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1988 Subaru DLProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 5 owner complaints about the 1988 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 complaints54 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem2Fuel system, gasoline

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 27, 2002. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1988 Subaru DL has problems

5 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, gasoline20
Seat belts21
Engine and engine cooling10
Power train10
Vehicle speed control11

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

2 recalls

1988 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

Front: buckle assembly

Recall 95V-103 · May 24, 1995 · 100,825 vehicles

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

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

1988 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 1988 Subaru DL, and the recalls they led to.

  1. SEAT BELT FAILUREDP96010 · closed Oct 24, 1996
    No recall

Own a 1988 DL?

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