Complaints over time
Complaints about the 1981 Subaru GL peaked in 1996, with 1 filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Model year
1981 Subaru GL
Pickup, gasoline, 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4, built in Japan. Owner complaints on file from Jul 26, 1996 to Aug 27, 1997.
Recall campaigns covering this model year1285k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints2Close to the median 1981 pickup
Severity index0.0Crash, fire, injury or death per 100
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Components
50% of complaints about the 1981 Subaru GL name structure
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls
One recall campaign covers the 1981 Subaru GL
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
| Campaign | Filed | Subject | Component | Vehicles | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 90V-086 | May 7, 1990 | Continuous exposure to road salt could cause corrosion of rear suspension components, especially the inner arms | Suspension | 285,000 | Part replacement |
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints
What owners reported about the 1981 Subaru GL
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
2 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.
- Filed Aug 27, 1997Johnson City, TNRear
THE LEFT REAR CONTROL ARM HAS BROKEN AWAY FROM THE MOUNTING, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO REAR END/TO PULL FROM SIDE TO SIDE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
NHTSA complaint 815740 - Filed Jul 26, 1996Failure Jul 26, 1996Troy, MTSupport device/strut
HATCHBACK HYDRAULIC STRUTS FAILED.
NHTSA complaint 506719
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations
1 NHTSA investigation on file
- PE90055 Preliminary evaluation, Suspension
TRAILING ARM CORROSION
Opened Mar 12, 1990, closed May 14, 1990 · led to a recall
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins
10 manufacturer communications cover this model year
Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.
- 01-167-08R Aug 23, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models. - 15-302-22 Aug 23, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. - 15-192-22R Mar 18, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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). - 01-167-08R Jun 17, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models - 09-51-08R Jun 7, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This bulletin is to advise of SOA’s revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure. - 14-22-16R Feb 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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. - 14-22-16R Aug 4, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Special Service Tools Cross Reference List. - 01-181-20 Apr 30, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
All Models (Vehicle Cleaning- COVID-19Best Practices) - Subaru Tech Tips May 21, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newletter. - 14-22-16R May 6, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.