1992 Subaru Legacy

Routine

Owners filed 55 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the seat belts. It has been recalled 2 times.

Not among the Subaru Legacy years to avoid. Which Subaru Legacy years to avoid →

Most common 1992 Subaru Legacy problems

19 of the 55 complaints (35%) are about the seat belts.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Seat Belts9
000
Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage6
000
Tires5
100
Structure › Body · body and frame3
100
Visibility › Windshield2
000
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly2
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration2
000
Seat Belts › Front › Retractor2
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission2
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine2
000

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Power Train › Manual Transmission94V052000
Filed Mar 23, 199431,295 vehiclesSubaru of America, Inc.

Defect. 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 COMPONENTS OF THE TRANSMISSION, CAUSE THE TRANSMISSION TO SEIZE AND THE VEHICLE TO COME TO A SUDDEN STOP.

Risk. 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.

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.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly92V044000
Filed Apr 1, 19929,500 vehiclesSubaru of America, Inc.

Defect. 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 PUNCTURED WHEN THE TAP WAS USED.

Risk. THE PUNCTURE IN THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK COULD CAUSE FUELTO LEAK, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE WHEN LEAKS OCCUR NEAR A SOURCE OFIGNITION.

Remedy. INSPECT THE FUEL TANKS; REPLACE THEM IF THEY ARE PUNCTURED.

All 2 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 3, 2012GA

I BOUGHT MY YOUNGEST SON A 1992 SUBARU LEGACY STATION WAGON. I WENT TO FILL THE GAS TANK AND WHEN I GOT HOME YOU COULD SMELL GAS FUMES VERY STRONGLY AND LATER WE COULD SEE WHERE IT HAD LEAKED ONTO THE GROUND. I ASKED MY OLDEST SON ABOUT IT SINCE HE IS A CERTIFIED MECHANIC AND HE WAS TELLING ME ABOUT A RECALL ON THAT YEAR BECAUSE OF HOW THE COMPANY PUT IN THE BACK SEAT. I CONTACTED MY LOCAL SUBARU DEALER (KELLY CADILLAC) AND THEY SAID IT WAS NOT THAT YEAR OR VIN NUMBER AND THAT THEY COULD NOT HELP ME. THEY ACTED LIKE IF IT WAS NOT A NEW VEHICLE THEN IT DID NOT MATTER. THIS IS MY SON'S ONLY WAY TO COLLEGE EVERY DAY BUT IT WORRIES ME WHETHER THIS CAR IS SAFE OR NOT. *TR

Tires
Filed Jul 27, 2009124,900 milesME

CRACKS APPEAR IN CIRCUMFERENTIAL SIPES AFTER 9,000 MILES / 1 YR 10 MO. THIS OCCURRED IN ALL 4 TIRES. SNOWY NORTHEAST CLIMATE, PROPERLY INFLATED TO 29-30 PSI. SIMILAR CRACKING OCCURRED ON IDENTICAL TIRE MODEL ALMOST 2 YRS AGO (DOT # ANRBMC112705), ALSO IN ALL 4 TIRES AFTER 10,000 MILES / 2 YEARS. PREVIOUS TIRES, AND THESE TIRES, WERE DIFFERENT LOTS. BF GOODRICH TRACTION T/A. NO CATASTROPHIC FAILURE EITHER TIME - FOUND ON STATE INSPECTION. *TR

Structure › Body › Roof and PillarsCrash2 injured
Filed May 24, 2005AZ

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. 2) ROOF CAVED IN ON DRIVERS SIDE, CAUSING A COMPRESSING FRACTURE TO DRIVERS NECK. DRIVER NOW PARALYZED FROM NECK DOWN. DRIVER IS APPROXIMATELY 5'0 TALL SO AMOUNT OF DAMAGE DONE IS UNACCEPTABLE. CAR WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 45 MPH WHEN CAR ROLLED OVER (SPEED LOST WHILE TRYING TO GAIN CONTROL OF VEHICLE) 3) VEHICLE TOTALLED

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Aug 17, 2004CT

WHILE DRIVING IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC AND UPON PUTTING FOOT ON THE CLUTCH AND THE BRAKES VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD. IT FELT LIKE THE VEHICLE WAS TRYING TO PUSH SOMETHING VERY HEAVY OUT OF THE WAY. *AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Mar 22, 2004163,000 milesVT

WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH TRANSMISSION FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT VEHICLE LOST POWER, FORCING DRIVER TO VEER OFF THE ROAD. DEALER STATED THAT TRANSMISSION BREATHING VENTS WERE BLOCKED DUE TO FLUID FREEZING. A RECALL 94V052000 WAS ISSUED,HOWEVER THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. *AK

