Subaru Svx problems
The Subaru Alcyone SVX, marketed outside Japan as the Subaru SVX, is a two-door, front-engine, all- or front-wheel drive coupé manufactured and marketed by Subaru from 1991 to 1996 over a single generation.
Superseding the company's aviation-influenced XT range, the Alcyone SVX was Subaru's first entry into the luxury/performance market, and was noted for its aircraft-inspired 'window-within-a-window' side-glass configuration.
The nameplate "Alcyone" (pronounced "al-SIGH-uh-nee") refers to the brightest star in the Pleiades constellation, stylized in the Subaru company logo. The suffix "SVX" is an acronym for "Subaru Vehicle X".
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Subaru Svx model years
Common Subaru Svx problems
The Subaru SVX is a luxury/performance car produced by Subaru from 1992 to 1997, known for its unique window design and powerful 3.3L flat-6 engine. However, like any other car, the SVX has its own set of common problems that owners have reported.
- Wheel Bearing Failure: Another common issue with the SVX is wheel bearing failure. The car's heavy weight, which is around 3,600 pounds, puts a significant strain on the wheel bearings, causing them to fail prematurely. However, corrections can be made to extend their life.
- Warped Rotors: The SVX's heavy weight also causes warped rotors, which can lead to brake problems. Subaru did not equip the SVX with rotors that match its weight, leading to this issue.
- Poor Quality of Materials: Some owners have reported issues with the quality of materials used in the SVX. The car's interior and exterior parts may not be as durable as those in other cars in its class, leading to problems over time.
- Overall Reliability Problems: The SVX has had issues with overall reliability, with some owners reporting frequent breakdowns and repairs. However, these problems can be addressed with proper maintenance and repairs.
- Rare Parts: Due to the SVX's rarity, parts are relatively expensive, making repairs and maintenance more costly than in other cars.
- Aging Issues: As the SVX ages, it may experience issues related to deterioration over time, such as electrical problems, rust, and mechanical failures. Proper maintenance can help prevent or mitigate these issues.
In summary, the Subaru SVX has several common problems, including transmission failure, wheel bearing failure, warped rotors, poor quality of materials, overall reliability issues, expensive parts, and aging issues. However, with proper maintenance and repairs, these problems can be addressed, and the SVX can be a reliable and unique car for its owners.
Why did the Subaru SVX fail?
It was the only available gearbox because Subaru didn't have a manual transmission that could effectively put up with the SVX without liquifying itself (via MotorTrend). A hefty price tag and somewhat weak transmission spelled sales disaster for Subaru. All told, the brand sold around 14,000 SVXs during its short life.
How many Subaru SVX are left in the world?
How many Subaru SVX coupes are left? As of 2019, 130 Subaru SVX coupes were remaining in the U.K. That's about 5%. While U.S. data is sparse, if we assume the same rate of loss, that means there should be approximately 700 U.S. models remaining.
Is Subaru SVX a rare car?
The SVX is a rare gem, with the 1997 Subaru SVX LSi being the most precious pearl.
Is the Subaru SVX fast?
Mine is about 145 mph. Stock 92 svx ls. It shifted at 110 mph into I beleive 4th gear.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Subaru Svx years
We have researched Subaru problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Subaru Svx cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Subaru Svx model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Subaru Svx model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Subaru Svx years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Subaru Svx car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Subaru Svx , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Power train problems
- Suspension problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Subaru Svx vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Svx model years
A total of 6 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Svx model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Svx model years
There were a total of 6 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 308 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Subaru Svx . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Subaru Svx vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Subaru Svx 1995
- Date Of Incident: 2014-04-28
- Date Complaint: 2014-04-30
- VIN: JF1CX3550SH
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WAS DRIVING AN FIRST 3RD GEAR WOULD JUST REV THEN IT STARTED SKIPPING 3RD THEN I WOULD HAVE TO SLOWLY PUSH GAS TO MOVE AN EVENTUALLY IT JUST REVVED UP I WOULD PARK AN WAIT 15-20 MIN START IT AN TRANSMISSION WORKED FOR A COUPLE MIN THEN STOPPED AN IT STILL WORKS BARELY OFF AN ON IT HAS FLUID BUT WHEN IT DOESN'T WORK THE SHIFTER CAN BE IN ANY POSITION AN TRANSMISSION WON'T ENGAGE AT ALL. *JS
Subaru Svx 1992
- Date Of Incident: 2013-01-12
- Date Complaint: 2013-01-16
- VIN: JF1CX3538NH
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 SUBARU SVX. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO ADVISED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 151,000.
