1988 Subaru DL
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 1988 Subaru DL. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 1988 Subaru DL. Newest first.
Certain spx filtran fuel filters with a 45-degree angle inlet tube, model 800f350-s1, sold as replacement filters for 1993-1997 ford probe,1993-2001 mazda 626 and MX-6, and 1983-1994 loyal, 3-door coupe, hatchback, sedan, wagon, brat, dl, GL, GL-10, RX, xt, and XT6 passenger vehicles with efi or turbo engines. these filters are packaged as wix, napa, and…
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the presence of an ignition source, a vehicle fire can occur.
Remedy
Spx will notify its customers and provide a full refund. the recall began september 27, 2005. owners may contact mr. Chris greeson at 704-869-3733 or contact the wix information hotline at 800-949-6698.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The safety belts would not provide adequate protection to an occupant in a vehicle crash.
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 are operating properly by inserting each latch plate into its buckle, tugging on the belt to make sure the latch IS securely locked, and then pressing the release button. The latch plate should pop out of the buckle when the button IS pressed. If either release button shows a sign of breaking or cracking or if either buckle fails to operate properly, owners should promptly contact their authorized dealer to schedule an appointment to have the buckle replaced or repaired, free of charge. The manufacturer IS developing a remedy designed to prevent failure of the buttons that are not currently broken.
Omission of information specified by fmvss 210 from owner manual.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fails to meet requirements of fmvss 210 regarding childrestraint systems.
Remedy
Adhesive backed inserts will be furnished with the correct information.
Owner complaints
5 complaints2 involved a crash2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Seat belts
While traveling at 25 mph another vehicle ran a stop sign and hit consumer's vehicle on the right front bumber. driver's side seatbelt didn't hold, resulting in driver sustainin serious injuries. please provide any further information.*ak
- Vehicle speed control
The engine reved high when the driver pressed the accelerator. the vehicle went out of control due to the accelerator sticking and the driver struck a pedestrian and other vehicles. *yh
- Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system
Vehicle hard to start in cold or wet weather.
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control · Fuel system, gasoline › Carburetor system · Power train › Axle assembly · Power train › Clutch assembly · Power train › Driveline › Constant velocity joint
Replaced water pump
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
Seat belt buckle appear to be fasten, but most of the time it comes unfastened. tt
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Seat belt failure
The agency was petitioned to investigated whether the driver seat belt on the 1988 model year subaru dl station wagon IS defective. The petitioner alleged that during a rollover crash, the seat belt did not properly restraint him from hitting his head on the roof of the vehicle.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10219492This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 10219491This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
- 10209915This 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).
- 10198758This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models
- 10198749This bulletin is to advise of SOAs revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
- 10187315To 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.
- 10179378Special Service Tools Cross Reference List.
- 10174543All Models (Vehicle Cleaning- COVID-19Best Practices)
- 10161824Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newletter.
- 10161813To 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.
Every Subaru DL model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.