1990 Subaru Loyale recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
4 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. 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 COMPONEN…
What could happen: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1990 LOYALE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Subaru dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 94V052000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Notes: SYSTEM: POWERTRAIN; TRANSMISSION; 5 SPEED. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: XT-6 AND LEGACY ALL-WHEEL DRIVE 5-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS AND LOYALE EQUIPPED WITH AN ON-DEMAND 4 WHEEL DRIVE 5-SPEED TRANSMISSIONS; REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: AK, CT, DE, IL, IN, IA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, VT, WI. NOTE: IF YOUR EQUIPMENT IS PRESENTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT PROVIDED WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME AND FREE OF CHARGE OR THE REMEDY DOES NOT CORRECT THE DEFECT OR NONCOMPLIANCE, PLEASE CONTACT SUBARU SERVICE AT 1-800-782-2783. ALSO, CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
2. Seat belts
What's wrong, in plain English: Seat belts may not hold you in a crash. 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 OPERATE IMPROPERLY.
What could happen: THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: 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 ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECU…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1990 LOYALE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Subaru dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 95V103006.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Summary: 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 OPERATE IMPROPERLY.
Consequence: THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
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 ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.
Notes: SYSTEM: INTERIOR; SEAT BELTS; BELT BUCKLES. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SAFETY BELTS MADE BY TAKATA CORPORATION. DL, GL AND LOYALE MODELS INVOLVE ONLY 3-DOOR COUPES, OTHER MODELS IN THESE SERIES ARE NOT INVOLVED. NOTE: THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT SUPPLIED THE MODEL VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN. NOTE: IF YOUR VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME, PLEASE CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
3. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. TRANSMISSION SHIFT LINKAGE MAY BE INCORRECTLY ADJUSTED AND WOULD NOT BE ENGAGED IN A FULL PARK POSITION WHEN PLACED IN PARK.
What could happen: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1990 LOYALE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Subaru dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 91V091000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Summary: TRANSMISSION SHIFT LINKAGE MAY BE INCORRECTLY ADJUSTED AND WOULD NOT BE ENGAGED IN A FULL PARK POSITION WHEN PLACED IN PARK.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: REPAIR THE TRANSMISSION PARK MECHANISM.
Notes: SYSTEM: TRANSMISSION PARK MECHANISM.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CARS INCLUDING FRONT AND FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES EQUIPPEDWITH THE 3AT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.
4. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. UNDER CERTAIN LOAD CONDITIONS, THE PARK GEAR MAY NOT DISENGAGE IMMEDIATELY WHEN THE TRANSMISSION LEVER IS MOVED FROM PARK TO REVERSE.
What could happen: DELAYED RELEASE OF TRANSMISSION FROM PARK CAUSES DELAYEDAND POSSIBLY ABRUPT VEHICLE MOVEMENT THAT COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLECONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
The fix: INSTALL A MODIFIED PARKING BRAKE PAWL TO PREVENT DELAYED RELEASE INTO REVERSE GEAR.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1990 LOYALE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Subaru dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 91V082000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Summary: UNDER CERTAIN LOAD CONDITIONS, THE PARK GEAR MAY NOT DISENGAGE IMMEDIATELY WHEN THE TRANSMISSION LEVER IS MOVED FROM PARK TO REVERSE.
Consequence: DELAYED RELEASE OF TRANSMISSION FROM PARK CAUSES DELAYEDAND POSSIBLY ABRUPT VEHICLE MOVEMENT THAT COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLECONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: INSTALL A MODIFIED PARKING BRAKE PAWL TO PREVENT DELAYED RELEASE INTO REVERSE GEAR.
Notes: SYSTEM: TRANSMISSION PARK GEAR.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS WITH ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED AUTOMATICTRANSMISSIONS (4EAT).
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (5), Seat belts (5), Wheels / tires (3), Transmission / drivetrain (2), Electrical system (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
08/20/2002 · Wheels / tires
OUT OF THE FOUR NEW TIRES THAT WERE PURCHASED TWO TIRES IN THE REAR BLEWOUT WHILE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING. CONTACTED DEALER AND THEY WERE NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING. REPLACEMENT TIRES, 50000 MILES, P175/70R13, MOUNTED ON A SUBARU, ROYAL, 1990. *AK CONSUMER STATE TIRE SIDE WALL BLEW OUT. DOT. # MKEV5BHR 195. *YH
11/14/2000 · Wheels / tires
FIRESTONE TIRE (P185 70 R13) EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION. *SLC
04/07/2000 · Engine
CAR LEAKS OIL ON TAIL PIPE, CAUSING OIL TO BURN AND SMOKE. *AK
08/03/1999 · Transmission / drivetrain
TRANSMISSION LEAKS FLUID/ HORN HAS NO SOUND WHEN IT'S HIT AND RIGHT FRONT TIRE MAKES GRINDING NOISE, LIKE METAL TO METAL. HAD TAKEN TO DEALER AT LEAST 6 TIMES. NOTHING WAS FOUND THAT COULD BE CORRECTED.
10/20/1997 · Seat belts
POWER SEAT BELT MOTOR FAILED.
08/27/1996 · Engine
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE THE WATER PUMP BROKE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS.*AK
07/17/1995 · Engine
ENGINE HEADS CRACKED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL/OIL LEAKS. *SKD
05/08/1995 · Seat belts
2 FRONT AUTOMATIC SEAT BELTS ARE NOT LOCKING UP IN SUDDEN STOPPING SITUATION. TT