Complaints over time
Complaints about the 1989 Subaru GL peaked in 1995, with 6 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
1989 Subaru GL
Wagon, gasoline, built in Japan. Owner complaints on file from Feb 27, 1995 to Nov 14, 2001.
Recall campaigns covering this model year143k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints94.5 times the median 1989 wagon
Severity index22.2Crash, fire, injury or death per 100
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Components
56% of complaints about the 1989 Subaru GL name seat belts
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 1989 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 |
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints
What owners reported about the 1989 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.
9 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.
- Filed Nov 14, 2001Failure Oct 25, 2001Redwood, NYService brakes, Disc
BRAKES WERE REPLACED AT ~100,000 MILES. BOTH FRONT ROTORS AND PADS AS WELL AS REAR DRUMS AND SHOES. ALL DONE BY SUBARU DEALER IN SPING OF 98. AS OF SPRING OF 01 AND LESS THAN 12,000 MILES LATER THE BRAKES HAVE SELF DESTRUCTED DO TO RUST. NEVER HAVE WE HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR BEFORE. ONLY SINCE RECENT YEAR SUBARU BRAKE ASSEMBLIES HAVE BEEN INSTALLED. SUBARU IS NOT STANDING BEHIND THIS. WILL HAVE THIS JOB DONE AT AN INDEPENDENT SHOP THAT WILL STAND BEHIND THEIR BRAKES.*AK
NHTSA complaint 754518 - Filed Dec 1, 1998Failure Dec 1, 1998Seattle, WAAutomatic transmission
THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION LINKAGE LOCK OUT FAILED. (THAT IS THE COMPONENT THAT PREVENTS SHIFTING FROM NUETRAL TO REVERSE FAILD AND THE CAR WENT INTO REVERSE FROM NUETRAL.
NHTSA complaint 701042 - Filed Apr 10, 1996Failure Apr 9, 1996Baldwin, MDVehicle speed controlCrash1 injured
FAILURE ON THE TRANSMISSION WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PUT IN REVERSE THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELEARATED CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. *AK
NHTSA complaint 982565 - Filed Nov 22, 1995Failure Nov 1, 1995College Poin, NYRetractor
FRONT LAP/SHOULDER BELT WILL NOT RETRACT ON PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE. TT *JB
NHTSA complaint 975316 - Filed Nov 17, 1995Jefferson, NCBuckle assembly
THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WHEN LATCHED THE BUCKLE CAME LOOSE . TT
NHTSA complaint 975061 - Filed Apr 21, 1995Failure Apr 21, 1995Palm Springs, FLSeat belts
FRONT PASSENGER AUTOMATIC SEATBELTS INOPERATIVE, BELTS STUCK ON TRACK AND WON'T MOVE UP OR DOWN. TT
NHTSA complaint 964176 - Filed Apr 21, 1995Failure Apr 17, 1995Bradeton, FLVehicle speed controlCrash
STOPPED AT STOP SIGN ALL OF A SUDDEN CAR JUST ACCELERATED,CAUSED ACCIDENT. TT
NHTSA complaint 964143 - Filed Apr 12, 1995Failure Apr 12, 1993Perry, MEBuckle assembly
ASK FOR EXT 597. FRONT AND REAR PASSENGER SEAT BELT ENGAGES AND RELEASES INTERMITTENTLY. TT
NHTSA complaint 963598 - Filed Feb 27, 1995Failure Feb 27, 1993Monroe, WIBuckle assembly
DRIVER SEAT BELT IS INOPERATIVE AND THE PASSENGER SIDE LATCHES SOMETIMES. TT
NHTSA complaint 960689
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.