1989 Subaru GL Problems
- Complaints
- 9filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1989 Subaru GL (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 9 consumer complaints for the 1989 Subaru GL. The part named most often is seat belts, with 5 complaints (56% of the total), followed by vehicle speed control (2) and brakes (1). Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 10 technical service bulletins for this model year.
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 belts5 56%
- Brakes1 11%
Example complaints
Brakes: “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 2001-11Transmission and drivetrain: “The automatic transmission linkage lock out failed. (that is the component that prevents shifting from nuetral to reverse faild and the car went into reverse from nuetral.”
NHTSA complaint #701042, filed 1998-12Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1989 Subaru GL in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by 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, 2022Equipment, Electrical system. 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, 2021Electrical system, Equipment. 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 1989 Subaru GL have?
NHTSA recorded 9 consumer complaints for the 1989 Subaru GL as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1989 Subaru GL is reported most often?
Seat belts is named most often, in 5 complaints (56% of the total), followed by vehicle speed control with 2.
Has the 1989 Subaru GL been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. 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 28, 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.