VehicleVerdict

1989 Subaru DL problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 1989 Subaru DL — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

3

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1989 compare to other DL years?

DL NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted11 complaints1974: 0 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 0 complaints1982: 0 complaints1983: 0 complaints1984: 0 complaints1985: 0 complaints1986: 1 complaints1987: 2 complaints1988: 11 complaints1989: 3 complaints
DL NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all DL years to avoid →

What are the most common 1989 Subaru DL problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Seat Belts267%
Engine133%

Does the 1989 Subaru DL have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

05E065000Fuel SystemOctober 5, 2005 · 42,962 units

Defect

CERTAIN SPX FILTRAN FUEL FILTERS WITH A 45-DEGREE ANGLE INLET TUBE, MODEL 800F350-S1, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT FILTERS FOR 1993-1997 FORD PROBE,1993-2001 MAZDA 626 AND MX-6, AND 1983-1994 LOYAL, 3-DOOR COUPE, HATCHBACK, SEDAN, WAGON, BRAT, DL, GL, GL-10, RX, XT, AND XT6 PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH EFI OR TURBO ENGINES. THESE FILTERS ARE PACKAGED AS WIX, NAPA, AND CARQUEST BRAND FUEL FILTERS. CERTAIN SPX FILTRAN FUEL FILTERS WITH A 90-DEGREE ANGLE INLET TUBE, MODEL 800F300-S2, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT FILTERS FOR 19983-1994 SUBARU VEHICLES WITH EFI OR TURBO ENGINES. THESE FILTERS ARE PACKAGED AS WIX, NAPA, AND CARQUEST BRAND FUEL FILTERS. FUEL MAY LEAK FROM THE FILTER DUE TO NON-CONFORMING BRAZING WELDS WHERE THE INLET TUBE IS CONNECTED TO THE FILTER CAN.

Consequence

IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A VEHICLE FIRE CAN OCCUR.

Remedy

SPX WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND PROVIDE A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN SEPTEMBER 27, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MR. CHRIS GREESON AT 704-869-3733 OR CONTACT THE WIX INFORMATION HOTLINE AT 800-949-6698.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“EXPERIENCES INTERMITTENT FAILURE, WHEN DRIVER'S SHOULDER/LAP BELT WON'T COME COMPLETELY OUT TO GO AROUND, AND REAR LAP BELTS WON'T RETRACT ALL THE WAY. TT”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts

“1) PASSENGER FRONT SEAT BELT FAILS TO REMAIN LATCHED. 2) CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATES DUE TO BUILD UP OF COMBUSTION. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine

1989 Subaru DL — common questions

Is the 1989 Subaru DL reliable?

The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1989 Subaru DL have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1989 Subaru DL. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.