1991 Subaru Xt problems
The Subaru XT is a two-door, front- or all-wheel drive, four passenger 2+2 coupé manufactured and marketed by Subaru for model years 1985-1991, with a facelift in 1987. At introduction, the XT was the most aerodynamic car marketed in the US market, heavily influenced by noted designer Alex Tremulis.
Marketed as the Alcyone in Japan; as the Vortex in Australia and New Zealand; and as the XT (with the EA-82 four-cylinder engine) or XT6 (with the ER-27 six-cylinder engine) in North America and Europe, all XT's were assembled at Subaru's Yajima Plant in Ota, Japan. Over its single generation, production reached just over 98,000.
The XT was conceived in the United States for the US market, and debuted globally in the US. After sales began in February 1985 in the US, the XT Turbo 4WD's debuted in Europe at the March 1985 Geneva Motor Show, followed by its Japanese debut in June 1985.
The XT was noted for its pronounced wedge shape, low coefficient of drag; aviation influences from the aircraft division of parent company Fuji Heavy Industry; and its host of features, either innovative or uncommon in the XT's class — including height-adjustable pneumatic suspension, digital dash, central locking system, op-art upholstery, fold down rear seat, pod- and center console-mounted HVAC controls, advanced trip computer, and instrument cluster that tilted with adjustment of the steering column. With available front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, depending on the model year, the XT offered three trim levels, DL, GL (non-turbo, front-drive only), and GL-10 Turbo.
The Alcyone nameplate derives from Alcyone, the brightest star in the Pleiades star cluster, stylized in the Subaru logo. The model was superseded by the Subaru Alcyone SVX in 1992.
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Common 1991 Subaru Xt problems
The Subaru XT 1991, also known as the Alcyone in Japan, is an obscure, wedge-shaped coupe with a pronounced emphasis on performance. While it wasn't the first coupe to wear a Subaru emblem, it was available only as a coupe, and it was developed with a focus on performance. The XT was sold in the United States from 1985 to 1991, and it featured an adjustable pneumatic suspension system, a digital instrument cluster, and a pistol-grip shifter.
However, the Subaru XT 1991 is not without its problems. According to a report on Cars & Bids, rust problems took out a big chunk of the population, and relatively low values in the 1990s didn't encourage XT owners to preserve their car. Finding an unmodified XT without grapefruit-sized holes in the floors has become difficult.
Another common problem with the Subaru XT 1991 is related to its transmission. The 2004 Subaru Outback, which shares some components with the XT, is known for transmission problems. Some owners have reported that the transmission slips, shifts roughly, or fails altogether.
In addition to transmission problems, the Subaru XT 1991 may also suffer from engine issues. A report on a 1991 Subaru Legacy, which has a similar engine to the XT, highlights some common engine problems. The Legacy in the report has a rough idle, a check engine light, and a P0304 code. The previous owners replaced the plugs, coil pack, and at least one fuel injector, but the issue persists. The engine also seems to be running very rich, and the head gaskets are leaking a tiny bit. The fuel pressure is good, and the throttle position sensor (TPS) is also good.
The Subaru XT 1991 may also suffer from head gasket failures, which are common in the second generation Legacy. Owners have reported that this was caused by the coolant becoming pressurized and causing the head gasket to burst. This can cause the XT’s oil and coolant to leak out, which may lead to overheating. Because engines can’t run without either oil or coolant, taking your XT to a mechanic immediately after this issue is a must.
In conclusion, while the Subaru XT 1991 is a unique and performance-oriented coupe, it is not without its problems. Rust issues, transmission problems, engine issues, and head gasket failures are some of the common problems that XT owners may encounter. If you are considering purchasing an XT, it is important to be aware of these potential issues and to budget accordingly for any necessary repairs or maintenance.
What was the Subaru XT Coupe known for?
The Subaru XT is a two-door, front- or all-wheel drive, four passenger 2+2 coupé manufactured and marketed by Subaru for model years 1985-1991, with a facelift in 1987. At introduction, the XT was the most aerodynamic car marketed in the US market, heavily influenced by noted designer Alex Tremulis.
Is The Subaru XT A Good car?
The Outback XT takes a good thing and makes it even better. In flagship Touring specification, the turbocharged Outback offers pretty much everything European rivals do for substantially less money, and also is a larger more practical vehicles than said competitors thanks to its sheer size.
What does XT mean in Subaru?
The XT in Touring XT refers to Subaru's 2.4L boxer-four. Subaru has offered this turbocharged engine in the Outback since this generation launched. It's a big power boost over the naturally aspirated 2.5L boxer engine offered in anything without that XT badge.
What does XT stand for Subaru?
The XT in Touring XT refers to Subaru's 2.4L boxer-four. Subaru has offered this turbocharged engine in the Outback since this generation launched. It's a big power boost over the naturally aspirated 2.5L boxer engine offered in anything without that XT badge.
What does the XT stand for in Subaru?
The XT in Touring XT refers to Subaru's 2.4L boxer-four. Subaru has offered this turbocharged engine in the Outback since this generation launched. It's a big power boost over the naturally aspirated 2.5L boxer engine offered in anything without that XT badge.
