1991 Subaru Loyale

Introduction

The 1991 Subaru Loyale is a compact station wagon that offers rugged off-road capability. It comes with a choice of two engines and three transmission options. The base engine is a 1.8-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder that produces 90 horsepower and 102 lb-ft of torque. The optional engine is a 2.2-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder that produces 115 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options include a five-speed manual, a three-speed automatic, and a four-speed automatic.

Owners of the Subaru Loyale generally praise it for its all-wheel drive system, spacious interior, and affordability. However, some owners have reported problems with the vehicle’s engines, transmissions, and suspension.

Engine

1.8-liter Engine

• Oil Leaks: Leaking oil pan or valve cover gaskets. Solution: Replace gaskets. Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
• Timing Belt Failure: Broken timing belt can cause catastrophic engine damage. Solution: Replace timing belt and related components. Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,000+
• Head Gasket Failure: Blown head gasket can cause coolant and oil to mix and leak. Solution: Replace head gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure: Leaking intake manifold gasket can cause vacuum leaks and poor engine performance. Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+

2.2-liter Engine

• Head Gasket Failure: Blown head gasket can cause coolant and oil to mix and leak. Solution: Replace head gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
• Valve Stem Seal Failure: Worn valve stem seals can cause excessive oil consumption and blue smoke from the exhaust. Solution: Replace valve stem seals. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
• Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure: Faulty crankshaft position sensor can cause engine to stall or run rough. Solution: Replace crankshaft position sensor. Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $250+

Transmission

Five-speed Manual Transmission

• Clutch Failure: Worn clutch disc or pressure plate can cause slipping or difficulty shifting gears. Solution: Replace clutch components. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
• Synchronizer Failure: Worn synchronizers can make it difficult or impossible to shift gears. Solution: Replace synchronizers. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
• Input Shaft Bearing Failure: Worn input shaft bearing can cause noise and vibration. Solution: Replace input shaft bearing. Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $700+

Three-speed Automatic Transmission

• Transmission Fluid Leaks: Leaking transmission fluid can cause slipping or erratic shifting. Solution: Replace seals or gaskets. Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
• Torque Converter Failure: Worn torque converter can cause slipping or shuddering during gear changes. Solution: Replace torque converter. Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200+
• Planetary Gear Set Failure: Damaged planetary gear set can cause loss of power or grinding noises. Solution: Replace planetary gear set. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+

Four-speed Automatic Transmission

• Overdrive Solenoid Failure: Faulty overdrive solenoid can prevent the transmission from shifting into overdrive. Solution: Replace overdrive solenoid. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Shift Solenoid Failure: Worn shift solenoids can cause delayed or erratic shifting. Solution: Replace shift solenoids. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
• Valve Body Failure: Malfunctioning valve body can cause a variety of transmission problems, including slipping, harsh shifting, and loss of power. Solution: Replace valve body. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+

Suspension

• Strut and Shock Absorber Failure: Worn or damaged struts and shock absorbers can cause excessive body roll, poor handling, and uneven tire wear. Solution: Replace struts and shock absorbers. Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
• Ball Joint Failure: Worn ball joints can cause loose steering and uneven tire wear. Solution: Replace ball joints. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Control Arm Bushing Failure: Worn control arm bushings can cause excessive vibration and noise. Solution: Replace control arm bushings. Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+

Electrical

• Alternator Failure: Malfunctioning alternator can cause battery drain and electrical problems. Solution: Replace alternator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Starter Failure: Worn or damaged starter can make it difficult or impossible to start the engine. Solution: Replace starter. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Battery Failure: Dead or weak battery can prevent the engine from starting. Solution: Replace battery. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+

Exterior

• Rust: The Subaru Loyale is prone to rusting, especially in the underbody and fenders. Solution: Regular maintenance and rust prevention. Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the severity of the rust.
• Door Lock Failure: Faulty door lock actuators or solenoids can prevent the doors from locking or unlocking. Solution: Replace door lock actuators or solenoids. Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
• Wiper Motor Failure: Worn or damaged wiper motor can cause the wipers to fail to operate. Solution: Replace wiper motor. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+

Interior

• Seatbelt Buckle Failure: Broken or jammed seatbelt buckles can prevent the seatbelts from being fastened. Solution: Replace seatbelt buckles. Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $100+
• Dashboard Lights Failure: Burned-out or loose dashboard lights can make it difficult to see the instrument panel at night. Solution: Replace dashboard lights. Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150+
• Headliner Sagging: The headliner can sag or detach from the roof, especially in older models. Solution: Remove and reattach the headliner or replace it. Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+

Summary

The Subaru Loyale is a generally reliable and affordable vehicle, but it is not without its issues. The most common problems reported by owners include oil leaks, head gasket failure, and transmission problems. While some of these issues can be expensive to fix, many of them can be prevented with regular maintenance and servicing.