1988 Subaru GL Problems
- Complaints
- 17filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1988 Subaru GL (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 17 consumer complaints for the 1988 Subaru GL. The part named most often is seat belts, with 11 complaints (65% of the total), followed by engine cooling (3) and brakes (2). Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 1 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 filed under the same part. Engine cooling complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin 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.
- Seat belts11 65%
- Engine cooling3 18%
- Brakes2 12%
- Suspension2 12%
- Electrical system1 5.9%
- Vehicle speed control1 5.9%
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Recalls and investigations
- 95V103006May 24, 1995Seat belts › Front › Buckle assemblyCovers: Subaru GL 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 GL 1988, DL 1988, Justy 1988 +1 more
Omission of information specified by fmvss 210 from owner manual.
Recall details for the 1988 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 1988 Subaru GL have?
NHTSA recorded 17 consumer complaints for the 1988 Subaru GL as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1988 Subaru GL is reported most often?
Seat belts is named most often, in 11 complaints (65% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 3.
Has the 1988 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.