1990 Subaru Legacy Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 23%of 81 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the body and structure of the 1990 Subaru Legacy, 23% of the 81 complaints for this model year.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a 1990 Subaru Legacy. Each time I try to exit the car the doors lock automatically. It has automatic door locks that are accuated by pushing the drivers door lock. I have had the lock apart and the problem with all 4 of my door is that a single spring in the lock mechanism is responsible for having the inside door handle return to the closed position and to have the lock buyyon stay open. The handle is attached to the bottom half of the spring and that part of the sping keeps the door lock open. …”
NHTSA complaint #758422, filed 2002-02“The door handle when opened causes the door to automatically lock when opened from the inside. The passenger side front broke in 1993. The passenger side rear door broke in 1998. The driver side front door broke in 1999 which is the most annoying as it locks all the door every time the handle is used to open the door from the inside. It costs $80 to replace the part.”
NHTSA complaint #718675, filed 2000-02“Vehicle has a master door lock button on driver's side. 2 rear doors lock when door is closed. Passenger's door should not lock once it's closed. Lock knob has to be held up to open anb close the door. Consumer has gotten locked out a few times because of the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #899713, filed 2001-11“(1) the air conditioning compressor is fine; but it comes on only occasionally; mechanics unable to find problem. (2) doors automatically locking causes great inconvenience; (3) sun visor falling down impairs vision; velcro and even duct tape won't keep it up.”
NHTSA complaint #708229, filed 1999-07“Passenger front door-lock failed initially requiring passenger to manually push latch and pull door lever simutaneously in order to open door. Rear door-locks do not work now and require same effort. All doors will lock on their own while getting in and out. In case of accident or fire, the occupants may not be able to exit vehicle in a timely manner. Also, driver-side visor falls down while driving which has proven to be very distracting and dangerous. Contacted Subaru dealership for both problems. Dealership unwilling to fix without charging me for replacement and labor of all parts. …”
NHTSA complaint #752400, filed 2001-09Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 3% |
| 2021 | 1 | 3% |
| 2020 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 1 | 1% |
| 2018 | 4 | 3% |
| 2017 | 6 | 5% |
| 2016 | 6 | 4% |
| 2015 | 10 | 6% |
| 2014 | 7 | 13% |
| 2013 | 5 | 8% |
| 2012 | 1 | 1% |
| 2011 | 5 | 3% |
| 2010 | 7 | 5% |
| 2009 | 5 | 8% |
| 2007 | 2 | 6% |
| 2005 | 4 | 2% |
| 2004 | 1 | 2% |
| 2003 | 3 | 5% |
| 2002 | 2 | 4% |
| 2001 | 3 | 4% |
| 2000 | 8 | 9% |
| 1999 | 4 | 4% |
| 1998 | 7 | 6% |
| 1997 | 4 | 3% |
| 1996 | 1 | 1% |
| 1995 | 6 | 3% |
| 1994 | 2 | 3% |
| 1993 | 2 | 3% |
| 1992 | 7 | 13% |
| 1991 | 13 | 17% |
| 1990 | 19 | 23% |
Other parts of the 1990 Subaru Legacy
19 complaintsSeat belts
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsFuel system
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 27, 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