VehicleVerdict

1990 Subaru Justy problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 18 complaints on file for the 1990 Subaru Justy — 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.

18

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1990 compare to other Justy years?

Justy NHTSA complaints by model year, 1990 highlighted18 complaints1987: 0 complaints1988: 9 complaints1989: 11 complaints1990: 18 complaints1991: 9 complaints1992: 3 complaints1993: 4 complaints1994: 1 complaints1995: 1 complaints
Justy NHTSA complaints by model year, 1990 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Justy years to avoid →

What are the most common 1990 Subaru Justy problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Seat Belts950%
Transmission528%
Suspension317%
Engine16%

Does the 1990 Subaru Justy have recalls?

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

95V103006Seat BeltsMay 24, 1995 · 100,825 units

Defect

THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.

Consequence

THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SEATBELTS DO NOT RETRACT PROPERLY, CAUSING LOSS OF PROTECTION. DRIVER'S SIDE HAS ALREADY BEEN REPLACED ONCE, BUT DEFECT HAS REOCCURRED. *AK THE SEAT BELT AND RETRACTING ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED ONLY SEVEN MONTHS AFTER THE NEW VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE PROBLEM STILL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts

“VEHICLE WILL OPERATE FINE FOR APPROXIMATELY 5 MILES, WHEN SLOWING TRANSMISSION WILL SHIFT INTO LOW AT APPROX 20 MPH, THEN SHIFTS INTO NEUTRAL. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 2, 1999

“INSTILLATION OF A RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARING CONTINUES TO REMAIN UNCORRECTED AFTER FOUR SEPARATE FOLLOWUP VISITS TO BLACK'S TIRE. THE NOISE SOUNDS UNSSAFE AND OCCURS EXACTLY TWO DAYS AFTER THEY HAVE RE-CHECKED THE VEHICLE. I AM CONVINCED THAT THEY ARE UNAWARE ON HOW TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM SINCE ITS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension

1990 Subaru Justy — common questions

Is the 1990 Subaru Justy reliable?

The record is thin — 18 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1990 Justy problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seat belts (9 complaints), transmission (5 complaints), suspension (3 complaints).

Does the 1990 Subaru Justy have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1990 Subaru Justy. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1990 Subaru Justy under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations 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.