Is the 1990 Subaru Loyale reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 1990 Subaru Loyale?

The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1990 Subaru Loyale have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

1990 Subaru Loyale

○ Not enough data

1990 Subaru Loyale
RENDERED 2026-11-01T17:08:04.942Z

Only 13 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

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.

Only 13 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 13
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 3
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

1990: 13 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1987	0
1988	0
1989	3
1990	13
1991	13
1992	23
1993	13
1994	1

Known problem areas

Only 13 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Seat belts

5 of 13 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing retractor and buckle assembly.

Show complaint excerpts

All four seat belt systems do not retract properly. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-03-08

Had to break drivers side seat belt to exit from it. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-03-06

Engine and engine cooling

5 of 13 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

Show complaint excerpts

When turning to right, oil in engine swings over to left in oil pan; gets sucks up into tube that goes to fuel intake; starts smoking; cannot acccelerate.…

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-03-01

Tires

3 of 13 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt and sidewall.

Power train

2 of 13 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing cooling unit and lines and automatic transmission.

Electrical system

1 of 13 total reports mentions: electrical system, most commonly citing horn.

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

I
1991-01-23Preliminary evaluationClosed 1991-05-30 Reverse delayed engagement
R

1991-06-06Power train91V091000 Transmission shift linkage may be incorrectly adjusted and would not be engaged in a full park position when placed in park.

Remedy: Repair the transmission park mechanism.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

1991-07-05Power train91V082000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

1994-06-24Power train94V052000 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…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
1994-06-29Preliminary evaluationClosed 1994-10-31 Hood latch failure
I
1995-03-10Engineering analysisClosed 1995-08-02 Takata seat belt buckle failure
R

1996-01-01Seat belts95V103006 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…

Remedy: 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…

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1990 Subaru Loyale — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Seat belts: 5 reports on file for this year.
Engine and engine cooling: 5 reports on file for this year.
Tires: 3 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 91V091000 · Power train
Recall 91V082000 · Power train
Recall 94V052000 · Power train
Recall 95V103006 · Seat belts

FAQ

Is the 1990 Subaru Loyale reliable?: There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1990 Subaru Loyale?: The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1990 Subaru Loyale have?: 4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.