1992 Subaru Svx
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Subaru › Svx › 1992
These records cover every 1992 Subaru Svx. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
231 complaints4 involved a crash1 involved a fire1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Power train
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.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
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
- Power train · Power train › Automatic transmission
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…
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
- Power train › Automatic transmission
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…
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.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Transmission slip between 2ND and 3RD gear. *tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Cooling unit and lines
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
- Power train › Automatic transmission
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
- Power train › Automatic transmission · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder · Suspension › Front › Wheel bearing
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…
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
- Power train › Automatic transmission
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
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Transmission has failed for the second time after being fixed. no warning this time, just wouldn't go in reverse. Transmission IS being rebuilt by subaru. it IS a 1992 subaru svx. *Jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
I am feeling the failure of my transmission, which IS quite common to all 1992 subaru svx and the company hasn't really taken any precautionary or even recall for those defective transmissions and many of 1992 owners have spent a lot in this issue and even some of those have changed to manual…
I am feeling the failure of my transmission, which IS quite common to all 1992 subaru svx and the company hasn't really taken any precautionary or even recall for those defective transmissions and many of 1992 owners have spent a lot in this issue and even some of those have changed to manual transmissions. The company IS charging about $4,200 to install a new tranmission. I am gettin whether they are making money on these transmissions.*ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
I own a 1992 subarus svx . I had to have the transmission rebuilt at a cost of $2500.00 now 40,000 miles later it needs another one , from reports I have read there IS serious factory flaws in this cars transmission.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
The transmission slips in 4TH gear when it's temperature and the weather temperature IS cool. The transmission also fails to lock in gear. The speedometer fluctuates and does not indicate the correct speed being driven. This occurs because the speedometer sensor IS installed on top on the transmission, and the transmission burnt through the sensor. The failure IS common with this vehicle per the dealership. *nm
- Power train › Automatic transmission
My svx, although it IS a 92' the front differential failed at about 98,000 miles. I expected the life of the transmission to last a lot longer. the car IS in good condition, but it will cost me over $6000 to fix as reno subaru says I will need a complete new transmission to fix the problem. the…
My svx, although it IS a 92' the front differential failed at about 98,000 miles. I expected the life of the transmission to last a lot longer. the car IS in good condition, but it will cost me over $6000 to fix as reno subaru says I will need a complete new transmission to fix the problem. the car IS probabley only worth about that much. my car IS sitting in my drive way, I don't want to scrap it but don't want to spend the entire worth of the car to fix the problem. *ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Transmission failure due to design and construction flaws of the manufacturer. *ak
- Steering › Rack and pinion · Vehicle speed control
Vehicle began to rev while the brake was depressed. The consumer then activated the emergency brake. *mr there was a significant down grade. when the first incident occurred the consumers son had taken his foot off the accelerator and coasted before applying the brakes. when the vehicle was…
Vehicle began to rev while the brake was depressed. The consumer then activated the emergency brake. *mr there was a significant down grade. when the first incident occurred the consumers son had taken his foot off the accelerator and coasted before applying the brakes. when the vehicle was started the vehicle was backed up, and idled normally. the subaru dealer could not find a problem. on the second incident the motor started to rev and was very loud and noisy. the consumer checked the dash and there were no indications of a problem. the vehicle shot out of control from the parked angle space into the lane for traffic. the consumer was told that the revving was due to carbon build up. the rack and pinion was replaced because of a leak. *Scc *jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
We have had a 1992 subaru svx and are very disappointed with the extensive problems with the transmission. we are going to have a new one put in and the fact that this model/year has had transmission problems so much and that subaru obviously realized the problem with the transmission by 1993. why were these transmissions not recalled or at least provided with some type of correction? *ak
- Vehicle speed control
Vehicle was parked in a lot, when consumer started the ignition, instantly the rpms "revved" up to the maximum. consumer turned vehicle off, waited a few minutes, and then restarted. when gear was placed in reverse, the vehicle suddenly accelerated backward almost hitting pedestrians.*ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Consumer has problem with the automatic transmission. Dealer notified. *Ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Automatic transmission failure: contacted subaru about 1 year prior about problem and was told the slipage was normal. Now the transmission IS permanently slipping and does not drive in any direction. IS 36000 miles normal for a replacement transmission?......along with the rest of the svx owners.*ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
I purchased this as a used vehicle, but purchased an extended warranty due to the potential (expensive) problems. I was assured by the dealer that this vehicle did not have a recall on the transmission and that the car was in excellent condition. I started experiencing slippage and "clanking"…
I purchased this as a used vehicle, but purchased an extended warranty due to the potential (expensive) problems. I was assured by the dealer that this vehicle did not have a recall on the transmission and that the car was in excellent condition. I started experiencing slippage and "clanking" within 6 months. I took it to the dealer three times complaining about the transmission. I was assured that no problem could be found. Less than 6 months after last the inspection, the transmission failed completely. After some additional research I found this to be a significant problem with this model since inception/introduction. I am investigating the possibility of a class action lawsuit. It appears subaru has ignored this problem, and dealers continue to sell these models, misrepresenting the potential for extensive and very expensive repairs. Subaru and its representatives should acknowledge and accept responsibility for this defect.------- dims 11 ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis-----769750. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Catalytic convertor · Power train › Automatic transmission · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor · Suspension
Upon purchase of car 1-2 weeks prior, it was noticed that the transmission would not shift into 4TH gear, and was slipping at initial acceleration from a stop until around 1500 rpm, causing wheelspin under certain conditions. on this date, transmission suddenly failed to be able to shift into 3RD…
Upon purchase of car 1-2 weeks prior, it was noticed that the transmission would not shift into 4TH gear, and was slipping at initial acceleration from a stop until around 1500 rpm, causing wheelspin under certain conditions. on this date, transmission suddenly failed to be able to shift into 3RD gear, limiting top speed to levels below safe limits on most highways. this occurred while driving on a highway, and was potentially dangerous. towed to dealer, dealer recommends remanufactured transmission, asking approximately $4000 for parts and labor. I didn't (and still don't) have the money for that, so I managed to limp home with it where it has sat since. at some point since then it has lost the ability to shift into 2ND gear. dealer also found possible wheel bearing and front rotor problems, in addition to failure of front catalytic converters. wants roughly $6000 to fully repair vehicle. *nlm
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Transmission hesitated on highway and in reverse. *nlm
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Power train - automatic transmission despite regular professional car care at either a subaru dealer in 80 - 100 mile radius) or local automotive shops, car experienced a second instance of transmission failure. in consulting several subaru svx - related sites, I learned problems of this nature have been prevalent.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Consumer states whiles driving 30mph the transmission slipped causing the vehicle to stall in the street. Please provide any additional information. ph
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10219492This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 10219491This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
- 10209915This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic essential information during diagnosis and repair of the Infotainment concerns. (Applicable to all models with Harman or Denso CP1 Infotainment).
- 10198758This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models
- 10198749This bulletin is to advise of SOAs revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
- 10187315To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate Special Service Tool.
- 10179378Special Service Tools Cross Reference List.
- 10174543All Models (Vehicle Cleaning- COVID-19Best Practices)
- 10161824Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newletter.
- 10161813To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate Special Service Tool.
- 602413Various instructions and procedures on air conditioning retrofit.
- 53025Various information on procedures and theft prevention standards.
- 46645Knock sensor.
Every Subaru Svx model year
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