VehicleVerdict

1989 Subaru GL problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 9 complaints on file for the 1989 Subaru GL — 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.

9

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1989 compare to other GL years?

GL NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 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, 1989 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all GL years to avoid →

What are the most common 1989 Subaru GL problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Seat Belts556%
Speed Control222%
Brakes111%
Transmission111%

Does the 1989 Subaru GL 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.

“FAILURE ON THE TRANSMISSION WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PUT IN REVERSE THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELEARATED CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · April 9, 1996 · crash

“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.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 1, 1998

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 25, 2001

1989 Subaru GL — common questions

Is the 1989 Subaru GL reliable?

The record is thin — 9 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 GL have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1989 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.