Complaints over time
Complaints about the 1986 Subaru GL peaked in 1995, with 9 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
1986 Subaru GL
Sedan, gasoline, built in Japan. Owner complaints on file from Jan 6, 1995 to Aug 29, 2006.
Recall campaigns covering this model year3475k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints142.0 times the median 1986 sedan
Severity index14.3Crash, fire, injury or death per 100
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Components
36% of complaints about the 1986 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 1986 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 1986 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.
14 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.
- Filed Aug 29, 2006Failure Aug 26, 2006160,000 milesMonroe, CTFrame and members
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, A SOUND OF RUST RIPPING WAS HEARD, RESULTING IN A SLIGHT LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTED THAT THE REAR SUBFRAME HAD CRACKED ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE. THE REAR WHEELS WERE ALSO BOWED IN AT THE TOP, CAUSING THEM TO TOUCH THE SPRINGS, RENDERING THE VEHICLE UNDRIVEABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE.
NHTSA complaint 10166868 - Filed May 20, 1998Hudson, NHControl arm
DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH DEFECTIVE CONTROL ARM FELL OFF, CAUSING THE RIGHT AND LEFT REAR WHEEL TO COME OFF WITHOUT WARNING. *AK
NHTSA complaint 823523 - Filed Dec 17, 1996Failure Nov 26, 1996Cleveland, OHTires
LEFT FRONT TIRE BROKE OFF, CAUSING DAMAGE TO UNDERCARRIAGE. (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT)
NHTSA complaint 513006 - Filed Jun 25, 1996Failure Mar 21, 1992Missoula, MTGasolineFire
THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *AK
NHTSA complaint 986166 - Filed Feb 14, 1996Failure Feb 14, 1996Elkton, MDEngine
HEAD GASKETS LEAK, CAUSING ENGINE TO OVERHEAT. *SD
NHTSA complaint 501678 - Filed Nov 3, 1995Failure Nov 1, 1995Carver, MABody, Frame and members, Control arm, Wheels
FRONT FRAME RAIL IS CORRODED, HAS TWO HOLES IN IT. TT CONSUMER FOUND THIS FAILURE WHEN HAVING FRONT END OF VEHICLE ALIGNED, THE COMPANY REFUSED TO PERFORM AN ALIGNMENT BECAUSE THE FAILURE PREVENTED THEM FROM PUTTING VEHICLE ON A LIFT, VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED WITH RECALLS 90V086 AND 92V001 AND FEELS THE SAME THING THAT HAPPENED IN THE RECALLS HAS HAPPENED WITH THE FRAME RAIL. WHILE DRIVING, THE BOLT THAT HOLDS THE CONTROL ARM BROKE. WHILE DRIVING, THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL BROKE. *SLC
NHTSA complaint 974545 - Filed Aug 15, 1995Failure Aug 15, 1995Rowley, MABuckle assembly
REAR SEAT BUCKLES FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL. *SKD
NHTSA complaint 484894 - Filed Jun 12, 1995Failure Jun 6, 1995Malden, MAVehicle speed controlCrash
PUT VEHICLE IN DRIVE, IT ACCELERATED AND CRASHED. TT
NHTSA complaint 966636 - Filed May 26, 1995Failure May 21, 1995Winnewood, PASeats
THE BOLT THAT HOLDS THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT HAS CRACKED FROM THE ANCHOR. TT
NHTSA complaint 965975 - Filed Apr 11, 1995Failure Apr 9, 1995Bronx, NYRear
REAR INNER ARMS CORRODED, INVOLVED IN INITIAL RECALL FOR CORRODED INNER ARMS. TT
NHTSA complaint 963582 - Filed Mar 31, 1995Failure Mar 31, 1995Manassas, VARetractor
LEFT REAR SEAT BELTS DON'T WORK, WON'T RETRACT. TT
NHTSA complaint 962895 - Filed Mar 14, 1995Failure Feb 13, 1995Kewaskum, WIRetractor
THE TWO WINDOW REAR SEAT BELT RETRACTOR WILL NOT LET THE BELT COME OUT. TT
NHTSA complaint 961871 - Filed Feb 27, 1995Failure Jun 28, 1994Tewksbury, MARear
RIGHT/REAR TRAILING ARM CRACKED AFTER RECALL REPAIRS, CAUSING TIRE TO LEAN INWARD. *AW
NHTSA complaint 481915 - Filed Jan 6, 1995Failure Jan 6, 1995Chesterfie, MAControl arm
RUST HOLE ON INNER CONTROL ARM NEXT TO WHEEL BEARING/SHOCK SPRING MOUNT. *SKD
NHTSA complaint 478312
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations
NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year
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.