VehicleVerdict

1988 Subaru XT6 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 5 complaints on file for the 1988 Subaru XT6 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

5

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1988 compare to other XT6 years?

XT6 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1988 highlighted5 complaints1988: 5 complaints1989: 0 complaints1990: 0 complaints1991: 0 complaints1992: 0 complaints1993: 0 complaints
XT6 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1988 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all XT6 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1988 Subaru XT6 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering5100%

Does the 1988 Subaru XT6 have recalls?

2 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.

91V193000SteeringNovember 12, 1991 · 13,000 units

Defect

THE ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED MOTOR PUMP POWER STEERING SYSTEM MAY MALFUNCTION, CAUSING INTERMITTENT LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST AND REQUIRING VARYING DEGREES OF INCREASED STEERING EFFORT.

Consequence

THE INTERMITTENT NATURE OF THE POWER STEERING FAILURECAN LEAD TO LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND RESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy

INSTALL A MODIFIED SIGNAL CONTROLLER AND A MODIFIED POWER CONTROLLER.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE REMEDIED UNDER RECALL 91V193000 IN 02/92. POWER STEERING BEGAN TO FAIL WITHOUT WARNING INTERMITTENTLY AT 89K MILES. DEALER DIAGNOSED PROBLEM AS RELATED TO PREVIOUS RECALL. MANUFACTURER ADVISED ONLY A 1 YEAR WARRANTY ON RECALL REMEDY. TS”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · December 1, 2002

1988 Subaru XT6 — common questions

Is the 1988 Subaru XT6 reliable?

The record is thin — 5 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1988 Subaru XT6 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1988 Subaru XT6. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1988 Subaru XT6 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.