1987 Subaru Xt problems

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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 The model was superseded by the Subaru Alcyone SVX in 1992.

1987 Subaru Xt

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Common 1987 Subaru Xt problems

The Subaru XT, also known as the Alcyone in Japan, is a sports car produced in the mid-1980s that is known for its unique design and futuristic features. While it was a car ahead of its time, it was not without its problems. Here are some of the common issues reported by owners of the 1987 Subaru XT.

Engine Problems

One of the most significant issues with the 1987 Subaru XT was its engine. The car came with the standard EA82 boxer engine that was found in Subaru's mom-spec GL wagon.

Transmission Problems

The 1987 Subaru XT had overheating problems, which was a significant issue for many owners. Intercoolers are good things, but they were not standard in the XT, which led to many engine problems.

Suspension and Steering Problems

The 1987 Subaru XT had an air ride suspension, which was mostly dead, and coilover options were oddly enough, but little else.

Rust and Other Issues

The 1987 Subaru XT was known to rust very badly, like all 80's Subarus, and it was not uncommon to find cars with no functioning air suspension. There was no aftermarket for anything, and parts sources were getting scarce, making it difficult to maintain and repair the car.

In conclusion, the 1987 Subaru XT was a car with many issues, including engine, transmission, suspension, and steering problems. The car was known to rust very badly, and parts were hard to come by, making it a challenging car to maintain and repair. However, despite these issues, the XT had a unique design and futuristic features that made it a popular car among enthusiasts.

1987 Subaru Xt engine

What was the Subaru XT Coupe 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.

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 does XT mean in Subaru?

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.

What does XT stand for Subaru?

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.

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 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.

What does XT mean in Subaru?

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.

What is the most unreliable Subaru?

Some of the least reliable models include Subaru nameplates like the Impreza, WRX, and Forester.

1987 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:

  • Seat belts problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1987 Subaru Xt vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1987 Subaru Xt complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1987 Subaru Xt.

1995-08-03

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-08-03
  • VIN: JF2AX75B3HD
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: SEAT BELTS FAIL TO RETRACT. *AW

1987 Subaru Xt recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1987 Subaru Xt.

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.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1987 Subaru Xt problems:

Junkyard Find: 1987 Subaru XT GL | The Truth About Cars
Junkyard Find: 1987 Subaru XT GL | The Truth About Cars
https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2014/06/junkyard-find-1987-subaru-xt-gl/

Jun 16, 2014 ... The Subaru XT is a car you won't see often in most parts of the country, but Denver junkyards have tremendous quantities of old Subarus and ...

EA81 engine problem - Old Gen.: 80's GL/DL/XT/Loyales... - Ultimate ...
EA81 engine problem - Old Gen.: 80's GL/DL/XT/Loyales... - Ultimate ...
https://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/topic/5049-ea81-engine-problem/

Oct 15, 2003 ... Hey everyone, Got a problem with my '87 4WD STD Hatchback with EA81 engine and hydraulic lifters. Engine runs great and smooth at idle with ...

Common Problems with 2004 Subaru Forester 2.5 XT - Q&A
Common Problems with 2004 Subaru Forester 2.5 XT - Q&A
https://www.justanswer.com/subaru/770fk-subaru-forester-2-5-xt-own-2004-subaru-forester-2-5-xt.html

Oct 1, 2012 ... I own a 2004 Subaru Forester 2.5 XT 4 cylinders; AWD; 4 speed automatic transmission 2.5L DOHC Intercooled Turbo engine - Answered by a ...

Is the new Subaru Outback 2020 - 2023 Reliable at all? : r ...
Is the new Subaru Outback 2020 - 2023 Reliable at all? : r ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/Subaru_Outback/comments/13ka1yf/is_the_new_subaru_outback_2020_2023_reliable_at/

May 17, 2023 ... Also note: Subaru's drive like cars since it's engine ... XT, no issues at all. Remember that internet ... Low quality Windshield glass: Seems to be ...

Considering a 2006 Subaru Outback 2.5 XT Limited. What should I ...
Considering a 2006 Subaru Outback 2.5 XT Limited. What should I ...
https://www.subaruoutback.org/threads/considering-a-2006-subaru-outback-2-5-xt-limited-what-should-i-watch-out-for.517084/

Dec 11, 2019 ... What are the common problems? Save Share ... Get the 3.0R, put a XT hood with hood scoop on it and call it a day for reliability. ... 87 posts · ...

Other years of Subaru Xt

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Xt 1988
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