1988 Subaru Justy problems
The Subaru Justy is a subcompact hatchback that has been sold by Japanese automobile manufacturer Subaru since 1984. Subaru manufactured the Justy from 1984 to 1994; since then it has sold rebadged versions of other vehicles under the Justy nameplate. The company introduced the latest iteration, a rebadged Daihatsu Boon (second generation), at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show with a 1.0 or 1.2-liter straight-three engine, front/four wheel drive, electronically controlled continuously variable transaxle, or a 5-speed manual transaxle. For the 2010 model year, the Justy was replaced with the Subaru Trezia. The Justy nameplate was revived in November 2016 as a rebadged Toyota Tank and its twin counterpart the Toyota Roomy and Daihatsu Thor.
First generation
Originally designed and manufactured in Japan, the Justy was introduced to Japan in 1984. The design was a widened and stretched version of the Rex kei car, still using the same doors and some other pressings. To Japanese buyers, it was longer and wider and had an engine larger than kei car dimension regulations outlined, while keeping the engine displacement just under 1000 cc to minimize the annual road tax obligation. The electronically controlled, continuously variable "ECVT" transmission was introduced in February 1987. Production of this model was limited to 500 per month due to limited supplies of steel bands from Van Doorne transmission, but as the Justy ECVT was not an unqualified success this was not a real problem. When supplies later increased, Subaru chose to use them for the smaller Rex instead. The Justy was originally available with a low or a high roof, although the flat roofed version was eventually allowed to wither away.
European and American versions followed in 1987 and all models received a restyling in 1989. In some countries, such as Sweden, the Justy was sold under the name Subaru Trendy. In some places it was also simply marketed as the 'J-series' in early years, J10 for 1.0 L versions and J12 for the later 1.2 L versions. In many markets the Justy was only sold with four-wheel-drive, as with much of the Subaru lineup. Intended to compete with Daihatsu's one-liter Charade, the Justy was presented with a one-liter engine. Somewhat underpowered, this was later complemented by a larger 1.2-liter which eventually became the only engine installed. In European catalyzed trim, this engine offered 80 PS (59 kW) at 5200 rpm.
In Taiwan, Subaru marketed a version of the Justy with a sedan-style body and an uprated 80 PS (59 kW) fuel injected EF12 engine called the Tutto. Taiwanese Subarus were assembled by their local partner Ta Ching.
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Common 1988 Subaru Justy problems
The Subaru Justy, produced in 1988, is known for its durability and fuel efficiency. However, there are a few common problems that owners have reported.
Another problem that has been reported is related to the engine's sudden shutdowns while driving. One owner of a 1988 Justy reported that the car would run perfectly for a while, but then suddenly die without any warning. The owner had replaced various parts, including the coil, plugs, plug wires, rotor, distributor cap, and fuel filter, but the problem persisted. The owner also reported hearing a "click" under the dash just before the engine died, which could indicate a problem with an electrical relay or sensor.
The Subaru Justy's electrical system has also been known to cause problems. Some owners have reported issues with the car's electrical components, such as the lights, radio, and gauges, suddenly turning off or on while driving. This could be a sign of a problem with the car's wiring, fuses, or electrical sensors.
Finally, some owners have reported problems with the car's suspension and steering systems. These issues can include a loose or worn-out steering rack, which can cause the car to wander or pull to one side while driving. Additionally, some owners have reported problems with the car's suspension components, such as worn-out shocks or struts, which can cause the car to bounce or sway while driving.
In conclusion, while the Subaru Justy is known for its durability and fuel efficiency, there are a few common problems that owners have reported. These issues include problems with the manual transmission, engine shutdowns, electrical system, and suspension and steering systems. If you are experiencing any of these issues with your Justy, it is recommended that you take it to a qualified mechanic for diagnosis and repair.
How many miles per gallon does a 1988 Subaru Justy get?
33 combined
Find and Compare Cars
| 1988 Subaru Justy | |
|---|---|
| Personalize Find a car | 3 cyl, 1.2 L, Manual 5-spd Compare |
| Fuel Economy | |
| EPA MPG | Regular Gasoline 33 combined city/highway MPG 31 city 35 highway 3.0 gals/100 miles |
| Unofficial MPG Estimates Shared by Vehicle Owners | View Estimates How can I share my MPG? |
When did Subaru stop making the Justy?
The Subaru Justy is a subcompact hatchback that has been sold by Japanese automobile manufacturer Subaru since 1984. Subaru manufactured the Justy from 1984 to 1994; since then it has sold rebadged versions of other vehicles under the Justy nameplate.
Did the Subaru Justy have a boxer engine?
Like the Ignis, the Justy featured a small instrument cluster designed in a binocular style. Since Subaru had only boxer engines, which were unsuitable for the little car, the Justy's engines were carried-over from its sibling, the Ignis.
