MYRModel Year Report

1988 Subaru Subaru

○ Not enough data
1988 Subaru Subaru
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:53:46.541Z

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
2

Too few to rank

Recalls
0

None on file

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1982: 1 complaint 1982 1983: 1 complaint 1984: 0 complaints 1985: 0 complaints 1985 1986: 2 complaints 1987: 4 complaints 1988: 2 complaints 1988 2 1989: 1 complaint 1990: 3 complaints 1991: 1 complaint 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
1982: 1 complaint 1982 1983: 1 complaint 1984: 0 complaints 1984 1985: 0 complaints 1986: 2 complaints 1986 1987: 4 complaints 1988: 2 complaints 1988 2 1989: 1 complaint 1990: 3 complaints 1990 1991: 1 complaint 1992: 4 complaints 1992 1993: 2 complaints 1995: 5 complaints 1995 1996: 6 complaints 1997: 4 complaints 1997 1998: 2 complaints 1999: 3 complaints 1999 2001: 3 complaints 2002: 4 complaints 2002 2003: 2 complaints
1982: 1 complaint 1982 1983: 1 complaint 1983 1984: 0 complaints 1984 1985: 0 complaints 1985 1986: 2 complaints 1986 1987: 4 complaints 1987 1988: 2 complaints 1988 2 1989: 1 complaint 1989 1990: 3 complaints 1990 1991: 1 complaint 1991 1992: 4 complaints 1992 1993: 2 complaints 1993 1995: 5 complaints 1995 1996: 6 complaints 1996 1997: 4 complaints 1997 1998: 2 complaints 1998 1999: 3 complaints 1999 2001: 3 complaints 2001 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.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-02-01

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.

0 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    1994-11-14Preliminary evaluationClosed 1995-03-10 Takata seat blt bckls fail

Buy-smart checklist

1988 Subaru Subaru — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Power train: 2 reports on file for this year.
  • Visibility: 1 report on file for this year.
  • Steering: 1 report 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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.