1991 Subaru Legacy problems

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The Subaru Legacy (Japanese: スバル・レガシィ, Hepburn: Subaru Regashi) is a mid-size car built by Japanese automobile manufacturer Subaru since 1989. The maker's flagship car, it is unique in its class for offering all-wheel drive as a standard feature, and Subaru's traditional boxer engine. The Legacy was sold as the Liberty in Australia out of deference to Legacy Australia, an organisation dedicated to caring for the families of military service veterans.

In 1996, a variant of the Legacy with heightened suspension called the Legacy Outback was introduced to compete in the burgeoning sport-utility vehicle class and proved to be a sales success for Subaru. The Outback line was split into its own model in 2008, known as the Subaru Outback.

As of 2008, 3.6 million Legacy models have been built since its 1989 introduction.

Production of the Legacy ended in Japan in June 2020, with the sixth-generation Legacy being the last model produced and marketed in Japan. Subaru of America announced in an internal email that 2025 will be the last model year for the Subaru Legacy. The Subaru Outback will remain in production, after being the company's top selling model in 2023.

1991 Subaru Legacy

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Common 1991 Subaru Legacy problems

The 1991 Subaru Legacy is known to have engine problems, particularly with its 2.2L engine. One of the common issues is that the engine runs extremely rough at anything below 3000 revs, barely able to idle, and the whole car shakes. The tachometer shows a low idle speed, around 500 RPM, which is much lower than the standard 800-1000 RPM for most vehicles. This results in a lack of power at lower RPMs, requiring the driver to floor the accelerator to gain speed. This problem may be due to a timing issue or faulty spark plug wires.

Another issue is that the car may stall when coming to a stop, particularly when the engine is warm. This can be caused by a vacuum leak, a faulty idle air control valve, or a malfunctioning throttle position sensor (TPS). The TPS measures the position of the throttle valve and sends this information to the engine control module (ECM). If the TPS is faulty, the ECM may not be able to adjust the idle speed correctly, causing the engine to stall.

Additionally, some owners have reported that the car produces smoke from the left bank of cylinders after a short drive, which may indicate a problem with the engine's internal components, such as worn piston rings or valve guides.

The 1991 Subaru Legacy may also have issues with the fuel system, including clogged fuel injectors, a faulty fuel pump, or a dirty fuel filter. These issues can cause the engine to run poorly or stall, particularly at low RPMs.

Finally, the head gaskets on the 1991 Subaru Legacy are known to leak, which can cause the engine to run rich and produce excessive exhaust gas in the coolant. This can lead to overheating and engine damage if not addressed promptly.

In summary, the 1991 Subaru Legacy has several common engine problems, including rough running at low RPMs, stalling, producing smoke, fuel system issues, and head gasket leaks. These issues can be caused by a variety of factors, including faulty sensors, vacuum leaks, worn internal components, and clogged fuel injectors. It is important for owners of the 1991 Subaru Legacy to address these issues promptly to prevent further damage to the engine and ensure safe and reliable operation of the vehicle.

1991 Subaru Legacy engine

What is the most common problem with the Subaru Legacy?

Top Subaru Legacy Problems

  • Cooling System Problems Cause Head Gasket Failure. ...
  • Subaru Front O2 Sensor Recall. ...
  • Failure in ABS causes pump to run continuously and wear down battery. ...
  • Failure in ABS causes pump to run continuously and wear down battery. ...
  • Engine Oil May Leak From Camshaft/Crankshaft Front Seals.

What is the value of a 1991 Subaru Legacy?

The value of a used 1991 Subaru Legacy ranges from $908 to $6,948, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options.

Is the Subaru Legacy a reliable car?

The Subaru Legacy Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 16th out of 24 for midsize cars. The average annual repair cost is $563 which means it has average ownership costs. The severity of repairs is average, and major issues are less frequent than average, so major repairs are not common for the Legacy.

What engine does a 1991 Subaru Legacy have?

1991 Subaru LEGACY (2.2L 4 -cyl Engine Code [6] A) Motor Oil, Filters and Lubricants - AMSOIL.

What is the most common problem with the Subaru Legacy?

