VehicleVerdict

Subaru DL years to avoid

Across 1974–1989, no single DL year stands out as one to avoid by our thresholds. The 1988 drew the most complaints; 1985 the fewest.

17

Total complaints

6

Recall campaigns

1974–1989

Years covered

0

Years to avoid

Complaints by model year

Subaru DL NHTSA complaints by model year11 complaints1974: 0 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 0 complaints1982: 0 complaints1983: 0 complaints1984: 0 complaints1985: 0 complaints1986: 1 complaints1987: 2 complaints1988: 11 complaints1989: 3 complaints
Subaru DL NHTSA complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Every DL year

YearComplaintsRecalls
198931
1988113
198723
198613
198503
198402
198302
198201
198101
198001
197400

Common questions

What is the best year for the Subaru DL?

By complaint volume, 1985 has the cleanest NHTSA record among DL years with enough data to compare.

How many recalls does the Subaru DL have?

Across all model years, the DL has 6 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 17 consumer complaints on file.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.