StructureCrash
Filed Jun 19, 2003106,360 milesOR

THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN ACCIDENT, CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO BE REPAIRED. DEALERSHIP PRESENTED VEHICLE REPAIRS AS COMPLETE, CONSUMER DISAGREED.*MR REAR GATE RELOCATED. SWITCH CONTROLLING CARGO LAMP AND STATUS PANEL DID NOT FUNCTION. FRONT BUMPER WAS GROSSLY MISALIGNED. FRONT BUMPER TO RIGHT FRONT FENDER MISMATCHED. REAR WIPER PIVOT COVER WAS MISSING. EXHAUST TIPS ROTATED. BUMPER REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS WERE MISSING. REAR TAIL LAMP SETTING OUT FROM BODY. GATE HINGE BOLT FELL OUT. INNER SKIRT WAS BOWED IN. GAP IN RIGHT REAR DOOR. VAPOR CANISTER IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS LEFT LOOSE. DRAIN HOSE NOT CONNECTED. TIRE UNDER-INFLATED. FLOOR DATUM POINTS LEFT UNDONE. REAR HATCH OPENING WEATHERSTRIP WAS IMPROPERLY SEALED. *TT *JB

Tires
Filed May 22, 2003OK

SEVERAL TULSA DEALERS UNABLE/UNWILLING TO REPAIR SMALL NAIL PUNCTURE OF FT70C TIRE. STATE "THIS TIRE NOT MADE TO BE REPAIRED-SELF SEALING" CONTINUAL LOSS OF AIR NECESSITATES CONSTANT REFILLING. PREVIOUS TIRE REPAIRED BY CERTIFIED TIRE SERVICE FACILITY SHOWED SIDEWALL SEPARATION USING ACCEPTABLE REPAIR EQUIPMENT. TIRE MAKE HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED. NOW MANUFACTURED UNDER DIFFERENT MODEL DESIGNATION. *NLM

Tires
Filed Feb 4, 2003CA

MICHELIN TIRES KEEP BLOWING OUT. THE SIDEWALLS ARE SEPARATING FROM THE TIRES. PH

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Feb 15, 2002IN

ENGINE QUITS ON HILLS WHEN SHIFTING INTO A HIGHER GEAR AT ABOUT 35 MPH. ENGINE ALSO QUITS AT ABOUT 40 MPH, AGAIN WHEN RPM ABOUT 3000 ON A COLD ENGINE.*AK

Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses and Circuit Breakers
Filed Nov 2, 2001PA

IN THE CAR'S MANUAL AND, FROM WHAT I'VE HEARD FROM TALKING WITH FRIENDS, THERE IS A FUSE UNDER THE HOOD OF THE CAR THAT ALLOWS YOU TO SWITCH FROM 4WD/AWD TO FWD FOR TOWING ETC. MY CAR LACKS THIS FUSE/HOLDER AND IF IT WERE TO EVER BE TOWED THE TRANSMISSION COULD BE DAMAGED. I HAD A FRIEND LOOK UP MY VIN TO BE SURE IT IS APPLICABLE FOR MY VEHICLE AND IT IS.*AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Oct 14, 2001CA

VIN # JF2 BJ65C3 NH903488. NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK

TiresCrash
Filed Jul 26, 2001NV

FRONT RIGHT TIRE COMPLETELY FELL OFF THE WHEEL WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. THE TIRES HAD ONLY BEEN PUT ON 6 MONTHS PRIOR, AND THEY WERE NOT BALD. MY CAR SPUN OUT OF CONTROL, AND MY HUB CAP ROLLED OUT INTO THE MIDDLE OF THE FREEWAY, CAUSING A CAR TO HIT THE BACK OF A CAR IN FRONT OF IT. THE TIRE LOOKS AS THOUGH IT HAD BEEN PEELED OFF OF THE WHEEL. I'M SCARED TO DRIVE THE CAR NOW.*AK (DOT NUMBER: 1857014 TIRESIZE: FT70C 87S)

Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses and Circuit Breakers
Filed May 25, 2001NY

WHILE STOPPING AT A TRAFFIC SIGNAL ALL OF ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS STOPPED, AND VEHICLE STOPPED OPERATING. A BLACK FUSE CABLE IN FUSE BOX, FUSE LINK: 82301GA060 BURNED UP, AND BURNED A MARK ON COVER OF FUSE BOX. *AK *SLC

Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage
Filed May 21, 2001NC

INTERMITTENTLY DRIVER AND PASSENGER RESTRAINTS BECOME INOPERABLE.*AK

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Oct 17, 2000IN

ENGINE STALLS WHEN GOING UPHILL, BACKFIRES, PINGS AND COME TO A STOP. APPEARS TO HAPPEN WHEN ENGINE IS UNDER VERY MODEST STRAIN. MORE LIKELY TO HAPPEN ON COLD ENGINE BUT NOT NEARLY ALL THE CASE. CAN'T TELL IF CHOKE IS IMPLEMENTED FOR SOME REASON.*AK

Seat Belts
Filed Mar 29, 2000CA

DRIVER'S SIDE MOTOR BELT FAILED TO OPERATE, LEAVING DRIVER WITHOUT ANY RESTRAINT WHILE DRIVING. DEALER/MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED AT THIS TIME. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Mar 1, 2000OR

WHEN ACCELERATING OR BACKING UP I NOTICED THE CAR WAS SLUGGISH. WHEN THE HOOD WAS POPPED, THE PART HOLDING THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY IN PLACE HAD ALMOST FALLEN OFF. IT TOOK QUIT A WHILE TO OBTAIN THE PART NEEDED. THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE PART IMFORMED ME THAT THIS WAS A PROBLEM FOR THE 92 MODEL AS WELL AS EITHER THE 91 OR 93 MODEL. MY MECHANIC BUILT A BRACE TO KEEP THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY FROM FALLING OFF. THE DEALERSHIP CLAIMED NO RESPONSIBILITY AND I WAS TOLD THE PART HAD NOT BEEN RECALLED. *AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Filler Pipe and Cap
Filed Feb 25, 2000VT

FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY FILLER, NOT MADE FROM STAINLESS STEEL, HAS ROTTED OUT, CAUSING FUEL TO LEAK .PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
Filed Dec 15, 1999NM

THE AUOTMATIC SEAT BELT WAS REPLACED LAST APRIL 1999 AND FAILED AGAIN. WE ALSO REPLACED THE PASSENGER SIDE SEATBELT 11/1999. WE WOULD LIKE ASSISTANCE FROM THE MANUFACTURER WITH THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT AS IT WAS PROVIDE THROUGH A MANUFACTURER. DEALER AGREEMENT WITH EACH PARTY PAYING $250 TO REPLACE IT THE 1ST TIME. THERE HAS ONLY BEEN 7,800 MILES SINCE THE LAST BELT WAS REPAIRED. ALSO WE KEEP HAVING TO REPLACE THE SUNVISOR WHICH OF COURSE FAILED WHEN YOU NEED THEM THE MOST. THIS IS VERY UNSAFE. WE HAVE REPLACED 6 OF THEM. *AK

Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
Filed Dec 15, 1999NM

I HAVE SPENT $60 EACH TIME TO REPLACE SUN VISORS THAT APPEAR TO BE MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. PLEASE IMPROVE THE SUN VISORS THIS IS A SAFEY ISSUE AND COULD LEAD INJURIES. *AK

Seat Belts › Front › Retractor
Filed Nov 8, 1999WV

PASSENGER'S SHOULDER SEATBELT DOES NOT RETRACT WHICH WON'T PROPERLY RESTRAIN THE OCCUPANT IN EVENT OF A CRASH. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

Seat Belts
Filed May 18, 1999NM

WHEN CONSUMER STARTED UP VEHICLE MOTORIZED SEAT BELT STARTED WORKING, BUT EVENTUALLY DID NOT WORK AT ALL. *AK

Suspension › Front
Filed Dec 1, 1998SC

WHEN DRIVING THERE WAS A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. ALSO, THE VEHICLE WILL FREEZE UP ON THE ROAD, AND WHEN IN THIRD/FOURTH AND FIFTH GEAR CAN HEAR THE KNOCKING NOISE. *AK

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 21, 1998VA

DRIVER SIDE SUNVISOR HAS CEASED TO FUNCTION. WILL NO LONGER RATCHET UP AND DOWN. WILL FALL DOWN AND CANNOT BE ADJUSTED.

Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage
Filed Jul 17, 1998NM

FRONT SEAT BELT CAME APART.

Seat Belts
Filed Jul 1, 1998NM

MOTORBELT FAILED.

Seat Belts
Filed Jun 16, 1998NM

CABLE BROKE ON THE LEFT FRONT SIDE OF THE DRIVER'S PASSIVE RESTRAINTS. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

Seat Belts
Filed May 29, 1998NM

MOTORBELT ON DRIVER'S SIDE FAILS TO RETRACT.

