1986 Subaru Dl problems and complaints

1986 Subaru Dl problems

Table of contents

Common 1986 Subaru Dl problems

The Subaru DL 1986 is known for several common problems, which are detailed below:

Transmission Issues: The transmission in the Subaru DL 1986 can experience grinding gears, slipping clutches, and difficulty shifting. These issues can be caused by worn-out synchronizers, damaged clutch discs, or faulty transmission fluid.

Suspension and Steering Problems: The suspension and steering system in the Subaru DL 1986 can experience worn-out bushings, loose tie rod ends, and steering wheel vibration. These issues can be caused by worn-out suspension components, loose steering linkages, or unbalanced wheels.

Electrical Troubles: The electrical system in the Subaru DL 1986 can experience dead batteries, malfunctioning alternators, and faulty ignition systems. These issues can be caused by worn-out batteries, faulty alternators, or damaged ignition coils.

Fuel System Failures: The fuel system in the Subaru DL 1986 can experience clogged fuel filters, fuel pump issues, and poor fuel economy. These issues can be caused by dirty fuel filters, faulty fuel pumps, or inefficient engine components.

Body and Interior Concerns: The body and interior of the Subaru DL 1986 can experience rust and corrosion, window and door issues, and interior wear and tear. These issues can be caused by exposure to moisture, wear and tear, or lack of maintenance.

Exhaust System Malfunctions: The exhaust system in the Subaru DL 1986 can experience leaking exhaust manifolds, broken catalytic converters, and loud exhaust noises. These issues can be caused by worn-out exhaust components, damaged catalytic converters, or faulty mufflers.

It is important to note that the Subaru DL 1986's engine is known for head gasket problems, which can lead to coolant leaks, overheating, and engine failure. This issue is common in Subaru engines of this era and can be costly to repair.

Regular maintenance, such as regular oil changes, keeping the cooling system in good condition, and timely replacement of belts and hoses, can help prevent these issues from occurring.

1986 Subaru Dl car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Subaru Dl problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Electrical system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Subaru Dl vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1986 Subaru Dl complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Subaru Dl.

1996-01-22

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1996-01-01
Fire: 1
VIN: JF2AN55B0GD
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: ENGINE COMPARMENT FIRE, UNDER THE HOOD, ELECTRICAL SHORT. TT

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1986 Subaru Dl recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1986 Subaru Dl.

2005-10-05

Manufacturer: SPX FILTRAN
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: 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.
Consequence: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A VEHICLE FIRE CAN OCCUR.
Remedy: 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.

1992-12-02

Manufacturer: SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Components: SUSPENSION:REAR
Summary: THE INNER ARMS OF THE REAR SUSPENSION ARE SUBJECT TO CORROSION IN AREAS WHERE ROAD SALT IS USED HEAVILY IN WINTER.
Consequence: OPERATION AND CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE CAN BE ADVERSELYAFFECTED BY CORROSION OF THE INNER CONTROL ARMS.
Remedy: RUSTPROOF OR REPLACE THE INNER CONTROL ARMS AS NECESSARY.

1990-05-07

Manufacturer: SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Components: SUSPENSION:REAR
Summary: CONTINUOUS EXPOSURE TO ROAD SALT COULD CAUSE CORROSION OF REAR SUSPENSION COMPONENTS, ESPECIALLY THE INNER ARMS.
Consequence: THE CORROSION COULD AFFECT THE OPERATION AND CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: RUST PROOF OR REPLACE REAR SUSPENSION, AS NECESSARY.