1992 Subaru SVX Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 200about this part
- Share
- 87%of 231 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 115,290miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 200 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1992 Subaru SVX, 87% of the 231 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 115,290 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“We have had a 1992 Subaru SVX and are very disappointed with the extensive problems with the transmission. We are going to have a new one put in and the fact that this model/year has had transmission problems so much and that Subaru obviously realized the problem with the transmission by 1993. Why were these transmissions not recalled or at least provided with some type of correction?”
NHTSA complaint #10036855, filed 2003-08, 115,290 miles“My SVX, although it is a 92' the front differential failed at about 98,000 miles. I expected the life of the transmission to last a lot longer. The car is in good condition, but it will cost me over $6000 to fix as reno Subaru says I will need a complete new transmission to fix the problem. The car is probabley only worth about that much. My car is sitting in my drive way, I don't want to scrap it but don't want to spend the entire worth of the car to fix the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10062160, filed 2004-03, 98,000 miles“I own a 1992 subarus SVX . I had to have the transmission rebuilt at a cost of $2500.00 now 40,000 miles later it needs another one , from reports I have read there is serious factory flaws in this cars transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #10086735, filed 2004-08, 65,000 miles“Transmission failed with 64000 mi. Trans shop rebuilt it and added a trans cooler for 2200$ as soon as I fist drove it I noticed the car binding up during turns at slow speed. Shop owner said he couldn't replicate or feel anything wrong, with me in the car and it was clearly binding during slow turns, he refused to acknowledge any problem. Also there is a noise, like a bolt inside the torque converter that I hear when I am off the throttle. Also have replaced both rear wheel bearings. Cabin trunk release has failed and all of the hood/trunk struts have failed.”
NHTSA complaint #10249110, filed 2008-11, 65,000 miles“I purchased this as a used vehicle, but purchased an extended warranty due to the potential (expensive) problems. I was assured by the dealer that this vehicle did not have a recall on the transmission and that the car was in excellent condition. I started experiencing slippage and clanking within 6 months. I took it to the dealer three times complaining about the transmission. I was assured that no problem could be found. Less than 6 months after last the inspection, the transmission failed completely. …”
NHTSA complaint #10008562, filed 2002-11, 93,495 milesTransmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 1992 Subaru SVX
19 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsWheels
6 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1992 Subaru SVX
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