MYRModel Year Report

1983 Subaru GL

○ Not enough data
1983 Subaru GL
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:43:33.840Z

Only 5 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 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
5

Too few to rank

Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1983

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1981: 2 complaints 1981 1982: 2 complaints 1983: 5 complaints 1983 5 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 1982: 2 complaints 1982 1983: 5 complaints 1983 5 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 1982: 2 complaints 1982 1983: 5 complaints 1983 5 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

1983: 5 complaints

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

Known problem areas

Only 5 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Seat belts

2 of 5 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly and anchorage.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Front seat belt ex tenders have a gap where children can put there fingers in and get cut when seat belt returns to its rest position

NHTSA ODI report, 1998-03-23

Suspension

1 of 5 total reports mentions: suspension, most commonly citing rear.

Show complaint excerpts

The rear inner arm assembly failed on both sides causing loss of control .

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-10-17

Structure

1 of 5 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing body.

Engine and engine cooling

1 of 5 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Engine fire, causing death.

NHTSA ODI report, 1998-03-23

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 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 →

  3. R
    2005-09-27Fuel system, gasoline05E065000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1983 Subaru GL — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Seat belts: 2 reports on file for this year.
  • Suspension: 1 report on file for this year.
  • Structure: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 90V086000 · Suspension
  • Recall 05E065000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1983 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 1983 Subaru GL?
The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1983 Subaru GL have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

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