1995 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".
Social links
Common 1995 Subaru Svx problems
The Subaru SVX, produced between 1991 and 1996, is known for its unique design and advanced features for its time, including a flat-six engine and all-wheel drive. However, like any car, the SVX has its share of common problems that owners have reported over the years.
- Timing Belt Failure: The timing belt in the SVX is known to fail, which can cause significant engine damage if not addressed in a timely manner. It is recommended to replace the timing belt every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on the source.
- Automatic Transmission Problems: The automatic transmission in the SVX is known to have issues, particularly with the torque converter and solenoids. These problems can cause the transmission to slip, shift harshly, or not shift at all.
- Rust: Rust is a common issue with the SVX, particularly in areas where salt is used on the roads in the winter. The rocker panels, wheel wells, and rear quarter panels are particularly susceptible to rust.
- Power Window Regulator Failure: The power window regulators in the SVX are known to fail, particularly in the rear windows. This can cause the window to either not go up or down, or to go up or down very slowly.
- Engine Oil Leaks: The SVX is known to have engine oil leaks, particularly from the valve cover gaskets and oil pan gaskets. These leaks can cause a mess and potentially lead to engine damage if not addressed.
- Brake Issues: The SVX is known to have brake issues, particularly with the brake master cylinder and brake lines. These issues can cause the brakes to feel spongy or not work at all.
- Suspension Problems: The SVX is known to have suspension problems, particularly with the struts and bushings. These problems can cause the car to feel unstable or not handle as well as it should.
- Fuel System Issues: The SVX is known to have fuel system issues, particularly with the fuel injectors and fuel pump. These issues can cause the car to run poorly or not at all.
- Excessive Oil Consumption: Some SVX owners have reported excessive oil consumption, particularly in the 3.3L engine. This can cause the engine to run low on oil and potentially lead to engine damage if not addressed.
In summary, the Subaru SVX is known for its unique design and advanced features, but like any car, it has its share of common problems. These include electrical issues, timing belt failure, automatic transmission problems, rust, power window regulator failure, engine oil leaks, brake issues, suspension problems, fuel system issues, and excessive oil consumption. It is important for potential buyers to be aware of these issues and to budget accordingly for maintenance and repairs.
Why did the Subaru SVX fail?
Due to the SVX's introductory high price, and the fact that it had made its debut during an economic recession, sales in the United States were sluggish; just 5,280 cars were sold in 1992 and 3,859 cars in 1993. Subaru intended to sell 10,000 SVX's each year.
Is Subaru SVX a rare car?
In its production lifetime between 1991 and 1996, the Subaru SVX is reckoned to have sold 24,379 units — that's slightly more than the 23,400 examples of Citroën C6, with which I am very familiar.
How many Subaru SVX are left in USA?
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.
What does SVX stand for on a Subaru?
Subaru Vehicle X
The suffix "SVX" is an acronym for "Subaru Vehicle X".
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.
Is Subaru SVX a rare car?
In its production lifetime between 1991 and 1996, the Subaru SVX is reckoned to have sold 24,379 units — that's slightly more than the 23,400 examples of Citroën C6, with which I am very familiar.
Is the SVX fast?
To dispel a common misconception, there were no modified turbo versions. The Turbocharged 4cyl belonged to the pre-American spec prototypes. With a four-speed automatic sending power to all four wheels, the SVX had a respectable 0-60 in just over seven seconds with a top speed of 143mph.
Why did Subaru stop making the SVX?
They simply weren't selling, so Subaru decided to scrap the name and car in favour of a better vehicle, the Subaru Ascent. In 2014, the last year the Tribeca was sold, only 732 models were sold. A lot lower of a number compared to the 18,614 sold in 2007.
