1989 Subaru Justy Problems
- Complaints
- 11filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 31 mpgcombined, 1.2L 3-cyl FWD · 29 city / 33 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1989 Subaru Justy (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 11 consumer complaints for the 1989 Subaru Justy. The part named most often is seat belts, with 4 complaints (36% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain (4) and equipment (1). Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 2 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 10 technical service bulletins for this model year. Seat belts complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the buckle assembly filed under the same part. Transmission and drivetrain complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign 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 belts4 36%
- Equipment1 9.1%
- Body and structure1 9.1%
- Suspension1 9.1%
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “Transmission failed while traveling, also, failure locked gear into drive, and was unable to shift out. Dealer/manuacturer contacted, and said taht there was nothing they could do.”
NHTSA complaint #860316, filed 2000-04Equipment: “When A/C button is pressed, it blows out warm air rather than cold. Dealer contacted approximately five times and cannot remedy the problem. Problem still exists. Provide further information.”
NHTSA complaint #836075, filed 1999-03Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1989 Subaru Justy version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Justy FWD | 1.2L 3-cyl | 5-speed manual | 29 | 33 | 31 | $2,150 |
| Justy FWD | 1.2L 3-cyl | CVT | 28 | 31 | 30 | $2,250 |
| Justy 4WD | 1.2L 3-cyl | 5-speed manual | 25 | 30 | 27 | $2,500 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 95V103006May 24, 1995Seat belts › Front › Buckle assemblyCovers: Subaru Justy 1987–1991, Loyale 1990, GL 1988 +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.
- 89V028000Feb 28, 1989Power train › Manual transmissionCovers: Subaru Justy 1988–1989
Due to the design of the transmission case dipstick and the fluid level checking method, there may be insufficient lubrication of the 4 wheel drive extension housing bearing.
Recall details for the 1989 Subaru Justy → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA95008Takata seat belt buckle failureClosed · Mar 10, 1995
- PE94051Hood latch failureClosed · Jun 29, 1994
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 Justy
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | 9 | — | 1 | — | 30 | — | Not enough data |
| 1990 | 16 | — | 1 | — | 30 | — | Stable |
| 1989 | 11 | — | 2 | — | 31 | — | Not enough data |
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1989 Subaru Justy have?
NHTSA recorded 11 consumer complaints for the 1989 Subaru Justy as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1989 Subaru Justy is reported most often?
Seat belts is named most often, in 4 complaints (36% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 4.
Has the 1989 Subaru Justy been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1989 Subaru Justy get?
The EPA rates the 1989 Subaru Justy (Justy, 1.2L 3-cyl) at 31 mpg combined, 29 city and 33 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,150 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
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.