1989 Subaru Justy problems

General information about Subaru-Justy
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

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 1989 Subaru Justy problems

The Subaru Justy, introduced in 1989, was one of the few small cars of the 1980s and 1990s that combined four-wheel drive with a small body. However, the four-wheel drive system's mechanical drag tends to blunt the car's fuel economy potential, and the small wheels limit ground clearance.

One of the most common problems with the Subaru Justy is related to its Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The CVT, introduced in the Justy in 1989, is known for stalling, shuddering, shaking, bumps, knocking, jerking, hesitation, and fluid seepage.

The CVT's maintenance schedule is also a common issue. The transmission is one of the few things that was missing from a 1989 Subaru Justy when it was found in a junkyard, suggesting that it had not been properly maintained.

The Justy's engine is another source of common problems. The 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine, which produces 72hp, is known for being a bit thrashy at higher revs due to its three-cylinder design.

The Justy's body and interior also have common problems. The car's 1980s-boxy styling, while distinctive, is not to everyone's taste.

In summary, the Subaru Justy is known for several common problems, including issues with its CVT transmission, engine, body, and interior. While the Justy offers some unique benefits, such as its small size and four-wheel drive capability, these common problems can make ownership a challenging experience for some owners.

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

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.

What is the top speed of the Subaru Justy?

The 4×4 version had a factory top speed of 145 km/h (90 mph) and could accelerate 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 16 seconds.

What is the speed record for the Subaru Justy?

The No. 440 Justy currently holds the land speed record for the I-Production class (production cars with 1.0-liter engines) at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. It first set the two-way flying-mile average record in 1988 at 117.5 mph, then it returned the following year to set another record at 123.2 mph.

When did Subaru stop making the Justy?

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

Did the Subaru Justy have a boxer engine?

What is the most rare Subaru?

'Rarest' Subaru Impreza built that's one of just 400 hits auction – but it'll cost you £250k for a very good reason. A RARE Subaru has hit auction in the UK with the asking price set for £250,000. The 1998 Impreza 22B-Sti is one of only 400 ever made by the Japanese giant of the rare 22B performance car.

1989 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:

Power train problems
Seat belts problems
Equipment problems
Suspension problems
Structure problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Subaru Justy vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1989 Subaru Justy complaints

The NHTSA has received 11 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Subaru Justy.

2002-09-11

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1998-10-01
VIN: JF1KA73AXKC
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: I FEEL THE DIPSTICK PROBLEM CAUSE THIS CAR'S TRANSMISSION TO BECOME DEFECTIVE. *AK

Add Complaint

2000-04-13

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1998-08-21
VIN: JF1KA73AXKC
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILED WHILE TRAVELING, ALSO, FAILURE LOCKED GEAR INTO DRIVE, AND WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT OUT. DEALER/MANUACTURER CONTACTED, AND SAID TAHT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. *AK *ML

Add Complaint

1999-03-24

EQUIPMENT PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1997-03-24
VIN: REFUSED
Components: EQUIPMENT
Summary: WHEN A/C BUTTON IS PRESSED, IT BLOWS OUT WARM AIR RATHER THAN COLD. DEALER CONTACTED APPROXIMATELY FIVE TIMES AND CANNOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

Add Complaint

1996-04-09

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1996-03-09
VIN: JF1KA73AOKC
Components: SEAT BELTS
Summary: FAILURE ON THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR, BELT WILL NOT RETRACT. *AK

Add Complaint

1995-10-20

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-10-20
VIN: JF1KA73AXKC
Components: SEAT BELTS
Summary: SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL (95V-103.006). *AK

Add Complaint

1995-08-18

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-08-18
VIN: JF1KA73A3KC
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: VEHICLE VIBRATES WHILE DRIVING, TRANSMISSION LIGHTS COMES ON IN THE DASHBOARD. TT

Add Complaint

1995-08-04

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-07-07
Components: SUSPENSION
Summary: FRONT SUSPENSION FAILURE, REAR BEARING FROZE THE U-JOINT CAUSING TIRE TO FAIL. TT

Add Complaint

1995-04-20

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1993-11-20
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: ECIT TRANSMISSION. HEARD LOUD THUMP TRANSMISSION DIED. CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL. TT

Add Complaint

1995-02-23

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-02-03
VIN: JF1KA73A2KC
Components: SEAT BELTS
Summary: DRIVERS SIDE SEATBELT WILL NOT LATCH DUE TO LATCH THAT THE BUCKLE FITS INTO BTROKE AND PIECES OF OPLASTIC FELL INTO THE LATCH. TT

Add Complaint

1995-02-21

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1992-05-31
Number Of Deaths: 2
Crash: 1
Components: SEAT BELTS
Summary: SEAT BELT BUCKLES/LATCH FAILED TO HOLD SECURE DURING ACCIDENT, CAUSING DRIVER TO BE THROWN FROM VEHICLE, RESULTING IN TWO DEATHS. *SKD

Add Complaint

1995-02-01

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1993-12-26
VIN: JF1AC43B1KC
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: HOOD FLEW UP WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS THE SECOND INCIDENT. TT

Add Complaint

1989 Subaru Justy recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1989 Subaru Justy.

1995-05-24

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.

1989-02-28

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.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1989 Subaru Justy problems:

common justy problems | Original Subaru Justy Forum

https://subarujusty.proboards.com/thread/5416/common-justy-problems

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 ...

Subaru Justy — Car Forums at Edmunds.com

https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/1173/subaru/justy/subaru-justy

Aug 3, 2000 ... ... justy engine from 75hsp to 110 with just a exhuast and tires!! ... 1989 date still ... Are there any "common" problems I need to watch out for?