MYRModel Year Report

1988 Subaru GL

○ Not enough data
1988 Subaru GL
RENDERED 2026-08-02T11:52:27.351Z

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, 1988 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
1988: 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.

SEAT BELTS

7 of 17 total reports mention: seat belts.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

DRIVER SEATBELT BUCKLE LOCKED UP IN LATCH POSITION, AFTER AN ACCIDENT SEATBELT HAD TO BE CUT OFF. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19960216

DRIVER SEATBELT BUCKLE LOCKED UP IN LATCH POSITION, AFTER AN ACCIDENT SEATBELT HAD TO BE CUT OFF. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19960216

SEAT BELTS

2 of 17 total reports mention: seat belts.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 of 17 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

SUDDEN ACCELERATION, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL/ONE ACCIDENT. *SKD

NHTSA ODI report, 19951116

SUSPENSION

1 of 17 total reports mentions: suspension.

SUSPENSION

1 of 17 total reports mentions: suspension.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19880610 — seat belts

OMISSION OF INFORMATION SPECIFIED BY FMVSS 210 FROM OWNER MANUAL.

Remedy: ADHESIVE BACKED INSERTS WILL BE FURNISHED WITH THE CORRECT INFORMATION.

Campaign 88V052000 — check if this car was fixed

R 19960101 — seat belts

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 OPERATE

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 A

Campaign 95V103006 — 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

1988 Subaru GL — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (7 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 88V052000 (seat belts) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 95V103006 (seat belts) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 05E065000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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:front:buckle assembly, accounting for 41% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1988 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.