1988 Subaru Justy
Only 4 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 4 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 4
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1988
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1988: 4 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1987 | 0 |
| 1988 | 4 |
| 1989 | 11 |
| 1990 | 16 |
| 1991 | 9 |
| 1992 | 3 |
| 1993 | 4 |
| 1994 | 1 |
| 1995 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Only 4 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Latches/locks/linkages
3 of 4 total reports mention: latches/locks/linkages, most commonly citing latch.
Show complaint excerpts
Hood latch failed while exiting from highway at 45 MPH, hood flew up and smashed into windshiled, impairing visibility.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-07-07
Visibility
1 of 4 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing windshield wiper/washer.
Suspension
1 of 4 total reports mentions: suspension.
Seats
1 of 4 total reports mentions: seats, most commonly citing recliner.
Seat belts
1 of 4 total reports mentions: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly.
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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1988-05-23Electrical system88V029000 Insufficient clearance between the relocated alternator wiring and the solenoid hose alternator wiring stay bracket can cause wire chaffing and an electrical short.
Remedy: Modify by removing the solenoid hose/alternator stay bracket.
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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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1989-03-31Power train89V028000 Due to the design of the transmission case dipstick and the fluid level checking method, there may be insufficient lubrication of the 4 wheel drive extension housing bearing.
Remedy: Install modified dipstick and insert information in owners manual on the correct fluid level checking procedures.
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I
1990-08-08Defect petitionClosed 1990-11-14 Stalling & transmission
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1994-06-29Preliminary evaluationClosed 1994-10-31 Hood latch failure
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I
1995-03-10Engineering analysisClosed 1995-08-02 Takata seat belt buckle failure
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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…
Buy-smart checklist
1988 Subaru Justy — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Latches/locks/linkages: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility: 1 report on file for this year.
- Suspension: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 88V029000 · Electrical system
- Recall 88V052000 · Seat belts
- Recall 89V028000 · Power train
- Recall 95V103006 · Seat belts
FAQ
- Is the 1988 Subaru Justy 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 Justy?
- The most-reported component is latches/locks/linkages, accounting for 75% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1988 Subaru Justy have?
- 4 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.