1988 SUBARU GL

3 recalls, 22 complaints - 13 TSBs

05E065000 Oct 5, 2005
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Defect Description
CERTAIN SPX FILTRAN FUEL FILTERS WITH A 45-DEGREE ANGLE INLET TUBE, MODEL 800F350-S1, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT FILTERS FOR 1993-1997 FORD PROBE,1993-2001 MAZDA 626 AND MX-6, AND 1983-1994 LOYAL, 3-DOOR COUPE, HATCHBACK, SEDAN, WAGON, BRAT, DL, GL, GL-10, RX, XT, AND XT6 PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH EFI OR TUR... Read more
Consequence
IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A VEHICLE FIRE CAN OCCUR.
Remedy
SPX WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND PROVIDE A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN SEPTEMBER 27, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MR. CHRIS GREESON AT 704-869-3733 OR CONTACT THE WIX INFORMATION HOTLINE AT 800-949-6698.
42,962 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: SPX FILTRAN
95V103006 May 24, 1995
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Defect Description
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.
Consequence
THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SUR... Read more
100,825 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
88V052000 Apr 5, 1988
SEAT BELTS
Defect Description
OMISSION OF INFORMATION SPECIFIED BY FMVSS 210 FROM OWNER MANUAL.
Consequence
FAILS TO MEET REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 210 REGARDING CHILDRESTRAINT SYSTEMS.
Remedy
ADHESIVE BACKED INSERTS WILL BE FURNISHED WITH THE CORRECT INFORMATION.
60,000 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Complaint Statistics

22 total complaints 4 crashes 1 injuries

Top Reported Components

ComponentComplaints
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY8
SEAT BELTS2
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE1
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SHOCK ABSORBER1
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM Jan 28, 1999
Incident date: Oct 10, 1998
THIS AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM HAS FAILED AFTER BEING REPAIRED TWICE. THE TURBO -CHARGER UNIT ALSO HAS FAILED AFTER BEING REPAIRED TWICE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER Jan 28, 1999
Incident date: Oct 10, 1998
THIS AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM HAS FAILED AFTER BEING REPAIRED TWICE. THE TURBO -CHARGER UNIT ALSO HAS FAILED AFTER BEING REPAIRED TWICE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Jun 26, 1998
TIMING BELTS BREAK ABOUT EVERY 40000 MILES.
SEAT BELTS Jun 26, 1998
SEAT BELT FAILED TO STOP OR LOCK DURING ROLLOVER, RESULTING IN INJURIES.
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY Dec 10, 1996
Incident date: Jun 1, 1995
FRONT AXLES FAILED DUE TO WEAR.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SHOCK ABSORBER Dec 10, 1996
Incident date: Jul 1, 1994
STRUTS FAILED DUE TO BEING WORN OUT.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE Sep 30, 1996
Incident date: Nov 1, 1995
SEAT BELT FAILED TO HOLD DRIVER IN POSITION DURING VEHICLE ROLLOVER, CONTRIBUTING TO INJURY.
Crash 1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC Jun 3, 1996
Incident date: Dec 3, 1995
UPON PRESSING THE PEDAL BEEPING NOISE OCCURS DUE TO POWDER BUILD UP ON BRAKING SYSTEM. *AK
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY Feb 16, 1996
Incident date: May 14, 1995
DRIVER SEATBELT BUCKLE LOCKED UP IN LATCH POSITION, AFTER AN ACCIDENT SEATBELT HAD TO BE CUT OFF. TT
Crash
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY Feb 16, 1996
Incident date: May 14, 1995
DRIVER SEATBELT BUCKLE LOCKED UP IN LATCH POSITION, AFTER AN ACCIDENT SEATBELT HAD TO BE CUT OFF. TT
Crash
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY Dec 1, 1995
THE FRONT SEAT BELTS DON'T LOCK. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Nov 16, 1995
Incident date: Jul 15, 1995
SUDDEN ACCELERATION, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL/ONE ACCIDENT. *SKD
Crash
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY Jul 21, 1995
Incident date: Jan 1, 1994
SEAT BELTS DO NOT LATCH PROPERLY AS RECALL STATES IN OTHER SUBARU MODELS BUT MANUFACTURER OFFERS NO ASSISTANCE. TT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM Jul 17, 1995
Incident date: Nov 25, 1994
UPON ACCELERATING, A ROTTON EGG SMELLOCCURS FOLLOWED BY A BURNING BELT SMELL. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION Jul 17, 1995
Incident date: Nov 25, 1994
VEHICLE STALLS/HESITATES. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR Jul 17, 1995
Incident date: Nov 25, 1994
FRONT BRAKE ROTORS FAILED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO GRIND/SQUEAK UPON BRAKING. *AK
SEAT BELTS May 8, 1995
DRIVERS SEAT BELT MAY STICK NOT RETRACTING OR EXTENDING PROPERLY. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY Mar 28, 1995
Incident date: Mar 28, 1995
DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE,IT BECAME UNLATCHED. TT
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR Mar 24, 1995
Incident date: Jan 1, 1994
DRIVER SIDE LAP/SHOULDER WILL NOT RETRACT. TT
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY Mar 16, 1995
Incident date: Jul 1, 1990
THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLES SOMETIMES APPEAR TO BE LOCKED, BUT IT COME LOOSE. TT
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY Mar 10, 1995
Incident date: Feb 10, 1995
DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT FAILURE, UNABLE TO UNLATCH SEAT BELT. TT
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY Mar 7, 1995
PASSENGER BUCKLE FAILS TO ENGAGE, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT

