1991 Subaru Legacy Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 21%of 78 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 123,259miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1991 Subaru Legacy, 21% of the 78 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 123,259 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The contact owns a 1991 Subaru Legacy. The contact was sitting at a traffic stop when he attempted to shift into drive and the gear shifter detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for inspection or repairs. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer for inspection of the failure. The failure and the current mileage was 123,259.”
NHTSA complaint #10468800, filed 2012-08, 123,259 miles“After starting vehicle driver put shifter in drive and vehicle took off, driver had no control. As a result, vehicle hit a brick wall before coming to a stop. Upon impact, none of the airbags deployed.”
NHTSA complaint #10034164, filed 2003-08“Engine is too heavy for the transmission, resulting in transmission failure. Consumer has contacted the dealer on a number of occasions. Dealer replaced transmission. Manufacturer aware of problem. Please provide any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #838313, filed 1999-05“Vehicle would only move for short distances, then will stop. Consumer feels there's a problem with transmision. Please provide any further information.”
NHTSA complaint #897096, filed 2001-10Related 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 1991 Subaru Legacy
19 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
14 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