VehicleVerdict

1987 Subaru GL problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 26 complaints on file for the 1987 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.

26

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1987 compare to other GL years?

GL NHTSA complaints by model year, 1987 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, 1987 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all GL years to avoid →

What are the most common 1987 Subaru GL problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1038%
Seat Belts415%
Transmission28%
Other28%
Suspension28%
Tires & Wheels28%
Body & Structure14%
Fuel System14%
Brakes14%
Electrical System14%

Does the 1987 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.

89V103000Fuel SystemJune 23, 1989 · 57,000 units

Defect

THE COMPOSITION OF CERTAIN NON-GENUINE REPLACEMENT PREHEAT TUBES CAN CAUSE COMBUSTION.

Consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.

Remedy

INSTALL A MODIFIED DESIGN PREHEAT TUBE.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

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

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 22, 1996 · fire

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

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · November 13, 1995 · crash

1987 Subaru GL — common questions

Is the 1987 Subaru GL reliable?

The record is thin — 26 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 1987 GL problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (10 complaints), seat belts (4 complaints), suspension (2 complaints).

Does the 1987 Subaru GL have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1987 Subaru GL. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1987 Subaru GL under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

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.