1985 Subaru GL
Only 7 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 7 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 7
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1985
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1985: 7 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 2 |
| 1982 | 2 |
| 1983 | 5 |
| 1984 | 4 |
| 1985 | 7 |
| 1986 | 14 |
| 1987 | 17 |
| 1988 | 17 |
| 1989 | 9 |
| 1993 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Only 7 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Suspension
3 of 7 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing rear and lower arm.
Wheels
1 of 7 total reports mentions: wheels.
Vehicle speed control
1 of 7 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
Show complaint excerpts
W/manual transmission, vehicle experiences unwanted acceleration. Please describe details. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-05-12
Structure
1 of 7 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing frame and members.
Show complaint excerpts
Corrosion through out the frame. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-04-19
Service brakes
1 of 7 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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I
1987-08-20Preliminary evaluationClosed 1988-01-07 Seat belt retractors
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I
1988-01-13Engineering analysisClosed 1990-06-29 Seat belt retractor fails
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I
1990-03-12Preliminary evaluationClosed 1990-05-14 Trailing arm corrosion
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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.
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R
1992-03-10Suspension92V001000 The inner arms of the rear suspension are subject to corrosion in areas where road salt is used heavily in winter.
Remedy: Rustproof or replace the inner control arms as necessary.
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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…
Buy-smart checklist
1985 Subaru GL — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Suspension: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Wheels: 1 report on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 90V086000 · Suspension
- Recall 92V001000 · Suspension
- Recall 05E065000 · Fuel system, gasoline
FAQ
- Is the 1985 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 1985 Subaru GL?
- The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1985 Subaru GL have?
- 3 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.