1987 Subaru GL
Only 17 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 17 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 17
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1987
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1987: 17 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 17 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine and engine cooling
6 of 17 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving the vehicle stalled out, the consumer parked the vehicle, while the vehicle was parked it cought fire, engine compartment fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-03-12
Seat belts
4 of 17 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing rear/other and webbing.
Show complaint excerpts
Driving vehicle at speed of 30MPH impact 9:00 position, drivers side lap/shoulder belt will not retract causing injuries. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-11-17
Equipment
2 of 17 total reports mention: equipment, most commonly citing accessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift.
Show complaint excerpts
While changing tire, suddenly the jack stand collapsed, due to broken weld in base of stand. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-02-27
Suspension
2 of 17 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing rear and torsion bar.
Power train
2 of 17 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing constant velocity joint and torque converter.
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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I
1989-05-18Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-06-29 Engine compartment fires
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R
1989-08-31Fuel system, gasoline89V103000 The composition of certain non-genuine replacement preheat tubes can cause combustion.
Remedy: Install a modified design preheat tube.
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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
1987 Subaru GL — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Seat belts: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Equipment: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 89V103000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 92V001000 · Suspension
- Recall 05E065000 · Fuel system, gasoline
FAQ
- Is the 1987 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 1987 Subaru GL?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1987 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.