1991 Subaru Legacy: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1991 Subaru Legacy: 3 recalls, 78 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.
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Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Latches & locks Vehicle recall #90V184000 · 1990 · 103,744 vehicles
What's wrong: Torque 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.
Why it matters: The affected door May not be opened from inside,preventing exit from that door.
The fix: Replace front door latch screws with "lock-tight" screws.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #91V082000 · 1991 · 76,000 vehicles
What's wrong: Under certain load conditions, the park gear May not disengage immediately when the transmission lever is moved from park to reverse.
Why it matters: Delayed release of transmission from park causes delayedand possibly abrupt vehicle movement that could result in loss of vehiclecontrol and an accident.
The fix: Install a modified parking brake pawl to prevent delayed release into reverse gear.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #94V052000 · 1994 · 31,295 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 inside the transmission case will increase and push out the rear oil seal, causing transmission oil leakage. The lack of lubrication can burn the internal…
Why it matters: Sudden stops without prior warning can cause vehicle occupants to be thrown around the vehicle and cause loss of vehicle control which can result in an accident.
The fix: Dealers will modify the oil gauge pipe and modify the oil level gauge (dipstick) or replace it, depending on the type of dipstick in the vehicle.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 3 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Seat belts (19): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Transmission & drivetrain (16): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (3), noise or vibration (2).
- Latches & locks (14): the most common themes are door / lock issues (14).
- Body & structure (13): the most common themes are door / lock issues (11).
The 1991 Subaru Legacy has 78 owner complaints, ranking #19 of 36 Legacy model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 88). Complaints peaked in 1996 (13 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 149,629 miles. Neighboring years: 1990 (81 complaints, 4 recalls), 1992 (55 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | Regular |
| 2.2 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 21 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1991 Subaru Legacy.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1991 Subaru Legacy have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 1991 Subaru Legacy. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1991 Subaru Legacy problems?
Owners have filed 78 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are seat belts (19), transmission & drivetrain (16), latches & locks (14).
What gas mileage does the 1991 Subaru Legacy get?
EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (2.2 L, Manual 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1991 Subaru Legacy repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.