Top Subaru Legacy Problems

  • Cooling System Problems Cause Head Gasket Failure. ...
  • Subaru Front O2 Sensor Recall. ...
  • Failure in ABS causes pump to run continuously and wear down battery. ...
  • Failure in ABS causes pump to run continuously and wear down battery. ...
  • Engine Oil May Leak From Camshaft/Crankshaft Front Seals.

What engine does a 1991 Subaru Legacy have?

1991 Subaru LEGACY (2.2L 4 -cyl Engine Code [6] A) Motor Oil, Filters and Lubricants - AMSOIL.

What is the value of a 1991 Subaru Legacy?

The value of a used 1991 Subaru Legacy ranges from $908 to $6,948, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options.

Is the Subaru Legacy reliable?

The Subaru Legacy Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 16th out of 24 for midsize cars.

1991 Subaru Legacy car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Subaru Legacy problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Seat belts problems
  • Power train problems
  • Structure problems
  • Latches/locks/linkages problems
  • Service brakes problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1991 Subaru Legacy vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Latest 25 complaints 1991 Subaru Legacy

The NHTSA has received 111 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1991 Subaru Legacy. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1991 Subaru Legacy vehicles.

2017-10-11

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2017-07-01
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT'S ELBOW WAS CUT SEVERAL TIMES ON THE DOOR JAM WHILE ATTEMPTING TO EXIT. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000.
2016-02-16

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2015-10-01
  • VIN: 4S4BJ63CXM6
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: DRIVERS SIDE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT DRIVE CABLE SLIPS OUT OF TRACK MAKING SEAT BELT USELESS AND DANGEROUS.
2012-08-01

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2012-07-30
  • VIN: 4S3BJ6320M1
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT WAS SITTING AT A TRAFFIC STOP WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT INTO DRIVE AND THE GEAR SHIFTER DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 123,259.
2010-10-28

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2010-10-01
  • VIN: JF1BC6327MK
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN DRIVING 50 MPH AND FASTER, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD BRIEFLY ILLUMINATE AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC THAT THE FAILURE COULD POTENTIALLY BE CAUSED BY A DEFECTIVE THROTTLE SENSOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 193,100 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 193,250.
2007-05-31

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2007-05-26
  • VIN: 4S4BJ65C7M7
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRIC SEAT BELT JAMS IN THE MIDDLE AND RENDERS THE SEAT BELT INOPERABLE. THE DEALER WILL NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE FREE OF CHARGE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 176,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELT WAS REPLACED AND ON AUGUST 10, 2007 IT FAILED AGAIN. THE SEAT BELT WAS REPLACED AGAIN ON SEPTEMBER 9, 2007. UPDATED 09/27/07. *JB
2004-03-18

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 4S4BJ63C4M6
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: CONSUMER NOTICED THAT DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT WEBBING WAS SEPARATING. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, AND DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY, AND THAT CONSUMER HAD TO PAY FOR REPAIRS. *AK
2003-10-16

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2003-10-09
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 4S3BC6320M9
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH THAT CONTROLS HEADLIGHTS AND TURN SIGNAL MALFUNCTIONED. DRIVER TRIED TO USE THE TURN SIGNAL AND HEADLIGHTS TURNED OFF WITHOUT ANY WARNING. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION DUE TO ANOTHER VEHICLE NOT SEEING THE HEADLIGHTS. DRIVER SUSTAINED CHEST AND STERNUM INJURIES. *AK
2003-08-19

POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 4S4BJ63C4M7
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS
  • Summary: AFTER STARTING VEHICLE DRIVER PUT SHIFTER IN DRIVE AND VEHICLE TOOK OFF, DRIVER HAD NO CONTROL. AS A RESULT, VEHICLE HIT A BRICK WALL BEFORE COMING TO A STOP. UPON IMPACT, NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. *AK
2002-09-25

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: WITHIN ONE WEEK BOTH SEAT BELTS CAME APART. DEALER SAID IT WOULD COST $975.00 TO REPLACE THEM. DO I HAVE ANY OTHER RECOURSE? THANK YOU.
2002-09-04

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-08-13
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 4F3BH686217
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT 35MPH AND WITH NO WARNING CONSUMER WAS HIT IN FRONT CENTER OF VEHICLE, AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK
2002-01-08

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-05-08
  • VIN: 4S3BC6329M9
  • Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
  • Summary: WHEN OPENING THE DOOR USING THE INSIDE HANDLE, UPON RELEASE OF THE DOOR HANDLE THE LOCKING MECHANISM IS TRIGGERED WHICH CAUSES ALL OF THE DOORS TO LOCK AND THE DRIVER'S DOOR LOCK IS JAMMED IN THE LOCKED POSITION. THE DRIVER'S DOOR IS ONLY SUPPOSED TO LOCK UPON CLOSING WHEN THE OUTER DOOR HANDLE IS ENGAGED *AND* THE DOOR HAS BEEN LOCKED. WHEN THE DOOR LOCK IS JAMMED IT REMAINS LOCKED UPON CLOSING WITHOUT ENGAGING THE OUTER DOOR HANDLE.*AK
2001-12-04

POWER TRAIN,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-04-01
  • VIN: 4S3BC6321M9
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
  • Summary: LOCK ON VEHICLE DOESN'T WORK. CONSUMER STATED THAT WINDOW WILL BE LEFT DOWN IN ORDER TO GET INSIDE OF VEHICLE. ALSO, GEAR SHIFT GOES UP AND DOWN. *AK
2001-10-01

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-09-15
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: VEHICLE WOULD ONLY MOVE FOR SHORT DISTANCES, THEN WILL STOP. CONSUMER FEELS THERE'S A PROBLEM WITH TRANSMISION. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
2001-08-23

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-04-30
  • VIN: JF2BJ63C1MG
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: FABRIC JOINT ON LAP BELT WAS PRINTED WITH A WARNING THAT THE BELT MUST BE REPLACED IF THE FABRIC IS BROKEN, PRESUMABLY IN A COLLISION. IT HAS WORN OUT THROUGH ABRASION FROM NORMAL USE, NO COLLISION IS INVOLVED. HOWEVER, IT NEEDS TO BE FIXED OTHERWISE A BASIC SAFETY COMPONENT REQUIRED BY LAW IS SIMPLY NOT THERE. WE FEEL STRONGLY THAT SUCH A PART SHOULD NOT BE DESIGNED TO FAIL. HOWEVER, WE HAVE BEEN TOLD BY ONE LOCAL DEALER THAT EVEN IF WE WANTED TO PAY TO HAVE IT FIXED, THAT THE PART FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE. THIS DOES NOT SEEM TO BE A REASONABLE SITUATION.*AK
2001-05-02

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1992-09-01
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: THE DOOR LOCKS ON THE FRONT AND REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE ARE PERMANENTLY LOCKED.
2001-02-27

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-01-20
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: A REPLACEMENT WINDSHIELD IS LEAKING. CONSUMER HAS TAKEN VEHICLE TO BLOOMFIELD GLASS COMPANY TO HAVE IT REPLACED. *AK CONSUMER RETURNED TO SHOP AFTER WINDOW WAS REPLACED DUE TO A LEAK, DEALER STATED LEAK WAS DUE TO TAPE, SO THE TAPE WAS REMOVED, HOWEVER THERE WAS STILL AN AIR LEAK, NEW TAPE WAS PUT ON AND THIS DID NOT REMEDY PROBLEM EITHER, CONSUMER WAS TOLD THIS IS HIS PROBLEM. *SLC
2001-01-26

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-01-01
  • VIN: 4S4BJ63C6M7
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE
  • Summary: OIL LEAK. *AK PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE RELEASE FAILED. *YH
2000-12-29

STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 4S4BJ63C3M6
  • Components: STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENT
  • Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
2000-12-07

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-07-31
  • VIN: 4S3BC632XM9
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: AIR CONTROL VALVE IS SLOW CAUSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO BE HARD TO PRESS. NLM
2000-12-07

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-07-21
  • VIN: 4S3BC632XM9
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: FRONT BRAKE PADS FAILED. NLM
2000-12-07