Subaru Svx 1994
- Date Of Incident: 2011-03-02
- Date Complaint: 2011-03-06
- VIN: JF1CX355XRH
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: MY 94 SUBARU SVX TRANSMISSION WILL NOT MOVE IN ANY GEAR. VERY COSTLY TO REPAIR SUBARU SHOULD PAY. POOR DESIGN IN TRANSMISSION *TR
Subaru Svx 1994
- Date Of Incident: 2009-08-19
- Date Complaint: 2009-08-20
- VIN: JF1CX3358RK
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: MY SUBARU SVX TRANSMISSION RECENTLY STARTED SUFFERING A DELAY WHEN SHIFTING GEARS, HIGH REVS AND SLIPPING WHILE SHIFTING AND JUST NOW I TRIED TO DRIVE IT AND A CLUNKING SOUND HAPPENED WHEN PUTTING THE CAR IN REVERSE. NOW IT WON'T GO IN TO REVERSE AT ALL, ALSO, 1ST GEAR DOESN'T WORK HALF THE TIME AND THE REST OF THE FORWARD GEARS SEEM TO SLIP SEVERELY MOST OF THE TIME TOO. THE CAR HAS LOW MILEAGE, AND I HAVE NOT HAD ANY TROUBLE WITH IT BEFORE. TROUBLE STARTED MAYBE A FEW DAYS AGO.. THE HEAT TRANSMISSION INSTALLED IN THE SUBARU SVX AND LEGACY MODELS SUFFER FROM A SEVERE COOLING PROBLEM. THE RADIATOR BASED TRANSMISSION COOLER CAN NOT COOL THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COOL ENOUGH. THE TRANSMISSIONS POOR DESIGN DOES NOT ALLOW THE LUBRICANT TO FLOW THROUGH IT TO KEEP PARTS LUBRICATED(THUS MORE FRICTION AND HEAT DAMAGE). UNUSUAL HIGH OVERDRIVE PLACES ADDITIONAL SIDE LOADS ON BEARINGS GENERATING HEAT. THE ALL-WHEEL-DRIVE SYSTEM PUTS EVEN MORE STRAIN ON THE TRANSMISSION CAUSING EVEN MORE HEAT. THIS PROBLEM IS OF EPIDEMIC PROPORTION SO COMMON AMONG OVER 90% OF THESE CARS MANUFACTURED. SUBARU IS AWARE OF THE MANUFACTURING AND ENGINEERING DEFECTS IN THE TRANSMISSIONS FOR ALL SVX MODELS. ALMOST ALL SVX OWNERS, EVERY WEBSITE, AND EVEN YOUR OWN COMPLAINT FILES ARE AWARE OF THIS MAJOR DEFECT AND SPECIFIC PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSIONS. SUBARU HAS DONE NOTHING IF ANYTHING TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. THIS PROBLEM IS WIDESPREAD AND THE MANUFACTURER KNOWS ABOUT IT. AT THE VERY LEAST I NEED SUBARU TO REPLACE MY DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION WITH A NEW ONE UPGRADED WITH HIGH CLUTCH DRUM AND THRUST BEARINGS, NEW REVERSE CLUTCH STEEL PLATES, MODIFIED TRANSMISSION CASE, OIL PUMP GASKET AND TRANSFER CLUTCH DRIVEN PLATE, A TRANSMISSION OIL FILTER KIT AND AN AFTER TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER AND WARRANTY IT. THIS CAR IS TOO EXPENSIVE TO FIX THE DAMAGE FROM THEIR DEFECTIVE DESIGN AND UNUSUALLY HIGH COST COMPARED TO OTHER TRANSMISSIONS. *TR
Subaru Svx 1992
- Date Of Incident: 2007-02-28
- Date Complaint: 2009-02-14
- VIN: JF1CX3530NH