Seat Belts
Filed Mar 10, 1998NM

LEFT FRONT SEAT BELT FAILURE

Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage
Filed Mar 4, 1998NM

SEATBELT AND RAIL ASSEMBLY FAILURE.

Seat Belts
Filed Mar 3, 1998NM

SAFETY BELT FAILED.

Seat Belts › Front › Webbing
Filed Dec 23, 1997NM

DRIVER'S SIDE SHOULDER RESTRAINT FAILED .

Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage
Filed Dec 4, 1997NM

SEAT BELT RETRACTOR FAILED.

Air Bags › FrontalCrash2 injured
Filed Sep 22, 1997NY

VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A REAREND COLLISION WHICH RESULTED IN VEHICLE SLAMMING INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE, CAUSING DIRECT FRONTAL DAMAGE, AND THERE WAS NO DEPLOYMENT OF DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG, CAUSE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED.*AK *JB

Tires
Filed Mar 4, 1997WY

WHILE DRIVING, EXPERIENCED TIRE BLOW OUT, REPLACED TIRE WITH TEMPORARY (T-TIRE), DROVE APPROX. 20 MILES TO NEAREST GARAGE AT 45MPH, AS DIRECT RESULT FROM USING T-TIRE, NOTICED RUBBER BURNING SMELL, REAR DIFFERENTIAL SEVERLY OVERHEATED, CAUSING DAMAGE TO REAR AXEL. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Feb 25, 1997PA

BRAKE FAILURE.

Power Train › Manual Transmission › Column Shift Assembly
Filed Jan 27, 1997MD

MANUAL 5-SPEED TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP WHILE A RIGHT HAND TURN OUT OF PARKING LOT AND SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR. WITHOUT WARNING THE FRONT WHEELS LOCKED, VEHICLE WA STHROWN INTO A SKID AND BROUGHT IT TO A COMPLETE STOP. *AK

Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage
Filed Nov 1, 1996NY

SEAT BELT COMES ACROSS NECK.

Air Bags › FrontalCrash
Filed Aug 7, 1996CT

TO AVOIDING IMPACT DRIVER RAN OFF THE ROAD HITTING A TELEPHONE POLE, AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY, PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK

Structure › Body › Tailgate
Filed Jul 4, 1996PA

REAR HATCH RUSTED, PREFVENTING IT FROM BEING RECLOSED ONCE OPENED. *AK

Seat Belts
Filed Jun 21, 1996WY

BOTH FRONT AUTOMATIC RESTRAINT SEATBELTS ARE BROKEN AND DO NOT MOVE UP OR DOWN THE TRACK.PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed May 6, 1996NY

'KNOCK SENSOR' FAILED TWICE, CAUSING 'CHECK ENGINE' WARNING LIGHT TO COME ON. *DH

Seat Belts
Filed Apr 16, 1996OH

MOTORIZED SAFETY BELTS FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Feb 29, 1996CT

ENGINE SURGES INTERMITTENTLY. *DH

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Feb 20, 1996CT

WHEN YOU STOP THE AUTO WILL SHOOT FORWARD-THE RPM'S WILL SUDDENLY ACCELERATE AND THE AUTO TAKES OFF. *AK

Exterior Lighting
Filed Dec 26, 1995NJ

REAR LIGHT LENSES CRACKED. *AK

Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly
Filed Jul 14, 1995OR

DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT BELT FAILURE, UNABLE TO LATCH SEAT BELT *AK

Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage
Filed Jun 8, 1995OH

DRIVER'S SEAT BELT FAILED. *SKD

Seat Belts › Front › Retractor
Filed May 25, 1995OH

DRIVER SEAT BELT FAILS TO RETRACT. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT

Visibility › Windshield
Filed May 19, 1995MI

WINDOW REPLACED DUE TO LEAK. *SD

Complaints 1-50 of 55, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2005
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20256000Routine
202417010Routine
202310200Routine
202234210Routine
202131300Routine
2020121610Routine
2019123310Routine
2018117310Routine
2017119210Do not drive
2016147300Do not drive
2015160330Routine
2014531020Routine
2013661200Routine
2012901600Routine
20111671620Routine
20101511811Fatalities reported
2009651310Routine
200865910Routine
200733940Routine
200687711Fatalities reported
2005184940Routine
2004491100Routine
2003601500Routine
200254511Fatalities reported
200177820Routine
200094420Routine
199994310Routine
1998114520Routine
1997139620Routine
1996123440Routine
1995182230Routine
199460041Fatalities reported
199377110Routine
1992 — this page55200Routine
199178300Routine
199081420Routine

Compare every Legacy year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Mar 23, 1994. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.