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-07-21
  • VIN: 4S3BC632XM9
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: TRUNK WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE. NLM
2000-12-07

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-07-01
  • VIN: 4S3BC632XM9
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: BOTH FRONT DOORS AND ONE REAR DOOR BECAME STUCK, THE DOORS COULD NOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE BECAUSE THE INNER DOOR HANDLES MALFUNCTIONED. NLM
2000-12-07

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-07-01
  • VIN: 4S3BC632XM9
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: FAN RELAY FAILED CAUSING THE FAN AND HEATER TO BE INOPERATIVE. NLM
2000-10-31

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-02-13
  • VIN: 4S4BJ63C6M7
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: RIGHT SIDE WINDOW NOT IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. *SLC
2000-10-31

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-02-13
  • VIN: 4S4BJ63C6M7
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: HEADLAMP OUT OF ALIGNMENT, DEALER REPLACED HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY. *SLC

1991 Subaru Legacy recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1991 Subaru Legacy.

1994-03-23
  • Manufacturer: SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  • Components: 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.
1991-05-30
  • Manufacturer: SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  • Components: 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.
1990-10-16
  • Manufacturer: SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  • Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
  • Summary: 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.
  • Consequence: THE AFFECTED DOOR MAY NOT BE OPENED FROM INSIDE,PREVENTING EXIT FROM THAT DOOR.
  • Remedy: REPLACE FRONT DOOR LATCH SCREWS WITH "LOCK-TIGHT" SCREWS.

Negative 1991 Subaru Legacy car reviews

  1. Justyn Bayer 2025-07-05

    I bought this car with over 250,000+ miles on it, and despite some idle issues that I have just now been able to handle, this car just won't quit. It's too ugly to sell, so I use it as a backup car. Despite only running on two cylinders for the last six months, it still starts and drives!

  2. Orlando Harber 2025-06-28

    This car is really fun to drive and very reliable. However, it is important to note that after about 7 or 8 years, the car may develop a major rust problem that unfortunately cannot be reversed.

  3. Raul Zieme 2025-05-17

    Your car has an impressive 206,000 miles and it's still running smoothly! It's great to hear that you haven't had any major mechanical expenses. Although the body may not be the best quality, it's clear that this car is a reliable choice.

  4. Chauncey Wunsch 2025-02-09

    I purchased my 1990 Subaru Legacy front-wheel drive sedan, also known as the Flying Blue Marmot, brand new and it's still going strong almost 20 years later! While it requires some major (over $500) work once a year, it's still more cost-effective than buying a new car that doesn't get as good of gas mileage (still getting about 25 MPG City). The car has great mileage, good power, and comfortable seats. Even after all these years, it still looks stylish! However, the paint job on the trim hasn't held up, the upholstery in the back window has cracked quite a bit, and the interior door handles lock unless you hold your hand just so when opening the door.

  5. Tobin Schinner 2024-05-18

    We have two 1990 Subaru's, one of which is our Legacy. We purchased it 11 years ago and have been driving it every day since. It has been extremely reliable and we have experienced very few mechanical issues. We have had to replace the CV joints, front axle, and a couple of sensors, but we have never had to replace the clutch or starter. It always turns over! We have had some issues with the paint (oxidization), power windows and locks, cruise control, and plastic exterior trimming. Recently, it has been idling roughly and appears to need another sensor replaced. The check engine light has been on since 80k miles and it has started burning oil. Despite these issues, it is still comfortable to cruise in and the air conditioning still works. We definitely feel like we have gotten our money's worth!

Positive 1991 Subaru Legacy car reviews

  1. Norris Berge 2025-07-06

    Recently, we sold our second Subaru with 234,000 miles on the original transmission and engine. The clutch lasted until 212,000 miles, which is a testament to the car's mechanical excellence. It was surprising to see how many Subaru owners were interested in buying it. All the people who called about it were former Subaru owners. We are definitely considering buying a third one in the future!

