- 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.
Vehicle safety record
1981 Subaru GL Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 1981 Subaru GL with NHTSA, most often about the suspension (1) and the body, doors & structure (1). It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in May 1990 for the rear. For comparison, the 1980 has 0 and the 1982 has 2.
NHTSA data checked
AFar fewer problems than a typical GL year, for its age
#9 most complained-about 1981 vehicle
- Complaints
- 2
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1981 Subaru GL problems
Share of all 2 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1981 Subaru GL recalls 1
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
What owners say
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2 complaints about the 1981 Subaru GL
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
The left rear control arm has broken away from the mounting, causing the vehicle to rear end/to pull from side to side. Please describe details. *Ak
HATCHBACK HYDRAULIC STRUTS FAILED.
Subaru GL: every year compared
All GL yearsQuestions about the 1981 Subaru GL
Does the 1981 Subaru GL have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 1981 Subaru GL: 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 1981 Subaru GL?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the suspension (1), body, doors & structure (1).
How many complaints has the 1981 Subaru GL had?
2 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on July 26, 1996 and the latest on August 27, 1997. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1981 Subaru GL a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 85 out of 100 (grade A: far fewer problems than a typical Subaru GL 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 GL years have the most complaints?
1987 (17), 1988 (17), 1986 (14). See every Subaru GL year compared.
What should I do if my 1981 Subaru GL 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