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1989 Subaru XTProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 2 owner complaints about the 1989 Subaru XT, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints20 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem1Engine and engine cooling

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 6, 2002. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1989 Subaru XT 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
Engine and engine cooling10
Seat belts10

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

1 recall

1989 Subaru XT 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

Power train: automatic transmission

Recall 91V-082 · May 30, 1991 · 76,000 vehicles

Risk. DELAYED RELEASE OF TRANSMISSION FROM PARK CAUSES DELAYEDAND POSSIBLY ABRUPT VEHICLE MOVEMENT THAT COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLECONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.

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

1989 vs. every other XT 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 XT median. How we score

'85'86'87'88'89'90'91
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What XT owners report

Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

THERE IS OIL LEAKING SLOWING FROM THE DRAIN PLUG AREA. NO MATTER HOW TIGHT CONSUMER TIGHTENS IT THERE IS STILL A SLOW LEAK. CONSUMER FEELS THIS MAY CAUSE A FIRE. *AK *TT
Complaint 8011242 · Jun 6, 2002

Own a 1989 XT?

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