- 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.
Vehicle safety record
1988 Subaru GL Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 17 complaints about the 1988 Subaru GL with NHTSA, most often about the seats & seat belts (11) and the brakes (2). Those complaints describe 3 crashes and 1 injury. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in October 2005 for the fuel system, gasoline. For comparison, the 1987 has 17 and the 1989 has 9.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical GL year, for its age
#55 most complained-about 1988 vehicle
- Complaints
- 17
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 3
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1988 Subaru GL problems
Share of all 17 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1988 Subaru GL 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
- The problem
- The front safety belt buckle release buttons can break. These red plastic release buttons are marked "press." If a button breaks, pieces can fall into the buckle assembly causing the buckle to operate improperly.
- The risk
- The safety belts would not provide adequate protection to an occupant in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Owners should promptly check the condition and operation of both front safety belt buckles and carefully inspect the red release button for any breaks or cracks. They should ensure that both buckles are operating properly by inserting each latch plate into its buckle, tugging on the belt to make sure the latch is securely locked, and then pressing the release button. The latch plate should pop out of the buckle when the button is pressed. If either release button shows a sign of breaking or cracking or if either buckle fails to operate properly, owners should promptly contact their authorized dealer to schedule an appointment to have the buckle replaced or repaired, free of charge. The manufacturer is developing a remedy designed to prevent failure of the buttons that are not currently broken.
- The problem
- Omission of information specified by fmvss 210 from owner manual.
- The risk
- Fails to meet requirements of fmvss 210 regarding childrestraint systems.
- The fix
- Adhesive backed inserts will be furnished with the correct information.
What owners say
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Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
17 complaints about the 1988 Subaru GL
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
This air suspension system has failed after being repaired twice. The turbo -charger unit also has failed after being repaired twice. *Ak
TIMING BELTS BREAK ABOUT EVERY 40000 MILES.
Seat belt failed to stop or lock during rollover, resulting in injuries.
STRUTS FAILED DUE TO BEING WORN OUT.
Upon pressing the pedal beeping noise occurs due to powder build up on braking system. *Ak
Seat belt failed to hold driver in position during vehicle rollover, contributing to injury.
Driver seatbelt buckle locked up in latch position, after an accident seatbelt had to be cut off. Tt
The front seat belts don't lock. Please describe. Tt
Seat belts do not latch properly as recall states in other subaru models but manufacturer offers no assistance. Tt
Front brake rotors failed, causing vehicle to grind/squeak upon braking. *Ak
Sudden acceleration, causing loss of control/one accident. *Skd
Drivers seat belt may stick not retracting or extending properly. Please describe details. Tt
Driver's side seat belt buckle failure,it became unlatched. Tt
DRIVER SIDE LAP/SHOULDER WILL NOT RETRACT. TT
The front passenger and driver side seat belt buckles sometimes appear to be locked, but it come loose. Tt
Driver side seat belt failure, unable to unlatch seat belt. Tt
Passenger buckle fails to engage, cause unknown. Please describe details. Tt
Subaru GL: every year compared
All GL years1988 Subaru GL vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 Subaru GL | 17 | 3 | F | |
| 1988 Subaru DL | 5 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 1988 Subaru XT6 | 5 | 2 | D | Compare |
| 1988 Subaru Justy | 4 | 4 | F | Compare |
| 1988 Subaru Subaru | 2 | 0 | B | Compare |
| 1988 Subaru XT | 2 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 1988 Subaru Legacy | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 1988 Subaru Subaru Truck | 1 | 0 | - | Compare |
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.
Questions about the 1988 Subaru GL
Does the 1988 Subaru GL have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 1988 Subaru GL: fuel system, gasoline (October 2005); buckle assembly (May 1995); seat belts (April 1988). 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 1988 Subaru GL?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the seats & seat belts (11), brakes (2), engine & cooling (2).
How many complaints has the 1988 Subaru GL had?
17 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on March 7, 1995 and the latest on January 28, 1999. Of these, 3 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 1 injury and 0 deaths.
Is the 1988 Subaru GL a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 24 out of 100 (grade F: far more 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 1988 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