According to Au7o's analysis of 170+ owner reports, the 1993 Subaru Loyale has 2 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is Body and Underbody Rust ($300-$2,000 repair). The most commonly reported issue is EA82 Boxer Head Gasket Weeping with 170 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $300 to $2,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 1990-1994 Subaru Loyale, the Subaru Loyale is highly susceptible to body and underbody rust, especially in salt-belt regions. The wheel wells, rocker panels, rear quarter panels, and underbody are the most common rust areas. The Loyale was a budget vehicle with minimal corrosion protection from the factory. Many Loyales have been scrapped due to structural rust despite having mechanically sound drivetrains. The AWD system components (rear differential, driveshaft) can also suffer from corrosion-related issues.
On the 1990-1994 Subaru Loyale EA82, the Loyale's EA82 1.8L boxer engine develops external head gasket leaks that weep oil onto the exhaust manifold, creating a burning oil smell. The flat engine design allows oil to pool on top of the gaskets. While not as catastrophic as later EJ-series failures, the leaks worsen over time.
Common Symptoms
Burning oil smell
Oil on exhaust manifold
Visible oil weeping at head-to-block joint
Low oil level between changes
Light smoke from engine bay
Oil drips on ground near exhaust
How to Fix
Replace the head gaskets with updated multi-layer steel (MLS) gaskets if available. The boxer layout requires minimal disassembly compared to inline engines. Resurface the heads if any warping is detected.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
OE head gasket for each bank after head-gasket failure is confirmed Fitment/availability: 1990-1994 Loyale DL/RS EA82 branch; quantity two, confirm VIN and engine Fitment/availability: ships in 1-3 business days with Add to Cart live whe…
aftermarket head-gasket alternative for each bank after failure is confirmed Fitment/availability: 1990-1994 Subaru Loyale EA82 application; quantity two, confirm vehicle fitment before purchase Fitment/availability: delivery and store-a…
High Confidence170 owner reportsLast reported by owners Mar 2026Reviewed Mar 2026
NHTSA Recalls4 recalls
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.
Campaign #95V10300624/05/1995
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
WHEN THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN CONTINUOUSLY UNDER EXTREMELY COLD TEMPERATURES (-22 DEGREES F.) AND HIGH HUMIDITY WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE TRANSMISSION BREATHING (AIR) VENT CAN BE BLOCKED DUE TO MOISTURE FREEZING AT THE OIL LEVEL GAUGE. IF THIS OCCURS, PRESSURE INSIDE THE TRANSMISSION CASE WILL INCREASE AND PUSH OUT THE REAR OIL SEAL, CAUSING TRANSMISSION OIL LEAKAGE. THE LACK OF LUBRICATION CAN BURN THE INTERNAL COMPONENTS OF THE TRANSMISSION, CAUSE THE TRANSMISSION TO SEIZE AND THE VEHICLE TO COME TO A SUDDEN STOP.
Campaign #94V05200023/03/1994
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION SHIFT LINKAGE MAY BE INCORRECTLY ADJUSTED AND WOULD NOT BE ENGAGED IN A FULL PARK POSITION WHEN PLACED IN PARK.
Campaign #91V09100011/06/1991
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
UNDER CERTAIN LOAD CONDITIONS, THE PARK GEAR MAY NOT DISENGAGE IMMEDIATELY WHEN THE TRANSMISSION LEVER IS MOVED FROM PARK TO REVERSE.
Campaign #91V08200030/05/1991
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According to Au7o's analysis of 170+ owner reports, the 1993 Subaru Loyale has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Body and Underbody Rust, EA82 Boxer Head Gasket Weeping. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Subaru Loyale reliable?
The 1993 Subaru Loyale has 2 known issues documented across 170+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Body and Underbody Rust. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Subaru Loyale problems?
Repair costs for known Subaru Loyale issues range from $300 to $2,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Body and Underbody Rust, typically costs $300-$2,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 1990-1994 Subaru Loyale Body and Underbody Rust?
The Subaru Loyale is highly susceptible to body and underbody rust, especially in salt-belt regions. The wheel wells, rocker panels, rear quarter panels, and underbody are the most common rust areas. The Loyale was a budget vehicle with minimal corrosion protection from the facto… Repairs typically run $300-$2,000. Severity: high.
What is the 1990-1994 Subaru Loyale EA82 Boxer Head Gasket Weeping?
The Loyale's EA82 1.8L boxer engine develops external head gasket leaks that weep oil onto the exhaust manifold, creating a burning oil smell. The flat engine design allows oil to pool on top of the gaskets. While not as catastrophic as later EJ-series failures, the leaks worsen… Repairs typically run $300-$800. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
