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1983 Subaru GLProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 5 owner complaints about the 1983 Subaru GL, most often about the seat belts. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints52 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem2Seat belts

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through February 26, 1998. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1983 Subaru GL 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
Seat belts21
Engine and engine cooling11
Structure10
Suspension10

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

1 recall

1983 Subaru GL 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.

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

1983 vs. every other GL 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 GL median. How we score

'80'81'82'83'84'85'86'87'88'89'93
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1983 Subaru GL, and the recalls they led to.

  1. TRAILING ARM CORROSIONPE90055 · closed May 14, 1990
    Led to recall 90V-086
In owners' words

What GL owners report

Recent seat belts complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

FRONT SEAT BELT EX TENDERS HAVE A GAP WHERE CHILDREN CAN PUT THERE FINGERS IN AND GET CUT WHEN SEAT BELT RETURNS TO ITS REST POSITION
Complaint 531130 · Feb 24, 1998

Own a 1983 GL?

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