Subaru GL recall history and complaint patterns
Comprehensive recall and complaint data for the Subaru GL, sourced from official National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) records.
Last updated: (NHTSA data snapshot)
At a Glance
Stats focus on model years from 1960 onwards. Earlier years appear in the detailed table below where data exists.
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Get plain-language explanations of recalls and complaints for the Subaru GL. Powered by AI, backed by NHTSA data.
Key Takeaways
A quick scan of where recalls and complaints concentrate for the Subaru GL, based on aggregated NHTSA counts and campaign metadata.
- Coverage spans model years 1980–1993 with 13 recall campaigns and 99 complaints in NHTSA data.
- Years with the most recall activity: 1988 (2), 1987 (2), and 1986 (2).
- Years with the most complaint volume: 1987 (26), 1988 (22), and 1986 (17).
- Top recall themes: Seats and restraints, Steering and suspension, and Fuel and emissions.
- Most reported complaint areas (across all years): Seat belts:front:buckle assembly, Engine and engine cooling:engine, Suspension:rear.
- Complaints are not proof of a defect, but repeated themes can be useful signals when researching a used vehicle.
- Always check your specific VIN for open recalls (open recalls are VIN-specific and can change over time).
Recall Themes
Instead of listing long campaign narratives, this groups recall campaigns into a few recurring areas. Each theme links back to official notices as evidence.
Seats and restraints
2 campaigns · Years: 1988These campaigns relate to seats, belts, airbags restraint integration, or child restraint anchoring components.
Steering and suspension
2 campaigns · Years: 1980–1987These campaigns relate to steering or suspension components that can affect vehicle control or stability.
Fuel and emissions
1 campaign · Years: 1987These campaigns relate to fuel delivery or emissions components where leaks or failures can raise safety risk.
- 89V103000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Most Reported Issues
Across all model years, the most frequently reported areas for the Subaru GL in NHTSA complaint data are Seat belts:front:buckle assembly, Engine and engine cooling:engine, Suspension:rear.
Jump to Model Year
Year-by-Year Overview
Each row shows how often this model appears in NHTSA recalls and consumer complaints for a given model year. These are counts of campaigns and complaints, not risk predictions.
| Model Year | Recalls | Complaints | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | 0 | 1 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Power train:automatic transmission. |
| 1989 | 0 | 9 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts:front:buckle assembly, Vehicle speed control, Seat belts. |
| 1988 | 2 | 22 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts:front:buckle assembly, Seat belts, Electrical system:ignition. |
| 1987 | 2 | 26 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:engine, Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, Equipment:mechanical:accessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift. |
| 1986 | 2 | 17 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Suspension:front:control arm, Seat belts:front:retractor, Structure:frame and members. |
| 1985 | 2 | 10 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:engine, Seat belts:front:buckle assembly, Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc. |
| 1984 | 1 | 5 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system:ignition:module, Electrical system:wiring:interior/under dash, Suspension:front. |
| 1983 | 1 | 5 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts:front:buckle assembly, Structure:body, Suspension:rear. |
| 1982 | 1 | 2 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system, Power train:driveline:constant velocity joint. |
| 1981 | 1 | 2 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:support device/strut, Suspension:rear. |
| 1980 | 1 | 0 | Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary. |
What to Do Next
- Check open recalls by VIN on the official NHTSA site (open recalls are VIN-specific).
- If buying used, ask for proof of recall remedy completion (dealer paperwork helps).
- If symptoms match common complaint themes, consider a mechanic inspection before purchase or long trips.
Recall Evidence by Year
A compact evidence view of recall campaigns that include this model. The default text is an original summary line, with official notice text available on demand.
Most common areas involved: Suspension , Seat belts and Fuel system
Other Subaru Models
Explore recall and complaint data for other Subaru models.
- Ascent 2019–2027
- B9 Tribeca 2006–2014
- Baja 2003–2006
- Brat 1981–1986
- BRZ 2013–2027
- Crosstrek 2016–2027
- DL 1981–1989
- Forester 1998–2027
- Impreza 1993–2027
- Justy 1987–1994
- Legacy 1990–2027
- Loyale 1990–1994
- Outback 2005–2027
- Solterra 2023–2027
- SVX 1992–1997
- WRX 2015–2027
- XT 1985–1991
- XT6 1988–1991
- XV CrossTrek 2012–2015
⚠️ Important Safety Information
Recall Explained provides independent analysis of official NHTSA data. This site does not replace the official NHTSA VIN lookup and should not be treated as legal or safety advice for your specific vehicle.
For any safety concerns: Always check your VIN on the official NHTSA site and contact an authorized dealer.