1991 Subaru Legacy Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 18%of 78 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 latches, locks and linkages of the 1991 Subaru Legacy, 18% of the 78 complaints for this model year. 1 recall campaign on record is 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.
“Recall 90v184000. Door closes/ locks automatically. Inside requires two hands, pushing and pulling lock up at same time. Door shut, and outside requires key to unlock from front driver's and passenger's doors. Rear doors require opening front door access to get to rear. Dealer contacted, and cannot remedy problem. Problem still exists.”
NHTSA complaint #836577, filed 1999-05“When opening the door using the inside handle, upon release of the door handle the locking mechanism is triggered which causes all of the doors to lock and the driver's door lock is jammed in the locked position. The driver's door is only supposed to lock upon closing when the outer door handle is engaged *and* the door has been locked. When the door lock is jammed it remains locked upon closing without engaging the outer door handle.”
NHTSA complaint #756567, filed 2002-01“Passenger's side door cannot be opened from the inside without two hands, one to hold the locking mechanism , and the other to pull the latch. Also, door cannot be enterd from the outside if it's locked or unlocked without the key. There is a recall 90v184 for this problem this vehicle does not fall under that recall. This problem would prevent rapid exit from the vehicle in the case of an accident, fire, or other emergency.”
NHTSA complaint #858368, filed 2000-03“Driver's and passengers' rear door handles malfunctioned, causing doors to lock when they should not lock. As a result, a child could be trapped in the vehicle. Also, passenger's door is very diffcult to open from the inside and outside. Please provide further information.”
NHTSA complaint #844949, filed 1999-08“The door locks do not work properly. Would have to hold the locks by hand and open door at same time. The driver's side door lock could not lock or unlock with a key. Have taken to dealer to no avail. Emergency exiting from the vehicle would be prevented by the failed lock/latch assembly.”
NHTSA complaint #821154, filed 1998-01Related recalls
- 90V184000Oct 16, 1990Torque of latch screws on front doors may loosen over time due to a gap between the latch base plate and inner door panel under the screw head.Covers: Subaru Legacy 1990–1991
Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 1% |
| 1999 | 2 | 2% |
| 1998 | 3 | 3% |
| 1997 | 6 | 4% |
| 1996 | 2 | 2% |
| 1995 | 7 | 4% |
| 1994 | 1 | 2% |
| 1993 | 1 | 1% |
| 1992 | 1 | 2% |
| 1991 | 14 | 18% |
| 1990 | 19 | 23% |
Other parts of the 1991 Subaru Legacy
19 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
16 complaintsBody and structure
13 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1991 Subaru Legacy
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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