1992 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 1992 Subaru Justy problems
The Subaru Justy, particularly the 1992 model, has been known for several common problems that owners have reported. These issues include rough idling, starting difficulties, and transmission failures.
- Starting Difficulties: Some Subaru Justy owners have reported difficulties starting their cars, which can be caused by various issues, including a weak battery, a faulty starter motor, or poor electrical connections. In some cases, the problem may be related to the fuel system, such as a clogged fuel filter or a faulty fuel pump.
- Transmission Failures: The Subaru Justy's Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) has been known to fail prematurely, particularly if the transmission fluid is not changed at regular intervals. The CVT uses a belt and pulley system instead of traditional gears, which can be more prone to wear and failure. The transmission fluid should be changed every 15,000 miles to prevent damage to the CVT.
- Engine Overheating: Some Subaru Justy owners have reported that their cars tend to run warmer than expected, particularly when driven uphill or in hot weather. This can be caused by a variety of issues, including a faulty thermostat, a clogged radiator, or low coolant levels.
- Poor Performance: The Subaru Justy's three-cylinder engine has been criticized for being underpowered and having a reputation for being "thrashy" at higher revs. This can make the car feel slow and unresponsive, particularly when driven uphill or with a heavy load.
- Poor Fuel Economy: The Subaru Justy's four-wheel-drive system can reduce fuel economy, particularly when driven in urban areas or at low speeds. This can make the car more expensive to run than similar vehicles with front-wheel drive.
- Limited Ground Clearance: The Subaru Justy's small wheels and four-wheel-drive system can limit ground clearance, making it more susceptible to damage from potholes and other road hazards. This can also make it more difficult to drive the car in snowy or icy conditions.
- Rust: The Subaru Justy's bodywork has been known to rust, particularly in areas with harsh winter conditions or salt on the roads. This can make the car more difficult to sell and reduce its value.
- Poor Build Quality: Some Subaru Justy owners have reported issues with the car's build quality, including rattles, squeaks, and other noises. This can make the car feel less refined and less durable than similar vehicles.
- Limited Availability of Parts: The Subaru Justy is no longer in production, which can make it difficult to find replacement parts for the car. This can make repairs more expensive and time-consuming than for similar vehicles that are still in production.
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 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? |
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 |
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 many kg is a Subaru Justy?
The Subaru Justy I 1.0 weighs 690 Kg / 1521 lbs.
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? |
1992 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:
- Unknown or other problems
- Seat belts problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1992 Subaru Justy vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1992 Subaru Justy complaints
The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1992 Subaru Justy.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-09-01
- VIN: JF2KD83A8NF
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: BRUSH PACK HOLDER FAILURE.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELTS FAILED TO RESTRAIN DRIVER DURING COLLISION, CAUSING INJURY.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-03
- Fire: 1
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING FLAMES WERE PRESENT UNDER THE CAR WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO BURST. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1992 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 ...
Subaru Justy — Car Forums at Edmunds.com
Aug 3, 2000 ... ... justy engine from 75hsp to 110 with ... I own a Subaru J10 1992 Model. I did some ... Are there any "common" problems I need to watch out for?
1992 Subaru Justy Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 1992 Subaru Justy? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
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 ...
Used Subaru Justy - 1992-2002 Reliability & Common Problems ...
Jan 1, 2006 ... Bear in mind, though, that if anything goes wrong with the Justy's transmission, the fact that it's four-wheel drive will probably mean an ...
Other years of Subaru Justy
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