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1987 Subaru DLProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 2 owner complaints about the 1987 Subaru DL, most often about the fuel system, gasoline. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints20 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage161kFuel system, gasoline, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 21, 2006. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1987 Subaru DL has problems

2 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Fuel system, gasoline10
Suspension10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

1987 Subaru DL recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Suspension: rear

Recall 92V-001 · Dec 2, 1992 · 147,000 vehicles

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Subaru.

Best & worst years

1987 vs. every other DL year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the DL median. How we score

'80'81'82'83'84'85'86'87'88'89
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1987 Subaru DL, and the recalls they led to.

  1. ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRESPE89122 · closed Jun 29, 1989
    Led to recall 89V-103
In owners' words

What DL owners report

Recent fuel system, gasoline complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

TIME IS A KEY FACTOR, AS WELL AS PLACES THAT RUST VEHICLES SOONER THAN OTHERS. THE FAILURE IS A FUEL DAMPER AND/OR FUEL LINES AND/OR FUEL PUMP. THE CONSEQUENCES ARE SMELL OF FUEL, LEAKS, ERRATIC ENGINE, AND LEAD ON ONE OCCASION TO A LEAN CONDITION THAT FAILED A TIMING BELT. THE FUEL PUMP ALSO…
Complaint 10171505 · Oct 21, 2006 · 161,000 miles

Own a 1987 DL?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.