1988 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
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1988
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1988: 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.
Seat belts
11 of 17 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly and retractor.
Show complaint excerpts
Driver seatbelt buckle locked up in latch position, after an accident seatbelt had to be cut off. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-02-16
Engine and engine cooling
3 of 17 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing exhaust system and turbo/supercharger.
Suspension
2 of 17 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing air suspension system and shock absorber.
Service brakes
2 of 17 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Vehicle speed control
1 of 17 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
Show complaint excerpts
Sudden acceleration, causing loss of control/one accident.
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-11-16
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
1988-06-10Seat belts88V052000 Omission of information specified by FMVSS 210 from owner manual.
Remedy: Adhesive backed inserts will be furnished with the correct information.
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1996-01-01Seat belts95V103006 The front safety belt buckle release buttons can break. These red plastic release buttons are marked "Press." If a button breaks, pieces can fall into the buckle assembly causing the buckle to…
Remedy: Owners should promptly check the condition and operation of both front safety belt buckles and carefully inspect the red release button for any breaks or cracks. They should ensure that both buckles…
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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
1988 Subaru GL — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Seat belts: 11 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Suspension: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 88V052000 · Seat belts
- Recall 95V103006 · Seat belts
- Recall 05E065000 · Fuel system, gasoline
FAQ
- Is the 1988 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 1988 Subaru GL?
- The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 65% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1988 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.