe near passenger rear tire. Rust caused by mud/dirt and moisture getting stuck between plastic pipe shield and fuel pipe.”
NHTSA complaint #748459, filed 2001-07“While driving vehicle driver noticed smoke coming from back of vehicle. When pulling over there was a fire, which looked to have started between the rear wheels. The fire was put out by owner. Not sure what caused fire.”
NHTSA complaint #818024, filed 1997-10“Fuel injector wirings grounded, raw fuel to be dumped into the engine while running, without warning 2 quarts of fuel came of oil pan and also out of exhuast”
NHTSA complaint #973738, filed 1995-10Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 17% |
| 2020 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 5 | 4% |
| 2018 | 8 | 7% |
| 2017 | 4 | 3% |
| 2016 | 3 | 2% |
| 2015 | 15 | 9% |
| 2014 | 1 | 2% |
| 2013 | 1 | 2% |
| 2012 | 2 | 2% |
| 2011 | 7 | 4% |
| 2010 | 5 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2008 | 3 | 5% |
| 2006 | 16 | 18% |
| 2005 | 27 | 15% |
| 2004 | 5 | 10% |
| 2003 | 9 | 15% |
| 2002 | 15 | 28% |
| 2001 | 19 | 25% |
| 2000 | 5 | 5% |
| 1999 | 7 | 7% |
| 1998 | 8 | 7% |
| 1997 | 9 | 6% |
| 1996 | 8 | 7% |
| 1995 | 18 | 10% |
| 1994 | 4 | 7% |
| 1993 | 2 | 3% |
| 1992 | 2 | 4% |
| 1991 | 1 | 1% |
| 1990 | 4 | 5% |
Other parts of the 1990 Subaru Legacy
19 complaintsBody and structure
19 complaintsSeat belts
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1990 Subaru Legacy
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology