Subaru XT recall history and complaint patterns
Comprehensive recall and complaint data for the Subaru XT, 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.
Ask About This Model
Get plain-language explanations of recalls and complaints for the Subaru XT. Powered by AI, backed by NHTSA data.
Key Takeaways
A quick scan of where recalls and complaints concentrate for the Subaru XT, based on aggregated NHTSA counts and campaign metadata.
- Coverage spans model years 1985–1991 with 8 recall campaigns and 9 complaints in NHTSA data.
- Years with the most recall activity: 1985 (2), 1991 (1), and 1990 (1).
- Years with the most complaint volume: 1986 (3), 1989 (2), and 1988 (2).
- Top recall themes: Fuel and emissions, Powertrain, and Seats and restraints.
- Most reported complaint areas (across all years): Seat belts, Exterior lighting:headlights:switch, Interior lighting.
- 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.
Fuel and emissions
1 campaign · Years: 1985These campaigns relate to fuel delivery or emissions components where leaks or failures can raise safety risk.
- 85V132000 · Engine and engine cooling: Emission control
Powertrain
1 campaign · Years: 1989–1991These campaigns relate to drivetrain or transmission components that can affect shifting, power delivery, or control.
- 91V082000 · Power train: Automatic transmission
Seats and restraints
1 campaign · Years: 1988These campaigns relate to seats, belts, airbags restraint integration, or child restraint anchoring components.
- 88V052000 · Seat belts
Steering and suspension
1 campaign · Years: 1985–1987These campaigns relate to steering or suspension components that can affect vehicle control or stability.
- 92V001000 · Suspension: Rear
Most Reported Issues
Across all model years, the most frequently reported areas for the Subaru XT in NHTSA complaint data are Seat belts, Exterior lighting:headlights:switch, Interior lighting.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | 1 | 1 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts. |
| 1990 | 1 | 0 | Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary. |
| 1989 | 1 | 2 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts, Engine and engine cooling:engine. |
| 1988 | 1 | 2 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts, Seat belts:front. |
| 1987 | 1 | 1 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts:front:retractor. |
| 1986 | 1 | 3 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Exterior lighting:headlights:switch, Interior lighting. |
| 1985 | 2 | 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: Power train , Suspension and Seat belts
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
- GL 1981–1989
- Impreza 1993–2027
- Justy 1987–1994
- Legacy 1990–2027
- Loyale 1990–1994
- Outback 2005–2027
- Solterra 2023–2027
- SVX 1992–1997
- WRX 2015–2027
- 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.