Technical Service Bulletins, 1988 SUBARU GL

13 manufacturer communications from 7 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

ComponentBulletins
350000 EQUIPMENT9
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING1
15-302-22 Aug 23, 2022
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
15-302-22 Aug 23, 2022
350000 EQUIPMENT
This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
01-167-08R Aug 23, 2022
350000 EQUIPMENT
This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
15-192-22R Mar 18, 2022
110000 ELECTRICAL 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 Denso CP1 Infotainment).
01-167-08R Jun 17, 2021
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models
01-167-08R Jun 17, 2021
350000 EQUIPMENT
This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models
09-51-08R Jun 7, 2021
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
This bulletin is to advise of SOAa??s revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
09-51-08R Jun 7, 2021
350000 EQUIPMENT
This bulletin is to advise of SOAa??s revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
14-22-16R Feb 1, 2021
350000 EQUIPMENT
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.
14-22-16R Aug 4, 2020
350000 EQUIPMENT
Special Service Tools Cross Reference List.
01-181-20 Apr 30, 2020
350000 EQUIPMENT
All Models (Vehicle Cleaning- COVID-19Best Practices)
Subaru Tech Tips May 21, 2019
350000 EQUIPMENT
Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newletter.
14-22-16R May 6, 2019
350000 EQUIPMENT
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.

NHTSA Safety Investigations, SUBARU GL

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE89004 Opened: Oct 14, 1988 , Closed: Jan 30, 1989
PE, Closed , Model Year: 1984
OIL LEAKS
There is no summary currently available
EA88014 Opened: Jan 13, 1988 , Closed: Jun 29, 1990
EA, Closed , Model Year: 1985
SEAT BELT RETRACTOR FAILS
SUMMARY OF INFORMATION FROM MANUFACTURER:SAFETY BELT RETRACTOR ISPECULIAR TO 1985 GL 4DOOR SEDAN AND STATIONWAGON.INSTALLED TO IMPROVESENSITIVITY AND LIMIT WEBBING MOVEMENT.REPLACED IN PRODUCTION BY NEW UNITTO PROVIDE 'COMMON USAGE WITH OTHER MANUFACTURERS'.PART SALES WERE NEARLYTWICE 1984 AND 1986 ... Read more
PE87049 Opened: Aug 20, 1987 , Closed: Jan 7, 1988
PE, Closed , Model Year: 1985
SEAT BELT RETRACTORS
SUMMARY OF MANUFACTURER INFORMATION:SUBARU CLAIMS IT HAS NO IDENTIFIABLEPROBLEMWITH THE SEAT BELT RETRACTORS.HOWEVER, THE 1985 RETRACTOR ISUSED ONLY ON THE 1985 MODEL 4 DOOR AND STATION WAGON.PART SALES FOR THERETRACTOR ARE NEARLY DOUBLE 1984 AND 1986 MODEL RETRACTOR SALES.SIMILARLY15 PART NUMBERS W... Read more

SUBARU GL - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the SUBARU GL across all model years (1980, 1993).

21 Total Recalls
100 Total Complaints
3 Investigations
9 Reported Crashes
5 Reported Fires
0 Reported Deaths

SUBARU GL - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year Recalls Complaints
1993 1 1 View
1989 1 9 View
1988 (current) 3 22
1987 3 26 View
1986 3 17 View
1985 3 10 View
1984 2 5 View
1983 2 5 View
1982 1 2 View
1981 1 2 View
1980 1 0 View

Other SUBARU Models

Model Recalls Complaints
IMPREZA 321 3,425 View
LEGACY 307 4,132 View
OUTBACK 288 12,131 View
SOLTERRA 259 109 View
WRX 190 1,208 View
FORESTER 134 8,512 View
ASCENT 112 1,248 View
TRIBECA 70 51 View