AutoStatsIQ
Data through Oct 2026
Model year

1987 Subaru GL

Wagon, gasoline, 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4, built in Japan. Owner complaints on file from Jan 11, 1995 to Sep 8, 2004.

Recalls (3)Complaints (17)Investigations (1)Bulletins (10)
Recall campaigns covering this model year3247k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints174.3 times the median 1987 wagon
Severity index17.6Crash, fire, injury or death per 100
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 1987 Subaru GL peaked in 1995, with 7 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

02468199571998200120042007201020132016201920222026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

24% of complaints about the 1987 Subaru GL name engine and cooling

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Engine and cooling
4
Seat belts
4
Equipment
2
Suspension
2
Electrical system
1
Fuel system
1
Brakes
1
Powertrain
1
Structure
1
Tires
1
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 1987 Subaru GL

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Recall campaigns for the 1987 Subaru GL
CampaignFiledSubjectComponentVehiclesRemedy
05E-065Oct 5, 2005Certain spx filtran fuel filters with a 45-degree angle inlet tube, model 800f350-s1, sold as replacement filters for 1993-1997 ford…Fuel system42,962Refund or buyback
92V-001Dec 2, 1992Inner arms of the rear suspension are subject to corrosion in areas where road salt is used heavily in winterSuspension147,000Part replacement
89V-103Jun 23, 1989Composition of certain non-genuine replacement preheat tubes can cause combustionFuel system57,000Repair or modification
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Look up a VIN at NHTSA
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 1987 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.

17 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed Sep 8, 2004Failure Jan 23, 2004125,000 milesState College, PATread/belt

    WHILE DRIVING REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. *AK THE FELT REAR WHEEL FELL OFF/REAR SUSPENSION TORSION BAR SPLIT. *SC

    NHTSA complaint 10055979
  2. Filed Apr 30, 1998Failure Apr 10, 1998Vernon, CTAnchorage

    THE REAR OUTBOARD SEATBELT ANCHORS HAVE RUSTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 822403
  3. Filed Jul 8, 1997Failure May 6, 1997High Rolls, NMConventional

    EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE FAILED TO RELEASE, CAUSING PADS/DISC TO OVERHEAT.

    NHTSA complaint 519483
  4. Filed Apr 11, 1997Failure Jun 25, 1995Grapeview, WAAccessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift, Frame and members

    FRAME ROTTED TO THE EXTENT THAT JACK WOULD NOT SUPPORT CAR AT INDICATED POINT OR FLOOR. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 968907
  5. Filed Dec 18, 1996Failure Oct 22, 1996Latham, NYWheels

    WHEEL FELL OFF, CAUSING ACCIDENT. (NEW JERSEY POLICE REPORT)

    NHTSA complaint 513045
  6. Filed Dec 4, 1996Failure Nov 10, 1996Pittsfield, MATorsion bar

    TORSION BAR SPLIT.

    NHTSA complaint 512216
  7. Filed Nov 25, 1996Middle Grove, NYRear

    THE REAR SINGLE AXLE IS RUSTING OUT SAME RECALL FOR THE 1987 # 92V001000 . *AK *SLC

    NHTSA complaint 805536
  8. Filed Sep 17, 1996Syracuse, INIgnition

    KEY CAN BE REMOVED FROM IGNITION WHILE IN DRIVE AT STOP. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS.*AK

    NHTSA complaint 802499
  9. Filed Apr 19, 1996Failure Mar 18, 1994Manchester, CTBelts and associated pulleys, Engine, Cooling system, Constant velocity joint

    WATER PUMP PIPE REPLACED. *SD

    NHTSA complaint 504003
  10. Filed Mar 12, 1996Failure Feb 22, 1996West Orange, NJGasolineFire

    WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE STALLED OUT, THE CONSUMER PARKED THE VEHICLE, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IT COUGHT FIRE, ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 980568
  11. Filed Nov 17, 1995Failure Nov 13, 1995Summit, NJRetractorCrash1 injured

    DRIVING VEHICLE AT SPEED OF 30MPH IMPACT 9:00 POSITION, DRIVERS SIDE LAP/SHOULDER BELT WILL NOT RETRACT CAUSING INJURIES. TT

    NHTSA complaint 975109
  12. Filed Nov 8, 1995Failure Nov 5, 1995Millinocket, MEFuel system, Hoses, Lines/piping, And fittings

    METALLIC FUEL LINE INSIDE THE VEHICLE RUPTURED TWICE. TT

    NHTSA complaint 974751
  13. Filed Apr 27, 1995Failure Feb 27, 1995Burien, WAEngine

    THE ALUMINUM HEADS CRACKED DUE TO EXCESSIVE HEAT. TT

    NHTSA complaint 964458
  14. Filed Feb 27, 1995Fontana, CAAccessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/liftCrash

    WHILE CHANGING TIRE, SUDDENLY THE JACK STAND COLLAPSED, DUE TO BROKEN WELD IN BASE OF STAND. TT

    NHTSA complaint 960620
  15. Filed Jan 26, 1995Failure Jan 20, 1995Warren, PAWebbing

    REAR SEAT SHOULDER BELTS RIPPED WAS RIPPED OUT. TT

    NHTSA complaint 959173
  16. Filed Jan 12, 1995Failure Jan 2, 1995Traverse CIT, MIRear/other

    REAR SEAT BELTS FAILED DUEV TO RUST. TT

    NHTSA complaint 958595
  17. Filed Jan 11, 1995Failure Aug 1, 1989NEW Cumber, PAGasoline

    ENGINE OVERHEATED/SEIZED DUE TO WATER PUMP FAILURE. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 480948
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

1 NHTSA investigation on file

  • PE89122 Preliminary evaluation, Speed control
    ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
    Opened May 18, 1989, closed Jun 29, 1989 · led to a recall
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
All investigations
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.
About service bulletins