MYRModel Year Report

1986 Subaru GL

○ Not enough data
1986 Subaru GL
RENDERED 2026-08-02T11:53:21.912Z

Only 14 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 14 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Subaru GL Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1986 highlighted. 1980: 0 complaints 1980 1981: 2 complaints 1982: 2 complaints 1982 1983: 5 complaints 1984: 4 complaints 1984 1985: 7 complaints 1986: 14 complaints 1986 1987: 17 complaints 1988: 17 complaints 1988 1989: 9 complaints 1993: 1 complaints 1993
1986: 14 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19812
19822
19835
19844
19857
198614
198717
198817
19899
19931

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 14 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

SUSPENSION

3 of 14 total reports mention: suspension.

SUSPENSION

2 of 14 total reports mention: suspension.

STRUCTURE

2 of 14 total reports mention: structure.

Show complaint excerpts

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, A SOUND OF RUST RIPPING WAS HEARD, RESULTING IN A SLIGHT LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTED THAT THE REAR SUBFRAME HAD CRACKED ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20060829

SEAT BELTS

2 of 14 total reports mention: seat belts.

Show complaint excerpts

THE TWO WINDOW REAR SEAT BELT RETRACTOR WILL NOT LET THE BELT COME OUT. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950314

WHEELS

1 of 14 total reports mentions: wheels.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19901005 — suspension

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.

Campaign 90V086000 — check if this car was fixed

R 19920310 — suspension

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.

Campaign 92V001000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20050927 — fuel system, gasoline

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 COU

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 800-949-6

Campaign 05E065000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1986 Subaru GL — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for structure issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 90V086000 (suspension) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 92V001000 (suspension) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 05E065000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1986 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 1986 Subaru GL?

The most-reported component is suspension:front:control arm, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1986 Subaru GL have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.