1995 Subaru Svx car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Subaru Svx problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Power train problems
- Air bags problems
- Service brakes problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1995 Subaru Svx vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1995 Subaru Svx complaints
The NHTSA has received 22 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1995 Subaru Svx.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-04-28
- 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
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-12-31
- 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
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-08-08
- VIN: JF1CX3559SH
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *NM
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-01-25
- VIN: JF1CX3358SH
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: PULLED OUT FROM A TRAFFIC LIGHT FELT LIKE CAR WAS SLIPPING ON ICE. SVX TRAVELLED ABOUT A MILE BEFORE IT WOULD NOT GO ANYMORE(IN ANY GEAR). MANAGED TO PULL OFF OF A 4 LANE HIGHWAY. WAS 15 MILES FROM HOME. I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED BACK HOME. MY LOCAL SUBARU MECHANIC SAID THE TRANSMISSION APPARENTLY HAD BEEN WORKED ON BEFORE. WHERE ITS STILL IN THE DRIVEWAY AWAITING REPAIR.*AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-09-24
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH TRANSMISSION DISENGAGED, AND THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL. WAS ABLE TO DRIVE AT LOW SPEED UNTIL ABLE TO SHIFT IN TO GEAR. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-11-01
- VIN: JF1CX3351SH
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I HAVE A 1995 SUBARU SVX AND AS MANY SVX OWNERS THE TRANSMISSION ON THIS VEHICLE IS DEFECTIVE. THE COOLING SYSTEM FOR THE TRANSMISSION IS DEFECTIVE, THEREFORE THE TRANSMISSION OVERHEATS AND IS DAMAGED. THIS INVOLVES ALL SVX'S MADE WHICH REQUIRES ALL SVX OWNERS TO SPEND $4000 FOR SUBARU'S MANUFACTURED DEFECT. IT SHOULD BE SUBARU'S RESPONSIBILITY TO REFUND THE REPAIRS. *JB
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-05-29
- VIN: JF1CX3359SH
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I BOUGHT A SUBARU SVX TWO MONTHS AGO I FAIRLY GOOD CONDITION RUNNING GOOD AND ALL THE PERSON I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM INFORM ME THAT THE TRANSMISSION ON THE CAR WAS THE SECOND NEW TRANS INSTALLED BOTH TIMES BY A SUBARU DEALER BUT A MONTH IN TO DRIVING THE CAR AFTER I GOT TAGS IND INSURANCE THE TRANS IS TAKING VERY LONG TO SHIFT IN SECOND GEAR THE ENGINE REVS REAL HIGH TO 5500 RPM BEFORE IT GOES IN TO SECOND GEAR. *NLM
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-03-12
- VIN: FILLIN
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE VEHICLE WOULD STAY IN SECOND GEAR WHILE DRIVING. *NLM
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-03-01
- VIN: JF1CX3359SH
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-03-07
- VIN: JF1CX3355SH
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: UNTIMELY WEAR OF U-JOINTS WHICH CAUSED CRACK IN A TRANSMISSION SEAL. DRIVE SHAFT MUST BE REPLACED
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-02-20
- VIN: JFICX3351SH
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I HAVE REPORTED (4) PROBLEMS ON PARTS THAT HAVE FAILED PREMATURELY. I HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR OF THESE PARTS WITHOUT WARRENTY COST SHARING. REAR BEARING REPLACEMENT: BOTH REAR BEARINGS REQUIRED REPLACING. I NOTICED THE BEARING NOISE AT 98,000 MILES AND I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS BEARING PROBLEM IS COMMON TO MY CAR. SIDE GLASS SCRATCHES: BOTH SIDE WINDOWS HAVE DEVELOPED IMBEDDED SCRATCHES IN THE GLASS DUE TO THE INTERNAL RAISING MECHAMISM. THE DEALER ONLY OFFERED TO REPLACE THE GLASS AND WOULD NOT SHARE THE COST. BRAKES: WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR NEW, THE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WERE WARPED AND WERE GROUND AT NO CHARGE. WHEN THE FRONT BRAKES WERE FOUND WARPED AGAIN AT AROUND 55,000 MILES, THEY COULD NOT GRIND THEM BECAUSE THEY WERE TO THIN DUE TO THE ORIGINAL GRINDING THAT WAS COVERED UNDER WARRENTY. I HAD TO PAY FOR NEW FRONT ROTORS AND FELT THAT THE DEALER SHOULD HAVE SHARED THE COST BECAUSE THE ORIGINAL BRAKES WERE DEFECTIVE. ENGINE KNOCK SENSOR: I FEEL THAT THIS IS A COMPONENT THAT FAILED PREMATURELY BUT I HAD TO PAY FULL PRICE TO HAVE IT REPLACED.