1986 Subaru GL Problems
- Complaints
- 14filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 160,000miles, 1 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1986 Subaru GL (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 14 consumer complaints for the 1986 Subaru GL. The part named most often is suspension, with 5 complaints (36% of the total), followed by seat belts (3) and engine cooling (2). 1 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 160,000 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 1 a fire, according to the filers. 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.
- Suspension5 36%
- Seat belts3 21%
- Engine cooling2 14%
- Body and structure2 14%
- Seats1 7.1%
- Tires1 7.1%
- Vehicle speed control1 7.1%
- Wheels1 7.1%
Example complaints
Suspension: “Front frame rail is corroded, has two holes in it. Tt consumer found this failure when having front end of vehicle aligned, the company refused to perform an alignment because the failure prevented them from putting vehicle on a lift, vehicle was involved with recalls 90v086 and 92v001 and feels the same thing that happened in the recalls has happened with the frame rail. While driving, the bolt that holds the control arm broke. While driving, the right rear wheel broke.”
NHTSA complaint #974545, filed 1995-11Body and structure: “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 milesMileage when problems were reported
0% of the 1 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 160,000 and 160,000 miles.
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 1986 Subaru GL → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
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 1986 Subaru GL have?
NHTSA recorded 14 consumer complaints for the 1986 Subaru GL as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1986 Subaru GL is reported most often?
Suspension is named most often, in 5 complaints (36% of the total), followed by seat belts with 3.
Has the 1986 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.
At what mileage are problems with the 1986 Subaru GL reported?
Among the 1 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 160,000 miles and the middle half falls between 160,000 and 160,000 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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.