MotorDeets

1991 Subaru Loyale: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 1991 Subaru Loyale: 2 recalls, 13 owner complaints and up to 25 mpg combined.

2vehicle recalls
13owner complaints
1mention a crash
25best combined mpg
1991 Subaru Loyale
Photo: RL GNZLZ from Chile · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

2 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 #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.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Transmission & drivetrain5
Seat belts3
Engine & cooling3
Speed control / throttle1
Suspension1
Electrical1
Visibility (wipers, glass)1
Latches & locks1

What owners describe

The 1991 Subaru Loyale has 13 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 5 Loyale model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 13). Complaints peaked in 1996 (3 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 8 years old, at a median of 222,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1990 (13 complaints, 4 recalls), 1992 (23 complaints, 1 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
1.8 L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive222925Regular
1.8 L 4-cylAutomatic 3-spdFront-Wheel Drive212422Regular

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 Loyale.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

Does the 1991 Subaru Loyale have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1991 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 1991 Subaru Loyale problems?

Owners have filed 13 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (5), seat belts (3), engine & cooling (3).

What gas mileage does the 1991 Subaru Loyale get?

EPA ratings run up to 25 mpg combined (1.8 L, Manual 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 1991 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.

Other Loyale years

19901991199219931994