MYRModel Year Report

1981 Subaru GL

○ Not enough data
1981 Subaru GL
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:44:27.748Z

Only 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
2

Too few to rank

Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1981

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1981: 2 complaints 1981 2 1982: 2 complaints 1983: 5 complaints 1983 1984: 4 complaints 1985: 7 complaints 1985 1986: 14 complaints 1987: 17 complaints 1987 1988: 17 complaints 1989: 9 complaints 1989 1993: 1 complaint
1981: 2 complaints 1981 2 1982: 2 complaints 1982 1983: 5 complaints 1983 1984: 4 complaints 1984 1985: 7 complaints 1985 1986: 14 complaints 1986 1987: 17 complaints 1987 1988: 17 complaints 1988 1989: 9 complaints 1989 1993: 1 complaint 1993
1981: 2 complaints 1981 2 1982: 2 complaints 1982 1983: 5 complaints 1983 1984: 4 complaints 1984 1985: 7 complaints 1985 1986: 14 complaints 1986 1987: 17 complaints 1987 1988: 17 complaints 1988 1989: 9 complaints 1989 1993: 1 complaint 1993

1981: 2 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19812
19822
19835
19844
19857
198614
198717
198817
19899
19931

Known problem areas

Only 2 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Suspension

1 of 2 total reports mentions: suspension, most commonly citing rear.

Show complaint excerpts

The left rear control arm has broken away from the mounting, causing the vehicle to rear end/to pull from side to side. Please describe details.

NHTSA ODI report, 1997-08-27

Structure

1 of 2 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing support device/strut.

Show complaint excerpts

Hatchback hydraulic struts failed.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-10-29

Safety timeline

1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    1990-03-12Preliminary evaluationClosed 1990-05-14 Trailing arm corrosion
  2. R
    1990-10-05Suspension90V086000 Continuous exposure to road salt could cause corrosion of rear suspension components, especially the inner arms.

    Remedy: Rust proof or replace rear suspension, as necessary.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1981 Subaru GL — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Suspension: 1 report on file for this year.
  • Structure: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 90V086000 · Suspension
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1981 Subaru GL reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1981 Subaru GL?
The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1981 Subaru GL have?
1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.