Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 1988 Subaru GL, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Seat belts11
- Engine and engine cooling3
- Service brakes, hydraulic2
- Suspension2
- Vehicle speed control1
- Electrical system1
- Power train1
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 1 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
In New Zealand
1 1988 cars are on the New Zealand register.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Recalls
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 IMPROPERLY.
OMISSION OF INFORMATION SPECIFIED BY FMVSS 210 FROM OWNER MANUAL.
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 1988 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)