Subaru Xt6 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 The model was superseded by the Subaru Alcyone SVX in 1992.

photo of Subaru Xt6 car production

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Subaru Xt6 model years

subaru xt6 1988 photo
Xt6 1988
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Common Subaru Xt6 problems

The Subaru XT6, produced from 1985 to 1991, is known for its unique design and innovative features. However, like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems that owners have reported over the years.

One of the most frequently mentioned issues is the car's overheating problems, which are often attributed to the lack of an intercooler in early models.

Another problem that XT6 owners have reported is the failure of the air suspension system, which is mostly dead in most cars. This can result in a rough ride and difficulty in maintaining the car's ground clearance.

Parts availability is also a significant issue with the XT6, as many of its unique components, such as wheels and axles, are becoming increasingly rare. This can make it challenging and expensive to maintain the car, especially for those who are not part of Facebook groups or other online communities where XT6 owners share information and resources.

The XT6's engine and transmission options are also a source of frustration for many owners. Early models came with either a 3-speed automatic or a 4-speed manual transmission, while later models had a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual. However, it is unclear whether transmissions can be swapped between models, which can limit the options available to owners who want to upgrade or repair their cars.

The XT6's unique "Cybrid" electro-hydraulic power steering system is another area of concern for many owners. This system uses specialized hydraulic fluid to turn an attached motor, which in turn turns the wheels. While the Cybrid fluid is still available from Subaru, the system is known to break down, which can make it difficult to steer the car.

Finally, the XT6's unique design and features, while innovative for their time, can make it challenging to find aftermarket parts and modifications. For example, the car's 4x140 lug pattern requires the use of Loyale parts for axel conversions, and the rear struts match up with NB Miata struts, requiring the use of EF/EG/EK Civic coilover sleeves for a significant drop in ride height.

In summary, while the Subaru XT6 is a unique and innovative vehicle, it has its share of common problems that owners have reported over the years. These include overheating issues, failure of the air suspension system, limited parts availability, unique engine and transmission options, a challenging power steering system, and a lack of aftermarket parts and modifications. However, with the right resources and a supportive community of owners, it is possible to maintain and enjoy this unique and iconic vehicle.

Subaru Xt6

Percentage distribution of complaints by Subaru Xt6 years

We have researched Subaru problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Subaru Xt6 cars and compiled the top 1 most problematic Subaru Xt6 model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Subaru Xt6 model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Subaru Xt6 years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Subaru Xt6 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Subaru Xt6 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Steering problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Subaru Xt6 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Subaru Xt6 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Subaru Xt6 vehicles.

List of Subaru Xt6 complaints

Subaru Xt6 1988
  • Date Of Incident: 2002-12-01
  • Date Complaint: 2003-01-03
  • VIN: JF1AX942XJH
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE REMEDIED UNDER RECALL 91V193000 IN 02/92. POWER STEERING BEGAN TO FAIL WITHOUT WARNING INTERMITTENTLY AT 89K MILES. DEALER DIAGNOSED PROBLEM AS RELATED TO PREVIOUS RECALL. MANUFACTURER ADVISED ONLY A 1 YEAR WARRANTY ON RECALL REMEDY. TS
Subaru Xt6 1988
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 1998-06-03
  • VIN: JF1AX9420JH
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: WHILE OPERATING VEHICLE AT ANY SPEED, THE POWER STEERING WILL CEASE OPERATING CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL. VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY INCLUDED IN RECALL 91V193000, WHICH THE REMEDY CORRECTED THE PROBLEM ONLY BRIEFLY.
Subaru Xt6 1988
  • Date Of Incident: 1998-02-01
  • Date Complaint: 1998-03-23
  • VIN: JF1AX9426JH
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED PRIOR TO/AFTER RECALL REPAIRS (91V-193).
Subaru Xt6 1988
  • Date Of Incident: 1996-08-01
  • Date Complaint: 1996-12-04
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: POWER STEERING MECHANISM FAILED AFTER RECALL WORK PERFORMED.
Subaru Xt6 1988
  • Date Of Incident: 1995-04-04
  • Date Complaint: 1996-11-06
  • VIN: JF1AX8424JC
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: WHEN TRAVELING THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT AND THEN IT COMES BACK ON. ELECTRONIC STEERING SYSTEM SIGNAL CONTROLLER HAS BEEN REPLACED UNDER SERVICE RECALL #WZM48 ON 3/30/92 AT 60,000 MILES. NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN AT 90,000 AND ON 7/89. *AK

Recalls Subaru Xt6

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the Subaru Xt6.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Subaru Xt6 1988
  • Report Received Date: 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.
  • Model: Subaru Xt6 1988
  • Report Received Date: 1991-11-12
  • Manufacturer: SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  • Components: STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP
  • Summary: THE ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED MOTOR PUMP POWER STEERING SYSTEM MAY MALFUNCTION, CAUSING INTERMITTENT LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST AND REQUIRING VARYING DEGREES OF INCREASED STEERING EFFORT.
  • Consequence: THE INTERMITTENT NATURE OF THE POWER STEERING FAILURECAN LEAD TO LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND RESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
  • Remedy: INSTALL A MODIFIED SIGNAL CONTROLLER AND A MODIFIED POWER CONTROLLER.

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