1990 Subaru Legacy Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 17%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 14 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1990 Subaru Legacy, 17% of the 81 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
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 also purchased an 1992 Subaru svx that has a failed transnission (same style tranny) this car has 146000 miles on it, ii've done some research on this and it appears these transmissions are prone to failure, our Legacy's went out on the interstate, and could easily have been fatal”
NHTSA complaint #731623, filed 2000-09“Design flaw of right front axle came off the wheel, causing vehicle to depend on rear wheel drive only and allowed the front right drive line spin aimlessly, resulting in damage to components in transfer case.”
NHTSA complaint #852372, filed 1999-11“When driving 55 MPH or above transmission malfunctions. Vehicle does not downshift, cause unknown. Dealer cannot identify the problem. Please give any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #834985, filed 1999-02Related recalls
- 94V052000Mar 23, 1994When the vehicle is driven continuously under extremely cold temperatures (-22 degrees f.) and high humidity weather conditions, the transmission breathing…Covers: Subaru Legacy 1990–1993, Loyale 1990–1993, XT6 1990–1993
- 91V082000May 30, 1991Under certain load conditions, the park gear may not disengage immediately when the transmission lever is moved from park to reverse.Covers: Subaru Legacy 1990–1991, XT 1989–1991, Loyale 1989–1990
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 3% |
| 2021 | 2 | 6% |
| 2020 | 7 | 6% |
| 2019 | 1 | 1% |
| 2018 | 2 | 2% |
| 2017 | 4 | 3% |
| 2016 | 13 | 9% |
| 2015 | 15 | 9% |
| 2014 | 6 | 11% |
| 2013 | 12 | 18% |
| 2012 | 34 | 38% |
| 2011 | 47 | 28% |
| 2010 | 50 | 33% |
| 2009 | 2 | 3% |
| 2008 | 6 | 9% |
| 2007 | 1 | 3% |
| 2006 | 8 | 9% |
| 2005 | 13 | 7% |
| 2004 | 2 | 4% |
| 2003 | 5 | 8% |
| 2002 | 7 | 13% |
| 2001 | 2 | 3% |
| 2000 | 14 | 15% |
| 1999 | 18 | 19% |
| 1998 | 14 | 12% |
| 1997 | 17 | 12% |
| 1996 | 8 | 7% |
| 1995 | 9 | 5% |
| 1994 | 5 | 8% |
| 1993 | 9 | 12% |
| 1992 | 5 | 9% |
| 1991 | 16 | 21% |
| 1990 | 14 | 17% |
Other parts of the 1990 Subaru Legacy
19 complaintsBody and structure
19 complaintsSeat belts
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 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