  2. Garrison Gutmann 2025-07-01

    I bought my baby 2 years ago with only 129k miles on the clock. She now has 156,000 miles. I drive around 13,000 miles per year and have only had to deal with a few repairs, such as alternator replacement, front brakes, cv joints, and a much-needed (overdue!) rear wheel bearing. The only thing I don't like about these cars is that they have rear brake rotors, which can be pretty expensive. However, overall, the performance is amazing, and she has tons of pep for a 2.2L. I make sure to change the oil/filter EVERY 3,000 miles and ensure that ALL fluids are at proper levels. By keeping up with routine maintenance (brakes, tires, battery, etc.), these cars can last well over 300,000 miles, maybe even longer! It's a great car!

  3. Carson Hermiston 2025-05-06

    I bought this car 4 years ago because I needed a wagon on short notice. I have learned to love it because it has never let me down and performs just as well as a new car, but for only a fraction of the price. After 17 years, almost everything on the car is still original and there isn't a spot of rust. This is the car that made Subaru a legend.

  4. Jerad Labadie 2025-05-04

    Tremendous reliability with cost of ownership limited to routine maintenance. Snow and ice are no problem with good tires.

  5. Kendrick Kemmer 2025-04-08

    Hi there! I've been the proud owner and operator of a '91 Subaru Legacy L Wagon for the past two years, and I must say it's been an absolute joy to drive. I've had no major issues with it, and it still manages to get around 21 miles to the gallon. As a high school student, I think it would make an excellent first car for anyone. Despite being an older wagon, I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of pep it delivers. Even with an automatic transmission, it seems to choose gears well depending on how much pressure you put on the gas. I've found that with slightly wider tires, the vehicle has an even better feel on the road, so I would definitely suggest that as an aftermarket addition.

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1991 Subaru Legacy problems:

Engine Problems in 1991 Legacy 2.2L - 1990 to Present Legacy ...
Engine Problems in 1991 Legacy 2.2L - 1990 to Present Legacy ...
https://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/topic/29247-engine-problems-in-1991-legacy-22l/

Feb 23, 2005 ... SuzzySubaru said: Hey, I recently have had the same problem with my 1990 subaru Legacy, I've tried BG44k fuel injector cleaner, replacing the ...

1991 Subaru Legacy Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
1991 Subaru Legacy Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
https://repairpal.com/cars/subaru/legacy/1991

Most Common 1991 Subaru Legacy Problems ... Failure in ABS causes pump to run continuously ... A failure in the anti-lock brake system (abs) causes the abs pump ...

recently bought a 91 legacy and it won't start - 1990 to Present ...
recently bought a 91 legacy and it won't start - 1990 to Present ...
https://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/topic/149989-recently-bought-a-91-legacy-and-it-wont-start/

Nov 7, 2014 ... I recently (two weeks ago) purchased a blue 1991 Subaru legacy 4 door with an automatic transmission and a 2.2 liter 4 cylinder motor.

'91 Legacy Door Lock Problem - NASIOC
'91 Legacy Door Lock Problem - NASIOC
https://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=120577

Dec 3, 2001 ... This is a common problem in an early MY Legacy. One of the local all Subaru shops even offers a discount sevice package to repair the door locks ...

Help! Wanted to buy a used Forester, scared of common problems ...
Help! Wanted to buy a used Forester, scared of common problems ...
https://www.subaruforester.org/threads/help-wanted-to-buy-a-used-forester-scared-of-common-problems.51255/

Apr 4, 2009 ... ... Subaru's). I had a 95 Legacy and a 91 and 94 Legacy. The older ones were made in Japan and the quality compared to the US car was amazing ...

Other years of Subaru Legacy

subaru legacy 1992 photo
Legacy 1992
Subaru

70

2

27

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
subaru legacy 1993 photo
Legacy 1993
Subaru

86

1

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
subaru legacy 1994 photo
Legacy 1994
Subaru

63

0

39

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
subaru legacy 1995 photo
Legacy 1995
Subaru

216

2

38

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  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
subaru legacy 1996 photo
Legacy 1996
Subaru

141

4

43

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
subaru legacy 1997 photo
Legacy 1997
Subaru

146

6

39

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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1991 Subaru Legacy photo