1986 Subaru Xt problems
The Subaru XT is a two-door, front- or all-wheel drive, four passenger 2+2 coupé manufactured and marketed by Subaru for model years 1985-1991, with a facelift in 1987. At introduction, the XT was the most aerodynamic car marketed in the US market, heavily influenced by noted designer Alex Tremulis.
Marketed as the Alcyone in Japan; as the Vortex in Australia and New Zealand; and as the XT (with the EA-82 four-cylinder engine) or XT6 (with the ER-27 six-cylinder engine) in North America and Europe, all XT's were assembled at Subaru's Yajima Plant in Ota, Japan. Over its single generation, production reached just over 98,000.
The XT was conceived in the United States for the US market, and debuted globally in the US. After sales began in February 1985 in the US, the XT Turbo 4WD's debuted in Europe at the March 1985 Geneva Motor Show, followed by its Japanese debut in June 1985.
The XT was noted for its pronounced wedge shape, low coefficient of drag; aviation influences from the aircraft division of parent company Fuji Heavy Industry; and its host of features, either innovative or uncommon in the XT's class — including height-adjustable pneumatic suspension, digital dash, central locking system, op-art upholstery, fold down rear seat, pod- and center console-mounted HVAC controls, advanced trip computer, and instrument cluster that tilted with adjustment of the steering column. With available front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, depending on the model year, the XT offered three trim levels, DL, GL (non-turbo, front-drive only), and GL-10 Turbo.
The Alcyone nameplate derives from Alcyone, the brightest star in the Pleiades star cluster, stylized in the Subaru logo. The model was superseded by the Subaru Alcyone SVX in 1992.
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Common 1986 Subaru Xt problems
The Subaru XT, produced in 1986, is known to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. One of the issues is related to the engine, specifically the EA82 boxer engine that was found in the XT Turbo. This engine had a mediocre power output of 110-115 horsepower and a short head gasket life of around 50,000 miles. This means that the head gasket, which seals the engine's cylinders and prevents coolant and oil leaks, may need to be replaced frequently, leading to increased maintenance costs.
Another issue reported by owners is a water leak problem. One owner mentioned a puddle of water in the trunk around the spot where a small hose exits the car, possibly due to a clogged water drain hole or a broken hose. This can lead to water entering the cabin or affecting the electrical components in the car.
Additionally, some owners have reported issues with the brakes, specifically warped brake discs. This can affect the car's braking performance and may require replacement of the brake discs.
Lastly, there have been reports of white smoke billowing from the car's exhaust, which can be caused by a blown head gasket or other engine issues. This can lead to a loss of power and decreased fuel efficiency.
In summary, the Subaru XT from 1986 has several common problems that owners have reported, including engine issues, water leaks, brake problems, and white smoke from the exhaust. These issues can lead to increased maintenance costs and decreased performance, so potential buyers should be aware of these problems before purchasing this car.
What was the 1985 Subaru XT known for?
The Subaru XT is a two-door, front- or all-wheel drive, four passenger 2+2 coupé manufactured and marketed by Subaru for model years 1985-1991, with a facelift in 1987. At introduction, the XT was the most aerodynamic car marketed in the US market, heavily influenced by noted designer Alex Tremulis.
What makes a Subaru an XT?
The XT in Touring XT refers to Subaru's 2.4L boxer-four. Subaru has offered this turbocharged engine in the Outback since this generation launched. It's a big power boost over the naturally aspirated 2.5L boxer engine offered in anything without that XT badge.
Does Subaru XT have Turbo?
Ask most Subaru Outback owners, and they will tell you the worst thing about their car is the power – or lack thereof. But it's never an issue, it's more like 'meh, it's fine'. Well settle no longer, because Subaru have slapped a turbo-charger on the Outback and have finally brought in the Subaru Outback XT.
Is The Subaru XT A Good car?
The Outback XT takes a good thing and makes it even better. In flagship Touring specification, the turbocharged Outback offers pretty much everything European rivals do for substantially less money, and also is a larger more practical vehicles than said competitors thanks to its sheer size.
What was the 1985 Subaru XT known for?
The Subaru XT is a two-door, front- or all-wheel drive, four passenger 2+2 coupé manufactured and marketed by Subaru for model years 1985-1991, with a facelift in 1987. At introduction, the XT was the most aerodynamic car marketed in the US market, heavily influenced by noted designer Alex Tremulis.
Does Subaru XT have Turbo?
Ask most Subaru Outback owners, and they will tell you the worst thing about their car is the power – or lack thereof. But it's never an issue, it's more like 'meh, it's fine'. Well settle no longer, because Subaru have slapped a turbo-charger on the Outback and have finally brought in the Subaru Outback XT.
What makes a Subaru an XT?
The XT in Touring XT refers to Subaru's 2.4L boxer-four. Subaru has offered this turbocharged engine in the Outback since this generation launched. It's a big power boost over the naturally aspirated 2.5L boxer engine offered in anything without that XT badge.
When was the Subaru XT made?
1985
The Subaru XT was a sport compact car that was produced by Subaru from 1985 to 1991. It was the first Subaru car to be offered with a turbocharged engine, and it was one of the first sport compact cars to be offered with all-wheel drive.
1986 Subaru Xt car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Subaru Xt problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Unknown or other problems
- Exterior lighting problems
- Interior lighting problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Subaru Xt vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1986 Subaru Xt complaints
The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Subaru Xt.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JF2AC75B6GF
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: DIGITAL INSTRUMENT PANEL IS VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO READ DURING DAYLIGHT.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-06-01
- VIN: JF1AX43B1GB
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: HEALIGHT SWITCH FAILED TWICE. *AK
INTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-06-12
- VIN: JF1AX43B1GB
- Components: INTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: THE OWNER HAS REPLACED THE DASHBOARD SWITCH TWICE BECAUSE IT NO LONGER OPERATES. *AK
1986 Subaru Xt recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1986 Subaru Xt.
- 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.
- 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1986 Subaru Xt problems:
Speedometer problem in 84 Brat - Old Gen.: 80's GL/DL/XT/Loyales ...
May 23, 2011 ... Very common problem. Oil from the ... I have had this problem with my 86 XT DL. I have pulled the ... Subaru part number for the oil seal. My ...
Why does literally EVERYONE try to talk me out of a Subaru? : r ...
May 15, 2023 ... I've never had a problem with Subarus. Had a 2016 Outback, now a 2017 Forester XT tuned to 290hp, no issue. The dealer has even stuck by the ...
Ea82 ignition problems - Old Gen.: 80's GL/DL/XT/Loyales ...
Dec 23, 2015 ... We are trying to get our sons 1986 mpfi ea82 running again. He had it running "well" a few weeks ago after reviving it as a school project ...
Is the 2017 Forester a reliable car? | Page 2 | Subaru Forester ...
Jul 27, 2020 ... Subaru acknowledged there were CVT complaints and warranty issues, ... Mcflip78. · Registered. 2018 Forester XT Touring CVT ... 1986 4Runner. Like.
Since we are doing dashes... Subaru XT Turbo 1986 : r/outrun
May 19, 2018 ... The Subaru Alcyone SVX, also known outside of its home market Japan as the Subaru SVX, is a two-door grand tourer coupé that was sold by Subaru ...
Other years of Subaru Xt
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