MYRModel Year Report

1987 Subaru GL

○ Not enough data
1987 Subaru GL
RENDERED 2026-09-17T04:26:36.292Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Subaru GL Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1987 highlighted. 1981: 2 complaints 1981 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 complaints 1993
1987: 17 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19812
19822
19835
19844
19857
198614
198717
198817
19899
19931

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.

FIRE
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. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960312

SEAT BELTS

4 of 17 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing rear/other and webbing.

CRASH INJURY
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, 19951117

EQUIPMENT

2 of 17 total reports mention: equipment, most commonly citing accessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE CHANGING TIRE, SUDDENLY THE JACK STAND COLLAPSED, DUE TO BROKEN WELD IN BASE OF STAND. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950227

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

I 19890518 — PE (closed 19890629)

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

R 19890831 — fuel system, gasoline

THE COMPOSITION OF CERTAIN NON-GENUINE REPLACEMENT PREHEAT TUBES CAN CAUSE COMBUSTION.

Remedy: INSTALL A MODIFIED DESIGN PREHEAT TUBE.

Campaign 89V103000 — 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

1987 Subaru GL — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (6 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for equipment issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 89V103000 (fuel system, gasoline) 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 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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.