1986 Subaru GL Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 14%of 14 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 160,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the body and structure of the 1986 Subaru GL, 14% of the 14 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 160,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“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: other model years
Other parts of the 1986 Subaru GL
5 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1986 Subaru GL
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology