1988 Subaru GL
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 1988 Subaru GL. 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 GL. 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
17 complaints3 involved a crash1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/supercharger · Suspension › Front › Springs › Air suspension system
This air suspension system has failed after being repaired twice. the turbo -charger unit also has failed after being repaired twice. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Timing belts break about every 40000 miles.
- Seat belts
Seat belt failed to stop or lock during rollover, resulting in injuries.
- Power train › Axle assembly · Suspension › Front › Shock absorber
Struts failed due to being worn out.
- Seat belts › Front › Anchorage
Seat belt failed to hold driver in position during vehicle rollover, contributing to injury.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc
Upon pressing the pedal beeping noise occurs due to powder build up on braking system. *ak
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
Driver seatbelt buckle locked up in latch position, after an accident seatbelt had to be cut off. tt
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
The front seat belts don't lock. please describe. tt
- Vehicle speed control
Sudden acceleration, causing loss of control/one accident. *Skd
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
Seat belts do not latch properly as recall states in other subaru models but manufacturer offers no assistance. tt
- Electrical system › Ignition · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
Vehicle stalls/hesitates. *ak
- Seat belts
Drivers seat belt may stick not retracting or extending properly. Please describe details. tt
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
Driver's side seat belt buckle failure,it became unlatched. tt
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor
Driver side lap/shoulder will not retract. tt
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
The front passenger and driver side seat belt buckles sometimes appear to be locked, but it come loose. tt
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
Driver side seat belt failure, unable to unlatch seat belt. tt
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
Passenger buckle fails to engage, cause unknown. Please describe details. tt
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 GL model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.