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILURE. NO SPECIFIC EVENT OR ACTIVITY LEAD TO THE FAILURE. TRANSMISSION WORSENED OVER A PERIOD OF WEEKS - ROUGH SHIFTS AND EVENTUALLY UNABLE TO GET INTO ALL GEARS. *TR
Subaru Svx 1995
- Date Of Incident: 2008-12-31
- Date Complaint: 2009-01-12
- VIN: JF1CX3558SH
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I OWN A SUBARU SVX. THEY ARE KNOWN TO HAVE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. THEY ARE ALSO A VERY RARE CAR. OUT OF THE TWO OTHER PEOPLE THAT I KNOW THAT HAVE THESE CARS, ALL OF THEM HAVE HAD THESE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. I DO BELIEVE THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT THESE PROBLEMS WITH THERE FAULTY TRANSMISSIONS, INSTEAD OF ME HAVING TO FIND A WAY TO COME UP WITH MORE THEN WHAT I PAID FOR THE CAR. *TR
Subaru Svx 1992
- Date Of Incident: 2004-09-15
- Date Complaint: 2008-11-18
- VIN: JF1CX353XNH
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILED WITH 64000 MI. TRANS SHOP "REBUILT" IT AND ADDED A TRANS COOLER FOR 2200$ AS SOON AS I FIST DROVE IT I NOTICED THE CAR "BINDING UP" DURING TURNS AT SLOW SPEED. SHOP OWNER SAID HE COULDN'T REPLICATE OR FEEL ANYTHING WRONG, WITH ME IN THE CAR AND IT WAS CLEARLY BINDING DURING SLOW TURNS, HE REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE ANY PROBLEM. ALSO THERE IS A NOISE, LIKE A BOLT INSIDE THE TORQUE CONVERTER THAT I HEAR WHEN I AM OFF THE THROTTLE. ALSO HAVE REPLACED BOTH REAR WHEEL BEARINGS. CABIN TRUNK RELEASE HAS FAILED AND ALL OF THE HOOD/TRUNK STRUTS HAVE FAILED. *TR
Subaru Svx 1992
- Date Of Incident: 2008-02-15
- Date Complaint: 2008-11-10
- VIN: JF1CX3534NH
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 SUBARU SVX. WHILE DRIVING 23 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED A SHIFTING DELAY. THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT OFF WHEN DRIVING IN REVERSE AND HAD TO BE SHIFTED INTO PARK IN ORDER TO BE RESTARTED. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED INTO DRIVE, THE ENGINE WOULD REV WHILE DRIVING. THE FAILURES OCCURRED EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT A CRASH COULD OCCUR DUE TO THE VEHICLE SHUTTING OFF. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND NO ERROR CODES OR FAILURES; HOWEVER, THEY STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION COULD BE THE CAUSE OF THE STALLING. A DIAGNOSTIC COULD BE PERFORMED AT THE COST OF $180. THE MOST RECENT FAILURE OCCURRED ON NOVEMBER 10, 2008. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 128,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000.
Subaru Svx 1992
- Date Of Incident: 2007-09-25
- Date Complaint: 2007-09-28
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION SLIP BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD GEAR. *TR
Subaru Svx 1994
- Date Of Incident: 2006-08-04
- Date Complaint: 2006-08-06
- VIN: JF1CX3457RK
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: STARTED OUT AS 3RD AND 4TH SLIPPING, AND AFTER BABYING IT FOR A WEEK OF GOING TO WORK AND BACK HOME IT WILL NO LONGER HOLD 3RD OR 4TH. AFTER DOING RESEARCH IT HAS BEEN FOUND THAT THE 4EAT HAS ABOUT AS MUCH ISSUES AS THE PINTO (WITHOUT THE EXPLODING). EVERY OWNER OF THE SVX AND A 4EAT HAS SUFFERED THIS IN ONE FORM OR ANOTHER. THE LEGACY'S WERE RECALLED AND REPAIRED, BUT WHAT ABOUT THE SVX? FOR A $30-$40K MSRP FROM THE DEALER, YOU WOULD ASSUME THEY WOULD TREAT THESE CARS WITH A BIT MORE CLASS IN THIS SITUATION. TOP IT ALL OFF, I ONLY HAVE 58K MILES ON MY 94. *NM
Subaru Svx 1992
- Date Of Incident: 2005-12-20
- Date Complaint: 2006-01-18
- VIN: JF1CX3539NH
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE TRANSMISSION'S SECOND GEAR IS INOPERATIVE AND THIRD GEAR IS SLIPPING. THE COOLING SYSTEM WAS UNABLE TO COOL THE TRANSMISSION WHICH LED TO THE FAILURE OF THE SECOND GEAR. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DETERMINED THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED OR REBUILT. *NM
Subaru Svx 1992
- Date Of Incident: 2005-11-20
- Date Complaint: 2005-11-23
- VIN: JF1CX353XNH
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE TRANSMISSION FAILED ON MY SUBARU SVX 1992 YEAR MODEL. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 65K MILES ON IT AND HAS BEEN MAINTAINED PER THE MANUFACTURER'S RECOMMENDATIONS. THE TRANSMISSION FAILED PREMATURELY. *JB
Subaru Svx 1995
- Date Of Incident: 2005-08-08
- Date Complaint: 2005-09-26
- VIN: JF1CX3559SH
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *NM
Subaru Svx 1992
- Date Of Incident: 2005-06-25
- Date Complaint: 2005-09-14
- VIN: JF1CX3536NH
- Components: SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I PURCHASES A SUBARU SVX 1992 MODEL. I TEST DROVE IT AND IT SEEMED FINE. TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC TO HAVE IT LOOKED OVER AND IT CAME BACK CLEAN EXCEPT FOR SOME SUGGESTIONS TO CHANGE BRAKE PADS , FLUIDS ETC. THIS WAS ALL DONE. HOWEVER A COUPLE MONTHS LATER A MAJOR PROBLEM OCCURRED. THE GEAR WOULD SOMETIMES NOT SHIFT, THE CAR WOULD MAKE A LOUD THUD SOUND IN REVERSE AND OVER REV ON HIGHWAY DRIVING. I FOUND OUT FROM VARIOUS FORUMS THAT THIS CAR HAS A FLAW , THE TRANSMISSION IS DUE TO FAILURE. EVERY CAR OWNER IN THIS FORUM HAS EXPERIENCED PREMATURE TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE COST TO HAVE THIS COMPLETELY FIXED COSTS OVER $4000. A PROBLEM THAT OWNERS SHOULD NOT PAY FOR BECAUSE OF FAULTY ENGINEERING. THE LATER MODELS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM BUT NOT AS PRONE TO IT. WHY DID SUBARU NEVER HAVE THESE CARS RECALLED OR PARTS RECALLED? ANOTHER PROBLEM OCCURRED, WHILE DRIVING THE CAR BACK FROM THE PURCHASE LOCATION, THERE WAS A HUMMING SOUND FROM THE TRUNK, IT GOT LOUDER AND LOUDER AND AT 500 MILES LATER IT WAS A GRINDING AND LOUD SOUND. MY MECHANIC LISTED IT AS A WHEEL BEARING PROBLEM. ON SUBARU FORUMS AS WELL AS ADVICE FROM MECHANICS THE SUBARU IS PRONE TO SEVER WHEEL BEARING PROBLEMS. IN SOME CASES GENERATING HEAT THAT THEY HAD RECOUNTED CARS WITH MOLDED BEARINGS AND BROKEN AXLES. ANOTHER PROBLEM IS THE ABS SYSTEM. I GUESS THE BRAKE PUMP IS ALSO A COMPONENT THAT LEAKS. I NEED TO HAVE MY BRAKED REFILLED EVERY OTHER DAY AND THE FUEL PUMP COSTS AROUND 2000$ I WISH FOR YOU TO SEND THIS REPORT TO SUBARU TO VOICE THIS CONCERN FOR ME AND ON BEHALF OF THE MANY SUBARU SVX DRIVERS THAT ARE FACED WITH ENDURING THESE COSTLY MISTAKES DUE TO POOR ENGINEERING. SUBARU SHOULD HAVE A PROGRAM TO FIX THESE PARTS OR ALLOW A TRADE IN FOR CURRENT BLUE BOOK REFUNDS OR SOME WAY OR LETTING INDIVIDUALS KNOW THAT THEY ARE SORRY. THE CAR IS A FINE PIECE OF ART AND THESE MINOR PROBLEMS MAKES IT A PIECE OF JUNK. *NM
