Complaints over time
Complaints about the 1985 Subaru GL peaked in 1995, with 3 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
1985 Subaru GL
Wagon, gasoline, 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4, built in Japan. Owner complaints on file from Apr 19, 1995 to Sep 29, 1999.
Recall campaigns covering this model year3475k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints73.5 times the median 1985 wagon
Severity index0.0Crash, fire, injury or death per 100
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Components
43% of complaints about the 1985 Subaru GL name suspension
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
3 recall campaigns cover the 1985 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05E-065 | Oct 5, 2005 | Certain spx filtran fuel filters with a 45-degree angle inlet tube, model 800f350-s1, sold as replacement filters for 1993-1997 ford… | Fuel system | 42,962 | Refund or buyback |
| 92V-001 | Dec 2, 1992 | Inner arms of the rear suspension are subject to corrosion in areas where road salt is used heavily in winter | Suspension | 147,000 | Part replacement |
| 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 1985 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.
7 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.
- Filed Sep 29, 1999Manassas, VAConstant velocity joint, Front
WHILE DRIVING AT 25MPH OR MORE VEHICLE WOULD PULL TO THE RIGHT. ALSO, CV BOOTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE DEALER STILL CAN'T FIND A SOLUTION. *AK
NHTSA complaint 849075 - Filed Jan 14, 1998Failure Jan 10, 1998Mystic, CTRear
RIGHT REAR WHEEL ROTATED TO THE NEAR HORIZONTAL POSITION, MAKING THE VEHICLE INOPERATBLE.
NHTSA complaint 528875 - Filed Nov 18, 1996Failure Feb 13, 1990Santa Rosa, CAEngine, Service brakes, Disc
DRIVING ON FREEWAY AT 65 MPH, VEHICLE STOPPED SUDDENLY IN THE FAST LANE, TIMING BELT BROKE. *AK ALSO FRONT PADS AND ROTORS WERE REPLACED.*JB
NHTSA complaint 805251 - Filed Jan 22, 1996Failure Dec 13, 1995Columbia, CALower arm, Wheels
THE LOWER CONTROL ARM SNAPPED AT THE WELD WHILE THE CAR WAS MOVING AND THE WHOLE LEFT WHEEL CAME OFF. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
NHTSA complaint 977913 - Filed Jul 20, 1995Failure Jan 20, 1995Cherry Valle, CABuckle assembly
PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE, UNABLE TO LATCH SEAT BELT. TT
NHTSA complaint 969132 - Filed May 12, 1995Waterford, MIVehicle speed control
W/MANUAL TRANSMISSION, VEHICLE EXPERIENCES UNWANTED ACCELERATION. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
NHTSA complaint 965225 - Filed Apr 19, 1995Failure Mar 19, 1995Glen Burnie, MDFrame and members
CORROSION THROUGH OUT THE FRAME. TT
NHTSA complaint 964043
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations
3 NHTSA investigations on file
- PE90055 Preliminary evaluation, Suspension
TRAILING ARM CORROSION
Opened Mar 12, 1990, closed May 14, 1990 · led to a recall - EA88014 Engineering analysis, Seat belts
SEAT BELT RETRACTOR FAILS
Opened Jan 13, 1988, closed Jun 29, 1990 - PE87049 Preliminary evaluation, Seat belts
SEAT BELT RETRACTORS
Opened Aug 20, 1987, closed Jan 7, 1988
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.