1991 Subaru Loyale Problems
- Complaints
- 13filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 222,000miles, 2 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 24 mpgcombined, 1.8L 4-cyl FWD · 22 city / 28 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1991 Subaru Loyale (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 13 consumer complaints for the 1991 Subaru Loyale. The part named most often is transmission and drivetrain, with 5 complaints (38% of the total), followed by engine cooling (3) and seat belts (3). 2 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 222,000 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 10 technical service bulletins for this model year. Transmission and drivetrain complaints overlap with 2 recall campaigns filed under the same part. Engine cooling complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine cooling3 23%
- Seat belts3 23%
- Electrical system1 7.7%
- Engine1 7.7%
- Equipment1 7.7%
- Suspension1 7.7%
- Vehicle speed control1 7.7%
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “- on a cold day while trying to drive in reverse the would not engage in the reverse gear. The contact waited for the vehicle to warm up, and was able to drive for sometime, until the transmission suddenly failed , causing the vehicle to slow down and eventually come to a complete stop. The contact has the vehicle at speedy transmission where they will rebuild the transmission. The contact feltthat vehicle should be covered under NHTSA recallcampaign 94v052000.”
NHTSA complaint #10177850, filed 2007-01, 135,000 milesEngine cooling: “Exhaust failure details: very soon after we purchased this vehicle, we discovered that whenever we took a cloverleaf-type offramp which required a quick decceleration and then a quick acceleration, a thick black cloud of smoke would come out of the exhaust pipe. The only way I found to correct this problem was to put the car into neutral, if distance allowed, and allow the car to decompress before accelerating. A very little percentage of my driving involves this type of offramp, and estimates I requested for this repair ranged close to $1000.00. …”
NHTSA complaint #720684, filed 2000-03Seat belts: “The contact owns a 1991 Subaru Loyale. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the automatic seat belt continuously opened and retracted independently, failing to secure the contact inside the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the automatic seat belt tightener system and observed an oil gasket leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 309,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11598348, filed 2024-07, 309,000 milesElectrical system: “2 front automatic seatbelts don't retract/ automatic windows all 4 won't come down/ rear back up lights do not come on, and 4 -wheel drive does not work.”
NHTSA complaint #869516, filed 2000-09Mileage when problems were reported
0% of the 2 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 135,000 and 309,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1991 Subaru Loyale version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loyale FWD | 1.8L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 22 | 29 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Loyale FWD | 1.8L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 21 | 24 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Loyale 4WD | 1.8L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Loyale 4WD | 1.8L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 19 | 22 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Loyale Wagon FWD | 1.8L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 22 | 28 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Loyale Wagon FWD | 1.8L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 21 | 24 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Loyale Wagon 4WD | 1.8L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Loyale Wagon 4WD | 1.8L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 19 | 20 | 20 | $3,350 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 94V052000Mar 23, 1994Power train › Manual transmissionCovers: Subaru Loyale 1990–1993, Legacy 1990–1993, XT6 1990–1993
When the vehicle is driven continuously under extremely cold temperatures (-22 degrees f.) and high humidity weather conditions, the transmission breathing (air) vent can be blocked due to moisture freezing at the oil level gauge. If this occurs, pressure…
- 91V091000Jun 11, 1991Power train › Automatic transmissionCovers: Subaru Loyale 1990–1991
Transmission shift linkage may be incorrectly adjusted and would not be engaged in a full park position when placed in park.
Recall details for the 1991 Subaru Loyale → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 10 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10219492Aug 23, 2022Equipment. This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 10219491Aug 23, 2022Electrical system, Equipment. This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
- 10209915Mar 18, 2022Electrical system. This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic essential information during diagnosis and repair of the Infotainment concerns. (Applicable to all models with Harman or…
- 10198758Jun 17, 2021Electrical system, Equipment. This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models
- 10198749Jun 7, 2021Equipment, Engine cooling. This bulletin is to advise of SOAâs revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
- 10187315Feb 1, 2021Equipment. To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate Special Service Tool.
- 10179378Aug 4, 2020Equipment. Special Service Tools Cross Reference List.
- 10174543Apr 30, 2020Equipment. All Models (Vehicle Cleaning- COVID-19Best Practices)
- 10161824May 21, 2019Equipment. Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newletter.
- 10161813May 6, 2019Equipment. To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate Special Service Tool.
Other model years of the Subaru Loyale
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | 13 | — | 1 | — | 24 | — | Not enough data |
| 1992 | 23 | 200,000 | 1 | — | 24 | — | Stable |
| 1991 | 13 | 222,000 | 2 | — | 24 | — | Not enough data |
| 1990 | 13 | — | 4 | — | 22 | — | Not enough data |
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1991 Subaru Loyale have?
NHTSA recorded 13 consumer complaints for the 1991 Subaru Loyale as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1991 Subaru Loyale is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 5 complaints (38% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 3.
Has the 1991 Subaru Loyale been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1991 Subaru Loyale get?
The EPA rates the 1991 Subaru Loyale (Loyale Wagon, 1.8L 4-cyl) at 24 mpg combined, 22 city and 28 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,800 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1991 Subaru Loyale reported?
Among the 2 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 222,000 miles and the middle half falls between 135,000 and 309,000 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.