MYRModel Year Report

1988 Subaru Subaru

○ Not enough data
1988 Subaru Subaru
RENDERED 2026-09-17T03:37:20.141Z

Only 2 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 2 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 Subaru Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1988 highlighted. 1982: 1 complaints 1982 1983: 1 complaints 1984: 0 complaints 1985: 0 complaints 1985 1986: 2 complaints 1987: 4 complaints 1988: 2 complaints 1988 1989: 1 complaints 1990: 3 complaints 1991: 1 complaints 1991 1992: 4 complaints 1993: 2 complaints 1995: 5 complaints 1995 1996: 6 complaints 1997: 4 complaints 1998: 2 complaints 1998 1999: 3 complaints 2001: 3 complaints 2002: 4 complaints 2002 2003: 2 complaints 2003
1988: 2 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19810
19821
19831
19840
19850
19862
19874
19882
19891
19903
19911
19924
19932
19955
19966
19974
19982
19993
20013
20024
20032

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 2 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

POWER TRAIN

2 of 2 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing clutch assembly and automatic transmission.

VISIBILITY

1 of 2 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing defroster/defogger/hvac system.

Show complaint excerpts

OXYGEN SENSOR FAILED, CAUSING THE WATER VAPOR ON COLD START UPS. *SD

NHTSA ODI report, 19960201

Also filed under FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE and ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

STEERING

1 of 2 total reports mentions: steering, most commonly citing steering wheel/handle bar.

SEAT BELTS

1 of 2 total reports mentions: seat belts, most commonly citing anchorage.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

1 of 2 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing carburetor system.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

I 19941114 — PE (closed 19950310)

TAKATA SEAT BLT BCKLS FAIL

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1988 Subaru Subaru — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for power train issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for steering issues (1 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1988 Subaru Subaru 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 Subaru?

The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1988 Subaru Subaru have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.