1985 Subaru GL Problems
- Complaints
- 7filed 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 1985 Subaru GL (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 7 consumer complaints for the 1985 Subaru GL. The part named most often is suspension, with 3 complaints (43% of the total), followed by brakes (1) and engine cooling (1). NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 10 technical service bulletins for this model year. Suspension complaints overlap with 2 recall campaigns 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.
- Suspension3 43%
- Brakes1 14%
- Engine cooling1 14%
- Seat belts1 14%
- Body and structure1 14%
- Wheels1 14%
Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Recalls and investigations
- 92V001000Dec 2, 1992Suspension › RearCovers: Subaru GL 1985–1987, DL 1985–1987, XT 1985–1987
The inner arms of the rear suspension are subject to corrosion in areas where road salt is used heavily in winter.
- 90V086000May 7, 1990Suspension › RearCovers: Subaru GL 1980–1986, DL 1980–1986
Continuous exposure to road salt could cause corrosion of rear suspension components, especially the inner arms.
Recall details for the 1985 Subaru GL → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA88014Seat belt retractor failsClosed · Jan 13, 1988
- PE87049Seat belt retractorsClosed · Aug 20, 1987
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, 2022Electrical system, Equipment. 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, 2021Equipment, Electrical system. 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 GL
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | 9 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1988 | 17 | — | 2 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1987 | 17 | 125,000 | 2 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1986 | 14 | 160,000 | 2 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1985 | 7 | — | 2 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1983 | 5 | — | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1985 Subaru GL have?
NHTSA recorded 7 consumer complaints for the 1985 Subaru GL as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1985 Subaru GL is reported most often?
Suspension is named most often, in 3 complaints (43% of the total), followed by brakes with 1.
Has the 1985 Subaru GL 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 27, 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.