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-02-12
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE AIRBAGS RELEASED WITH NO IMPACT.PLEASE SEND ME ANY INFORMATION ON THIS MATTER. THANK YOU.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-02-12
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE AIRBAGS RELEASED WITH NO IMPACT.PLEASE SEND ME ANY INFORMATION ON THIS MATTER. THANK YOU.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-12-15
- VIN: JF1CX3354SH
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I NOTICED MY TRANSMISSION PROBLEM WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT CAR, BROUGHT IT TO DEALERSHIP, THEY SAID THEY DIDN'T NOTICE A PROBLEM, UNDER WARRANTY AT TIME OF FIRST ATTEMPT TO ALLEVIATE PROB.. WHEEL BEARINGS HAVE BEEN GETTING NOISIER SINCE AUGUST OF LAST YEAR. I KNOW THEY ARE GOING TO BE BAD SOON, JUST NEED TO MAKE SOME TIME TO BRING IT IN. I HAVE HEARD THAT BOTH OF THESE PROBLEMS-TRANSMISSION AND WHEEL BEARINGS- HAVE BEEN ONGOING WITH ALOT OF SVX OWNERS. PLEASE REPLY TO THIS QUESTIONAIRE. THANK YOU HANS.*AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-12-18
- VIN: JF1CX3558SH
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION'S 4TH GEAR WAS THE FIRST, THEN 3RD GEAR WENT I KNOW THERE HAVE BEEN ALOT OF TRANSMISSIONPROBLEMS ON THE SVX .AND I KNOW SUBARU DOESNT DO ANY THING AT ALL ABOUT IT , ITS GOING TO COST ME 2500. TO REBUILD. *AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JF1CX3350SH
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: NO SUMMARY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JF1CX3351SH
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: CONSUMER EXPERIENCING EXCESSIVE WEAR OF THE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS DUE TO THE TYPE OF MATERIALS USED WHICH IS CAUSING THE BRAKES TO WEAR OFFTEN. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER, DEALER HAS REPLACED THE ROTORS. PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. ALSO, HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE SMOKING, DEALER UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE FOLLOWING LETTER HAS BEEN SENT TO SUBARU OF AMERICA.... FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE EXTENT OF THE SUBARU SVX TRANMISSION PROBLEM PLEASE GO TO WWW.KINETICCONCEPTS.COM
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-11-23
- VIN: JF1CX335SH1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
- Summary: CONSUMER DIDN'T ENTER SUMMARY.
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-02-14
- VIN: JF1CX3350SH
- Components: POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: 2/14/97-REPORTED TO BROWN'S SUBARU THAT CAR FELT LIKE IT STARTED IN A DIFFERENT GEAR OTHER THAN IN 1ST GEAR. DEALER COULD NOT FIND ANY ABNORMALITIES IN TRANSMISSION FUNCTION.CAR SEEMED TO RUN OKAY AFTER THIS UNTIL FEB 1998 WHEN WHILE TRAVELING AT 30-35 MPH LOST ALL GEARS IN THE AUTOMATIC POSITION.WAS ABLE TO PUT TRANSMISSION IN "MANUAL MODE" AND DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER(BROWN'S SUBARU OF ARLINGTON WHERE THE CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW, BUT WAS TOLD THEY DID NOT DO WARRANTY THERE BECAUSE THE SUBARU SERVICE HAD MOVED TO ALEXANDRIA, WHERE I TOOK AUTO NEXT MORNING, WHERE AFTER APPROXIMATELY 33 DAYS THE CAR, SUPPOSEDLY WAS REPAIRED.NEW PARTS PUT INTO TRANSMISSION TWO OR THREE TIMES DURING THIS 33 DAY PERIOD BECAUSE TRANSMISSION, ACCORDING TO MECHANIC AND SERVICE MANAGER WOULD WORK THEN WOULD FAIL. SUPPOSEDLY NO NEW TRANSMISSION WAS AVAILABLE, AND THE DISTRICT MANAGER, MR. HARRY CROOK, WANTED TO FIND OUT THE NATURE OF THE PROBLEM SINCE NO OTHER 1995 SVX TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS HAD BEEN REPORTED.TOOK RECEIPT OF CAR WITH EVERYTHING WORKING OKAY. SEVERAL DAYS LATER(I DON'T HAVE THE EXACT DATE WITH ME, BUT HAVE THE WORK INVOICE AT HOME, I DETECTED A WHIRRING SOUND IN THE TRANSMISSION WHEN I WOULD PUT INTO REVERSE. SERVICE WRITER HEARD NOISE AND TOOK CAR IN.IF IT SERVES ME CORRECTLY THE INITIAL MECHANIC WAS OUT ON SICK LEAVE, SO I HAD TO TAKE AUTO TO STOHLMAN'S SUBARU, RT 7 MCLEAN,VA.COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEM. DEC'98 CAR STARTED TO HAVE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AGAIN. WHILE IN "DRIVE" AFTER PRESSING THE ACCELARATOR, THE ENGINE WOULD JUST REV AS IF IT WAS IN NEUTRAL. ABLE TO PUT IT MANUAL MODE AND TAKE TO BROWN'S SUBARU WHERE AGAIN, AT THIS DATE THEY ARE NOT PUTTING NEW PARTS TO REPLACE THIRD GEAR CLUTCH PARTS, ETC. IN *AK TRANS.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-11-23
- VIN: JF1CX335SH1
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-10-01
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: REAR WHEEL BEARING FAILED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS.
Positive 1995 Subaru Svx car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1995 Subaru Svx problems:
![Common problems with SVX's? [Archive] - The Subaru SVX World ...](https://slotcar-today.com/assets/img/no-preview.png)
Common problems with SVX's? [Archive] - The Subaru SVX World ...
1- The biggest problem with theese cars is the transmission. 90% of them have / are about to explode. · 2- Wheel bearings. Subaru made the rear ...
Subaru svx problems : r/subaru
May 18, 2020 ... I plan on getting an svx in the next year or so and I want to know what some of the major and minor problems the car is known for and if ...
the most common svx problems. poll [Archive] - The Subaru SVX ...
Brake rotors, to me, are consumables - as are many items on solar's list. While it's well-intentioned, I think that this poll lacks the ...
I really Really want this Subaru SVX but my gut tells me it's a bad ...
Sep 27, 2021 ... 291 votes, 59 comments. 424K subscribers in the whatcarshouldIbuy community. Car model advice and general buying discussion.
95 svx won't start - The Subaru SVX World Network
Dec 11, 2005 ... Most likely it's the engine temperature sensor (code 21). When mine had this problem it would only start if I didn't touch the gas. It would ...
Other years of Subaru Svx
Are you having problems with your 1995 Subaru Svx?
Jeramy Mayert 2025-01-04
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with my SVX. Overall, it's been a pretty reliable and fun-to-drive sports car. One thing that has always impressed me is how quiet and smooth the engine is while still being powerful. Plus, it looks great with its sleek and unique 'split window' design. However, I have noticed that the transmission could be better - I actually had to have it rebuilt once, and I've heard that's not uncommon for this car. Additionally, parts can be quite expensive and the gas mileage isn't the best. That being said, I still think it's a great option for anyone looking for a luxury-style sports car at a price tag of less than $3,000. Let me know if you have any questions!
Montana Goyette 2024-11-26
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.
Jace Renner 2024-11-19
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!
Thad Schultz 2024-11-03
What a fantastic performance car! It definitely turns heads. It's a shame they don't make it anymore.
Grover Kirlin 2024-10-17
Driving safely can be challenging due to the abundance of glass sight lines. However, with care and attention, it is possible to navigate these obstacles with ease.