1986 Subaru Gl problems
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Common 1986 Subaru Gl problems
The 1986 Subaru GL is known for several common problems, primarily related to the fuel system, suspension, and seats. These issues have been reported by owners and have led to a significant number of recalls for the model.
- Fuel System: The 1986 Subaru GL has experienced several issues with the fuel system, which have led to numerous recalls. The most common problems include leaks, cracks, and faulty fuel pumps. These issues can lead to decreased fuel efficiency, engine performance problems, and even the risk of a fire. The fuel system problems have affected over 200,000 cars, making it the most significant issue for the 1986 Subaru GL.
- Suspension: The suspension system of the 1986 Subaru GL has also been a common problem area, with over 285,000 cars affected. The most common issues include worn-out bushings, broken springs, and faulty struts. These problems can lead to a rough ride, decreased handling, and even the risk of an accident. The suspension issues have led to several recalls, with the largest one in 1990 affecting over 285,000 cars.
- Seats: The seats of the 1986 Subaru GL have also been a problem area, with over 100,000 cars affected. The most common issues include faulty seat belts, broken seat adjusters, and seat backs that do not lock in place. These problems can lead to decreased safety, discomfort, and even the risk of injury in the event of an accident. The seat issues have led to several recalls, with the largest one in 1995 affecting over 100,000 cars.
In addition to these common problems, the 1986 Subaru GL is also known for head gasket issues, particularly in the 1.8L OHC 8v flat turbo 4 engine. These issues can lead to decreased engine performance, overheating, and even engine failure. The causes of these issues are not well understood, but they are a common problem for cars of this vintage. It is recommended that owners of these cars regularly check for signs of head gasket failure, such as coolant leaks, overheating, and decreased engine performance.
In summary, the 1986 Subaru GL has several common problems, primarily related to the fuel system, suspension, and seats. These issues have led to numerous recalls and can lead to decreased safety, performance, and even engine failure. It is recommended that owners of these cars regularly check for signs of these issues and take appropriate action to address them.
1986 Subaru Gl car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Subaru Gl problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Suspension problems
- Seat belts problems
- Structure problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Tires problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Subaru Gl vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1986 Subaru Gl complaints
The NHTSA has received 14 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Subaru Gl.
2006-08-29
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-08-26
- VIN: JF2AN53B2GF
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, A SOUND OF RUST RIPPING WAS HEARD, RESULTING IN A SLIGHT LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTED THAT THE REAR SUBFRAME HAD CRACKED ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE. THE REAR WHEELS WERE ALSO BOWED IN AT THE TOP, CAUSING THEM TO TOUCH THE SPRINGS, RENDERING THE VEHICLE UNDRIVEABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE.
1998-05-20
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JF2AN53BXGE
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH DEFECTIVE CONTROL ARM FELL OFF, CAUSING THE RIGHT AND LEFT REAR WHEEL TO COME OFF WITHOUT WARNING. *AK
1996-12-17
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-11-26
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: LEFT FRONT TIRE BROKE OFF, CAUSING DAMAGE TO UNDERCARRIAGE. (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT)
1996-06-25
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-03-21
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *AK
1996-02-14
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-02-14
- VIN: JF1AN43B8GC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: HEAD GASKETS LEAK, CAUSING ENGINE TO OVERHEAT. *SD
1995-11-03
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-11-01
- VIN: JF1AC43B5GC
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,WHEELS
- Summary: FRONT FRAME RAIL IS CORRODED, HAS TWO HOLES IN IT. TT CONSUMER FOUND THIS FAILURE WHEN HAVING FRONT END OF VEHICLE ALIGNED, THE COMPANY REFUSED TO PERFORM AN ALIGNMENT BECAUSE THE FAILURE PREVENTED THEM FROM PUTTING VEHICLE ON A LIFT, VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED WITH RECALLS 90V086 AND 92V001 AND FEELS THE SAME THING THAT HAPPENED IN THE RECALLS HAS HAPPENED WITH THE FRAME RAIL. WHILE DRIVING, THE BOLT THAT HOLDS THE CONTROL ARM BROKE. WHILE DRIVING, THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL BROKE. *SLC
1995-08-15
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-08-15
- VIN: JF2AN53B0GE
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: REAR SEAT BUCKLES FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL. *SKD
1995-06-12
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-06
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JF1AC43B6GC
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: PUT VEHICLE IN DRIVE, IT ACCELERATED AND CRASHED. TT
1995-05-26
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-21
- VIN: JF1AN43B4GB
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: THE BOLT THAT HOLDS THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT HAS CRACKED FROM THE ANCHOR. TT
1995-04-11
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-04-09
- VIN: JF1AF43B7GC
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: REAR INNER ARMS CORRODED, INVOLVED IN INITIAL RECALL FOR CORRODED INNER ARMS. TT
1995-03-31
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-03-31
- VIN: JF2AN53B8GF
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: LEFT REAR SEAT BELTS DON'T WORK, WON'T RETRACT. TT
1995-03-14
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-02-13
- VIN: JF2AC75B4GF
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE TWO WINDOW REAR SEAT BELT RETRACTOR WILL NOT LET THE BELT COME OUT. TT
1995-02-27
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-06-28
- VIN: JF1AF23B5GB
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: RIGHT/REAR TRAILING ARM CRACKED AFTER RECALL REPAIRS, CAUSING TIRE TO LEAN INWARD. *AW
1995-01-06
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-06
- VIN: JF2AN53B0GE
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: RUST HOLE ON INNER CONTROL ARM NEXT TO WHEEL BEARING/SHOCK SPRING MOUNT. *SKD
1986 Subaru Gl recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1986 Subaru Gl.
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.
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