Subaru GL Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 69 consumer complaints across the 6 model years of the Subaru GL (1983–1989) that have at least 5 complaints. 1988 has the most, with 17. Across all years, the part named most often is seat belts (26 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All GL model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | 9 | — | 0 | 10 | — | Not enough data |
| 1988 | 17 | — | 2 | 10 | — | Stable |
| 1987 | 17 | 125,000 | 2 | 10 | — | Stable |
| 1986 | 14 | 160,000 | 2 | 10 | — | Not enough data |
| 1985 | 7 | — | 2 | 10 | — | Not enough data |
| 1983 | 5 | — | 1 | 10 | — | Not enough data |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Seat belts26 36%
- Suspension13 18%
- Engine cooling11 15%
- Vehicle speed control5 6.9%
- Body and structure5 6.9%
- Brakes5 6.9%
- Transmission and drivetrain4 5.6%
- Wheels3 4.2%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
1986: “The contact stated while driving 5 MPH, a sound of rust ripping was heard, resulting in a slight loss of vehicle control. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the contact noted that the rear subframe had cracked on both sides of the vehicle. The rear wheels were also bowed in at the top, causing them to touch the springs, rendering the vehicle undriveable. The vehicle was not taken in for service.”
NHTSA complaint #10166868, filed 2006-08, 160,000 miles1989: “Brakes were replaced at ~100,000 miles. Both front rotors and pads as well as rear drums and shoes. All done by Subaru dealer in sping of 98. As of spring of 01 and less than 12,000 miles later the brakes have self destructed do to rust. Never have we had this problem with this car before. Only since recent year Subaru brake assemblies have been installed. Subaru is not standing behind this. Will have this job done at an independent shop that will stand behind their brakes.”
NHTSA complaint #754518, filed 2001-111983: “The rear inner arm assembly failed on both sides causing loss of control . Tt vehicle is inoperable currently in conumer's garage, consumer states the passenger side arm broke on a gradual left turn, as consumer turned the wheel to correct the skid the driver side arm broke causing the vehicle to spin 360 degree to the right with both rear wheels collapsed under the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #973415, filed 1995-10Other Subaru models
9,776 complaintsSubaru Forester
6,527 complaintsSubaru Legacy
3,182 complaintsSubaru Impreza
2,649 complaintsSubaru Crosstrek
1,191 complaintsSubaru Ascent
1,038 complaintsSubaru WRX
969 complaintsSubaru SVX
279 complaints
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology