1990 Subaru Loyale: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1990 Subaru Loyale: 4 recalls, 13 owner complaints and up to 25 mpg combined.
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Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
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 #91V091000 · 1991 · 19,763 vehicles
What's wrong: Transmission shift linkage May be incorrectly adjusted and would not be engaged in a full park position when placed in park.
Why it matters: If transmission park mechanism is not in park while thevehicle is running or on an incline, a runaway situation would occur whichcould result in a vehicle accident.
The fix: Repair the transmission park mechanism.
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.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #95V103006 · 1995 · 100,825 vehicles
What's wrong: The front safety belt buckle release buttons can break. These red plastic release buttons are marked "press." if a button breaks, pieces can fall into the buckle assembly causing the buckle to operate improperly.
Why it matters: The safety belts would not provide adequate protection to an occupant in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Owners should promptly check the condition and operation of both front safety belt buckles and carefully inspect the red release button for any breaks or cracks. They should ensure that both buckles are operating properly by inserting each latch plate into its buckle, tugging on the belt to make…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (5): the most common themes are leaks (3).
- Seat belts (5): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Tires (3): the most common themes are tire tread / blowout (3).
- Transmission & drivetrain (2): the most common themes are leaks (2).
The 1990 Subaru Loyale has 13 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 5 Loyale model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 13). Complaints peaked in 1995 (7 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old. Neighboring years: 1991 (13 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 29 | 25 | Regular |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 24 | 22 | Regular |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 3-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 22 | 20 | 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 1990 Subaru Loyale.
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.
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FAQ
Does the 1990 Subaru Loyale have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 1990 Subaru Loyale. 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 1990 Subaru Loyale problems?
Owners have filed 13 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (5), seat belts (5), tires (3).
What gas mileage does the 1990 Subaru Loyale get?
EPA ratings run up to 25 mpg combined (1.8 L, Manual 5-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1990 Subaru Loyale 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.