Subaru Svx 1992
- Date Of Incident: 2005-04-25
- Date Complaint: 2005-04-28
- VIN: JF1CX3536NH
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 1992 SUBARU SVX TRANSMISSION FAILURE. EVERYTHING ON THE CAR WORKS GREAT BUT 3RD AND 4TH GEAR.. SUBARU NEEDS TO HELP US OUT SINCE THE REPAIRS WOULD COST $4200, THAT'S MORE THEN BLUE BOOK. *AK
Latest negative Subaru Svx car reviews
Latest positive Subaru Svx car reviews
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Vehicle year: 1995
I've had this car for almost 5 years now. When I bought it, it had 80k miles on it. Unfortunately, I had to get the transmission fixed twice, but thankfully it was under warranty. I also had some issues with the front rotors warping, but I was able to improve the situation by getting some aftermarket 'low heat' pads and turning the rotors. I did have a couple of instances where the power steering hoses popped off, but overall I still enjoy driving this car.
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Vehicle year: 1996
What a fantastic car! It's great in both summer and winter, and even though nobody knows what it is, that just makes it all the more unique and special.
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Vehicle year: 1995
What a great car! It's been a reliable ride for me, even after driving it for 15k miles since I bought it at 114k miles. The only thing I've had to replace is the water pump. The AWD makes for amazing cornering and it's incredibly comfortable - even more so than my Infiniti. Every time I drive it, people try to race me and I usually come out on top, but win or lose, I always get a thumbs up or some other sign of appreciation. It's a very sturdy car too. Before I bought it, it was hit by an H2 Hummer in a parking lot and repaired, and then less than two weeks after I bought it, it was hit again on the same corner (front right) by a big white work van. Despite bending the fender off the tire, the car drove perfectly straight. I even hit a rock big enough to break my rim on the same front right tire, but there was no real damage. Overall, I'm really happy with this car!
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Vehicle year: 1996
I've had this car for almost 5 years now. When I bought it, it had 80k miles on it. Unfortunately, I had to get the transmission fixed twice, but thankfully it was under warranty. I also had some issues with the front rotors warping, but I was able to improve the situation by getting some aftermarket 'low heat' pads and turning the rotors. I did have a couple of instances where the power steering hoses popped off, but overall I still enjoy driving this car.
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Vehicle year: 1997
The car is fantastic! It's an absolute joy to drive and it's so unique that people are always curious about it.
Are you having problems with your Subaru Svx?
Andres Mitchell 2024-11-24
Vehicle year: 1997
I have owned 2 SVX's and while they look awesome, I will not be owning another one due to the transmission issues that I experienced. Unfortunately, the cost of fixing the transmission is extremely high and this seems to be a common problem with these cars. It is a shame that such a beautiful car has this issue. If I had an Art Gallery, I would display this car as a static exhibit, as it is a stunning piece of design.