1988 Subaru DL Problems
- Complaints
- 5filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1988 Subaru DL (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 5 consumer complaints for the 1988 Subaru DL. The part named most often is fuel system, with 2 complaints (40% of the total), followed by seat belts (2) and engine cooling (1). Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 10 technical service bulletins for this model year. Seat belts complaints overlap with 2 recall campaigns covering the buckle assembly and 1 NHTSA investigation filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Fuel system2 40%
- Seat belts2 40%
- Engine cooling1 20%
Example complaints
Seat belts: “While traveling at 25 MPH another vehicle ran a stop sign and hit consumer's vehicle on the right front bumber. Driver's side seatbelt didn't hold, resulting in driver sustainin serious injuries. Please provide any further information.”
NHTSA complaint #8017316, filed 2002-08Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Recalls and investigations
- 95V103006May 24, 1995Seat belts › Front › Buckle assemblyCovers: Subaru DL 1988, Justy 1987–1991, Loyale 1990 +1 more
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.
- 88V052000Apr 5, 1988Seat beltsCovers: Subaru DL 1988, GL 1988, Justy 1988 +1 more
Omission of information specified by fmvss 210 from owner manual.
Recall details for the 1988 Subaru DL → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- DP96010Seat belt failureClosed · Jul 2, 1996
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 10 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10219492Aug 23, 2022Equipment. This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 10219491Aug 23, 2022Equipment, Electrical system. This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
- 10209915Mar 18, 2022Electrical system. This 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…
- 10198758Jun 17, 2021Electrical system, Equipment. This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models
- 10198749Jun 7, 2021Equipment, Engine cooling. This bulletin is to advise of SOAâs revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
- 10187315Feb 1, 2021Equipment. To 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.
- 10179378Aug 4, 2020Equipment. Special Service Tools Cross Reference List.
- 10174543Apr 30, 2020Equipment. All Models (Vehicle Cleaning- COVID-19Best Practices)
- 10161824May 21, 2019Equipment. Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newletter.
- 10161813May 6, 2019Equipment. To 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.
Other model years of the Subaru DL
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | 5 | — | 2 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1988 Subaru DL have?
NHTSA recorded 5 consumer complaints for the 1988 Subaru DL as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1988 Subaru DL is reported most often?
Fuel system is named most often, in 2 complaints (40% of the total), followed by seat belts with 2.
Has the 1988 Subaru DL been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.