What was the Subaru XT Coupe known for?
The Subaru XT is a two-door, front- or all-wheel drive, four passenger 2+2 coupé manufactured and marketed by Subaru for model years 1985-1991, with a facelift in 1987. At introduction, the XT was the most aerodynamic car marketed in the US market, heavily influenced by noted designer Alex Tremulis.
Is The Subaru XT A Good car?
The Outback XT takes a good thing and makes it even better. In flagship Touring specification, the turbocharged Outback offers pretty much everything European rivals do for substantially less money, and also is a larger more practical vehicles than said competitors thanks to its sheer size.
Is Subaru XT a turbo?
The Outback XT replaces the 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine of the standard models with a detuned version of the WRX's 2.4-litre turbo mill. That's a handy 46kW/105Nm extra over the norm-core version, although still 18kW shy of the smaller, lighter WRX (same torque though).
1991 Subaru Xt car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Subaru Xt problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Seat belts problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1991 Subaru Xt vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1991 Subaru Xt complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1991 Subaru Xt.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JFIAX8423MC
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: AUTOMATIC SEATBELTS OPERATE VERY ERRATICALLY. SEAT BELTS WHEN LATCHED CHOKE DRIVER. ALSO SEATBELTS GET STUCK IN THE RETRACTING POSTION. CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK
1991 Subaru Xt recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1991 Subaru Xt.
- Manufacturer: SPX FILTRAN
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CERTAIN SPX FILTRAN FUEL FILTERS WITH A 45-DEGREE ANGLE INLET TUBE, MODEL 800F350-S1, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT FILTERS FOR 1993-1997 FORD PROBE,1993-2001 MAZDA 626 AND MX-6, AND 1983-1994 LOYAL, 3-DOOR COUPE, HATCHBACK, SEDAN, WAGON, BRAT, DL, GL, GL-10, RX, XT, AND XT6 PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH EFI OR TURBO ENGINES. THESE FILTERS ARE PACKAGED AS WIX, NAPA, AND CARQUEST BRAND FUEL FILTERS. CERTAIN SPX FILTRAN FUEL FILTERS WITH A 90-DEGREE ANGLE INLET TUBE, MODEL 800F300-S2, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT FILTERS FOR 19983-1994 SUBARU VEHICLES WITH EFI OR TURBO ENGINES. THESE FILTERS ARE PACKAGED AS WIX, NAPA, AND CARQUEST BRAND FUEL FILTERS. FUEL MAY LEAK FROM THE FILTER DUE TO NON-CONFORMING BRAZING WELDS WHERE THE INLET TUBE IS CONNECTED TO THE FILTER CAN.
- Consequence: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A VEHICLE FIRE CAN OCCUR.
- Remedy: SPX WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND PROVIDE A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN SEPTEMBER 27, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MR. CHRIS GREESON AT 704-869-3733 OR CONTACT THE WIX INFORMATION HOTLINE AT 800-949-6698.
- 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.
Positive 1991 Subaru Xt car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1991 Subaru Xt problems:
Help! Wanted to buy a used Forester, scared of common problems ...
Apr 4, 2009 ... If they break, they are cheap to fix correctly, and they'll just keep on ticking away. 09 SWP Outback 2.5XT 5MT 263whp, 337 lb-ft 98 Forester S.
Subaru Loyale - reliable? - Old Gen.: 80's GL/DL/XT/Loyales ...
Jan 29, 2009 ... the EA82 is a great motor. the biggest problem you're going to have is age. the seals, gaskets, and orings are all 20 years old. there's a lot ...
1990 Subaru XT Problems and Complaints - 2 Issues
Problem with your 1990 Subaru XT? Our list of 2 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1990 Subaru XT.
Questions about a 1991 Subaru Loyale wagon - Old Gen.: 80's GL ...
Jun 5, 2008 ... Makes the a/c compressor kicking on a little less noticable. Do take care of any rust issues, seems to be the common death of old gen subarus.
Junkyard Find: 1987 Subaru XT GL | The Truth About Cars
Jun 16, 2014 ... The Subaru XT is a car you won't see often in most parts of the country, but Denver junkyards have tremendous quantities of old Subarus and ...
Other years of Subaru Xt
Are you having problems with your 1991 Subaru Xt?
Niko Terry 2024-08-23
I bought this car new in 1991 and I still love it now as much as I did then! I've had other cars simultaneously but they're gone and my Subaru is still around. It's completely reliable: I've only had to do normal routine maintenance/replacement of worn out parts, and my XT shows no signs of wearing out. I'm completely satisfied with my Subaru and will definitely be purchasing another Subaru (obviously a different model) in the future.
Orland Medhurst 2024-04-02
Hi there! I'm so excited to tell you about my '87 Subaru! I was lucky enough to find it with only 45000 miles on it, even though it had been sitting in a garage for years. After two years of being outside, my dad tested the car and it fired up instantly! Of course, I've had to replace a few parts since the car sat for so long, like the water pump, alternator, and radiator. The radiator was clogged, which caused the car to overheat, but now it's running better than ever! I absolutely adore this car and can't wait to give it a few more touch-ups to make it even better!