1991 Subaru Legacy
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1987 | 1 |
| 1988 | 1 |
| 1989 | 1 |
| 1990 | 81 |
| 1991 | 78 |
| 1992 | 55 |
| 1993 | 77 |
| 1994 | 60 |
| 1995 | 182 |
| 1996 | 123 |
| 1997 | 139 |
| 1998 | 114 |
| 1999 | 94 |
| 2000 | 94 |
| 2001 | 77 |
| 2002 | 54 |
| 2003 | 60 |
| 2004 | 49 |
| 2005 | 182 |
| 2006 | 87 |
| 2007 | 33 |
| 2008 | 65 |
| 2009 | 65 |
| 2010 | 150 |
| 2011 | 167 |
| 2012 | 90 |
| 2013 | 66 |
| 2014 | 53 |
| 2015 | 159 |
| 2016 | 145 |
| 2017 | 118 |
| 2018 | 116 |
| 2019 | 122 |
| 2020 | 121 |
| 2021 | 31 |
| 2022 | 32 |
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2024 | 15 |
| 2025 | 6 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
18% of complaints: latches/locks/linkages — 14 distinct reports on file.
15% of complaints: seat belts — 12 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
DRIVERS SIDE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT DRIVE CABLE SLIPS OUT OF TRACK MAKING SEAT BELT USELESS AND DANGEROUS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160216
13% of complaints: structure — 10 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
UPON PLACING THE VEHICLE FROM PARK TO DRIVE AND REVERSE BACK TO DRIVE WHEN COMING OUT A SMALL PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE WILL SURGE FORWARD, RESULTING IN THE CONSUMER HAVING AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA ODI report, 19971215
6% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 5 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Remedy: REPLACE FRONT DOOR LATCH SCREWS WITH "LOCK-TIGHT" SCREWS.
Campaign 90V184000 — check if this car was fixed
UNDER CERTAIN LOAD CONDITIONS, THE PARK GEAR MAY NOT DISENGAGE IMMEDIATELY WHEN THE TRANSMISSION LEVER IS MOVED FROM PARK TO REVERSE.
Remedy: INSTALL A MODIFIED PARKING BRAKE PAWL TO PREVENT DELAYED RELEASE INTO REVERSE GEAR.
Campaign 91V082000 — check if this car was fixed
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 FR
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 94V052000 — check if this car was fixed
HOOD LATCH FAILURE
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1991 Subaru Legacy — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for latches/locks/linkages issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 90V184000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
- Verify recall 91V082000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 94V052000 (power train) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1991 Subaru Legacy reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1991 Subaru Legacy is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1991 Subaru Legacy?
The most-reported component is latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch, accounting for 18% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1991 Subaru Legacy have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.