Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 1981 Subaru GL, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Suspension1
- Structure1
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 0 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
In New Zealand
1 1981 cars are on the New Zealand register.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Recalls in Canada
5 Transport Canada recalls for the 1981 Subaru GL.
| 1990080 4 Jun 1990 | Suspension On certain vehicles, continuous exposure to road salt and chemicals may cause corrosion of the rear suspension components, especially inner arms which could aff… |
| 1986080 18 Jul 1986 | Other Certain vehicles do not comply with CMVSS 1101(5)(b)(ii) - Fuel Warning Label. |
| 1983005 12 Jan 1983 | Electrical The front main wiring harness, which is routed behind the maintenance free battery may chafe against the threads of the rear battery hold-down rod, exposing the… |
| 1982037 19 Apr 1982 | Not Entered THE STEERING WHEEL NUT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY TORQUED DURING ASSEMBLY AND MAY LOOSEN AND DEVELOP PLAY BETWEEN THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE STEERING SHAFT. M… |
| 1983020 22 Feb 1982 | Electrical Certain 1980-81 Standard, DL, GL, GLF models. There is a potential for the 25 amp headlight fuse to overheat, causing the fusible strip to melt resulting in los… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
CONTINUOUS EXPOSURE TO ROAD SALT COULD CAUSE CORROSION OF REAR SUSPENSION COMPONENTS, ESPECIALLY THE INNER ARMS.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Subaru told its dealers about the 1981 Subaru GL: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 10219492 | This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models. |
| 10219491 | This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. |
| 10209915 | This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic essential information during diagnosis and repair of the Infotainment concerns. (Applicable to all models with Harman or Denso CP1 Infotainment). |
| 10198758 | This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models |
| 10198749 | This bulletin is to advise of SOAs revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure. |
| 10187315 | To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate Special Service Tool. |
| 10179378 | Special Service Tools Cross Reference List. |
| 10174543 | All Models (Vehicle Cleaning- COVID-19Best Practices) |
| 10161824 | Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newletter. |
| 10161813 | To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate Special Service Tool. |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
TRAILING ARM CORROSION
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation