1988 Subaru Justy

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1988 Subaru Justy
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:10:00.573Z

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.

How is this computed?

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

2 of 4 total reports mention: latches/locks/linkages.

Show complaint excerpts

HOOD LATCH FAILED WHILE EXITING FROM HIGHWAY AT 45 MPH, HOOD FLEW UP AND SMASHED INTO WINDSHILED, IMPAIRING VISIBILITY. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960707

VISIBILITY

1 of 4 total reports mentions: visibility.

SUSPENSION

1 of 4 total reports mentions: suspension.

SEATS

1 of 4 total reports mentions: seats.

SEAT BELTS

1 of 4 total reports mentions: seat belts.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19880523 — electrical system

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.

Campaign 88V029000 — check if this car was fixed

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 19890331 — power train

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.

Campaign 89V028000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19900808 — DP (closed 19901114)

STALLING & TRANSMISSION

I 19940629 — PE (closed 19941031)

HOOD LATCH FAILURE

I 19950310 — EA (closed 19950802)

TAKATA SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE

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

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1988 Subaru Justy — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for latches/locks/linkages issues (2 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for suspension issues (1 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 88V029000 (electrical system) has been completed.
Verify recall 88V052000 (seat belts) has been completed.
Verify recall 89V028000 (power train) has been completed.
Verify recall 95V103006 (seat belts) has been completed.

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:hood:latch, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1988 Subaru Justy have?

4 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.