1992 Subaru Legacy
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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
20% of complaints: seat belts — 11 distinct reports on file.
11% of complaints: seat belts — 6 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: tires — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASH7% of complaints: structure — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
QUESTIONS THICKNESS OF METAL IN BODY OF CAR. *DSH
NHTSA ODI report, 19960201
5% of complaints: seat belts — 3 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
1) TRAVELING ON I-10 WEST APPROACHING WILCOX, AZ. PASSED UP DIESEL, DIESEL CROSSED INTO LANE (POSSIBLY DUE TO HEAVY CROSSWINDS PROMINENT IN AREA), LOST CONTROL OF CAR AND ROLLED TWICE OFF THE HIGHWAY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050524
SAFETY TIMELINE
A MISALIGNMENT OF THE REAR SEAT CUSHION LATCHING BRACKET REINFORCEMENT PLATE TO THE FLOOR REQUIRED A MACHINE TAP TO CLEAR THE OPENING FOR A MOUNTING BOLT. THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK MAY HAVE BEEN PUNCTU
Remedy: INSPECT THE FUEL TANKS; REPLACE THEM IF THEY ARE PUNCTURED.
Campaign 92V044000 — 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
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1992 Subaru Legacy — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 92V044000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 94V052000 (power train) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1992 Subaru Legacy reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1992 Subaru Legacy is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1992 Subaru Legacy?
The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1992 Subaru Legacy have?
2 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.