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Vehicle safety record

1986 Subaru DL Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 1986 Subaru DL with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system (1). Those complaints describe 1 fire. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in October 2005 for the fuel system, gasoline. For comparison, the 1985 has 0 and the 1987 has 2.

NHTSA data checked

DMore problems than a typical DL year, for its age

#153 most complained-about 1986 vehicle

Complaints
1
Recalls
3
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
0

Most common 1986 Subaru DL problems

Share of all 1 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

1986 Subaru DL recalls 3

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Fuel system

05E06500042,962 vehicles affected

The problem
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.
The risk
In the presence of an ignition source, a vehicle fire can occur.
The fix
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.

Suspension: rear

92V001000147,000 vehicles affected

The problem
The inner arms of the rear suspension are subject to corrosion in areas where road salt is used heavily in winter.
The risk
Operation and control of the vehicle can be adverselyaffected by corrosion of the inner control arms.
The fix
Rustproof or replace the inner control arms as necessary.

Suspension: rear

90V086000285,000 vehicles affected

The problem
Continuous exposure to road salt could cause corrosion of rear suspension components, especially the inner arms.
The risk
The corrosion could affect the operation and control of the vehicle.
The fix
Rust proof or replace rear suspension, as necessary.

What owners say

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1 complaints about the 1986 Subaru DL

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.

Electrical systemFire

Engine comparment fire, under the hood, electrical short. Tt

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 977914

Subaru DL: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
19892100Seats & seat beltsC
19885320Seats & seat beltsF
19872300Fuel systemD
19861301Electrical systemD
19850300-D
19840200-C
19830200-C
19820100-B
All DL years

1986 Subaru DL vs rivals

VehicleComplaintsRecallsCrashesGrade
1986 Subaru DL130D
1986 Subaru GL1431DCompare
1986 Subaru XT320CCompare
1986 Subaru Subaru200BCompare

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

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Questions about the 1986 Subaru DL

Does the 1986 Subaru DL have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 1986 Subaru DL: fuel system, gasoline (October 2005); rear (December 1992); rear (May 1990). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 1986 Subaru DL?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the electrical system (1).

How many complaints has the 1986 Subaru DL had?

1 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on January 22, 1996 and the latest on January 22, 1996. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 1 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 1986 Subaru DL a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 26 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Subaru DL year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Subaru DL years have the most complaints?
What should I do if my 1986 Subaru DL has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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