How much horsepower does a 1989 Subaru Justy have?
SUBARU Justy 3 doors 1.2L 5MT AWD (67 HP)
| ENGINE SPECS - 1.2L 5MT AWD (67 HP) | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 49 KW @ 5600 RPM 67 HP @ 5600 RPM 66 BHP @ 5600 RPM |
| Torque: | 70 lb-ft @ 3600 RPM 95 Nm @ 3600 RPM |
| Fuel System: | Carburetor |
| Fuel: | Gasoline |
1988 Subaru Justy car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Subaru Justy problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Latches/locks/linkages problems
- Seat belts problems
- Suspension problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Visibility problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Subaru Justy vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1988 Subaru Justy complaints
The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Subaru Justy.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-08-13
- VIN: JF2KAH3A1GD
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE (#95V103006) IN JUNE. CALLED DEALERSHIP FOR APPOINTMENT. DROVE VEHICLE TO DEALER-75 MILES ONE WAY. AFTER ARRIVING WAS INFORMED DID NOT HAVE THE PARTS FOR REPAIRS. *AK
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JF1KA72A3JB
- Components: SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,SEATS
- Summary: EXHAUST SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED; ALSO, FRONT DRIVER'S SEATBACK SEPARATED FROM BOTTOM/WINDSHIELD WIPER ARM CRACKED/ LOCK MECHANISM INTERIOR SPRING BROKE/STRUTS LEAK PREMATURELY AND HOOD RUSTED AROUND LATCH. *AK
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-04
- VIN: JF2KA83A9JD
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: HOOD LATCH FAILED WHILE EXITING FROM HIGHWAY AT 45 MPH, HOOD FLEW UP AND SMASHED INTO WINDSHILED, IMPAIRING VISIBILITY. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-01-12
- VIN: JF1KA73A5JB
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: GAS, CONSUMER SMELLED A VERY BAD ODOR/FUMES IN THE VEHICLE WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE. *AK
1988 Subaru Justy recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1988 Subaru Justy.
- Manufacturer: SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
- Summary: DUE TO THE DESIGN OF THE TRANSMISSION CASE DIPSTICK AND THE FLUID LEVEL CHECKING METHOD, THERE MAY BE INSUFFICIENT LUBRICATION OF THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE EXTENSION HOUSING BEARING.
- Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE BEARING SEIZURE AND POSSIBLE REAR WHEELLOCKUP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: INSTALL MODIFIED DIPSTICK AND INSERT INFORMATION IN OWNERS MANUAL ON THE CORRECT FLUID LEVEL CHECKING PROCEDURES.
- Manufacturer: SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: OMISSION OF INFORMATION SPECIFIED BY FMVSS 210 FROM OWNER MANUAL.
- Consequence: FAILS TO MEET REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 210 REGARDING CHILDRESTRAINT SYSTEMS.
- Remedy: ADHESIVE BACKED INSERTS WILL BE FURNISHED WITH THE CORRECT INFORMATION.
- Manufacturer: SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
- Summary: INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE RELOCATED ALTERNATOR WIRING AND THE SOLENOID HOSE ALTERNATOR WIRING STAY BRACKET CAN CAUSE WIRE CHAFFING AND AN ELECTRICAL SHORT.
- Consequence: AN ELECTRICAL SHORT COULD RESULT IN SMOKE AND POSSIBLYAN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
- Remedy: MODIFY BY REMOVING THE SOLENOID HOSE/ALTERNATOR STAY BRACKET.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1988 Subaru Justy problems:
common justy problems | Original Subaru Justy Forum
Jan 24, 2014 ... Like nipper said, the oil system has issues. I highly recommend installing a pressure gauge. On high mileage engines chain guides and main and ...
1988 Justy Problem. Help Please! - Old Gen.: 80's GL/DL/XT ...
Jun 15, 2006 ... Your solution regarding the engine temp sensor seemed sound to me. I called the nearest Subaru dealer that I said was 2 hours away and they had ...
justy 1988 engine problems | Original Subaru Justy Forum
May 25, 2013 ... Your carb needs a cleaning and rebuild. You probably have some passages blocked that are giving it an extra strong venturi signal and pulling in ...
Subaru Justy — Car Forums at Edmunds.com
Aug 3, 2000 ... Home › Subaru › Subaru Justy ... I have a 1988 justy, that sadly I must put to rest. ... Are there any "common" problems I need to watch out for?
Subaru Justy Questions - How reliable of a car is the 3 cylindar ...
Jan 30, 2014 ... I owned three of these little cars and they were all 5 speed. I had an 1988 2wd, 1989 4wd, and a ...
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