1989 Subaru Justy
Only 11 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 11 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 11
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1989
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1989: 11 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 11 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Power train
4 of 11 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
I feel the dipstick problem cause this car's transmission to become defective.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-16
Seat belts
4 of 11 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly and retractor.
Show complaint excerpts
Seat belt buckles/latch failed to hold secure during accident, causing driver to be thrown from vehicle, resulting in two deaths.
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-09-29
Drivers side seatbelt will not latch due to latch that the buckle fits into btroke and pieces of oplastic fell into the latch. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-02-23
Suspension
1 of 11 total reports mentions: suspension, most commonly citing front.
Structure
1 of 11 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing hood.
Show complaint excerpts
Hood flew up while driving. This is the second incident. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-02-01
Equipment
1 of 11 total reports mentions: equipment, most commonly citing air conditioner.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
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
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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R
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
1989 Subaru Justy — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Seat belts: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Suspension: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 89V028000 · Power train
- Recall 95V103006 · Seat belts
FAQ
- Is the 1989 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 1989 Subaru Justy?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1989 Subaru Justy have?
- 2 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.