VehicleVerdict

1986 Subaru GL problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 17 complaints on file for the 1986 Subaru GL — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

17

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1986 compare to other GL years?

GL NHTSA complaints by model year, 1986 highlighted26 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 2 complaints1982: 2 complaints1983: 5 complaints1984: 5 complaints1985: 10 complaints1986: 17 complaints1987: 26 complaints1988: 22 complaints1989: 9 complaints1993: 1 complaints
GL NHTSA complaints by model year, 1986 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all GL years to avoid →

What are the most common 1986 Subaru GL problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension529%
Seat Belts318%
Body & Structure318%
Tires & Wheels212%
Engine212%
Speed Control16%
Seats16%

Does the 1986 Subaru GL have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns 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.

92V001000SuspensionDecember 2, 1992 · 147,000 units

Defect

THE INNER ARMS OF THE REAR SUSPENSION ARE SUBJECT TO CORROSION IN AREAS WHERE ROAD SALT IS USED HEAVILY IN WINTER.

Consequence

OPERATION AND CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE CAN BE ADVERSELYAFFECTED BY CORROSION OF THE INNER CONTROL ARMS.

Remedy

RUSTPROOF OR REPLACE THE INNER CONTROL ARMS AS NECESSARY.

90V086000SuspensionMay 7, 1990 · 285,000 units

Defect

CONTINUOUS EXPOSURE TO ROAD SALT COULD CAUSE CORROSION OF REAR SUSPENSION COMPONENTS, ESPECIALLY THE INNER ARMS.

Consequence

THE CORROSION COULD AFFECT THE OPERATION AND CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.

Remedy

RUST PROOF OR REPLACE REAR SUSPENSION, AS NECESSARY.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · November 1, 1995

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · August 26, 2006

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · November 1, 1995

1986 Subaru GL — common questions

Is the 1986 Subaru GL reliable?

The record is thin — 17 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1986 GL problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (5 complaints), body & structure (3 complaints), seat belts (3 complaints).

Does the 1986 Subaru GL have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1986 Subaru GL. 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.