1987 Subaru Gl recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
3 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. 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…
What could happen: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A VEHICLE FIRE CAN OCCUR.
The fix: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1987 GL.
- Book a repair at any authorized Subaru dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 05E065000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: 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.
Notes: CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236; (TTY:1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
2. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. THE COMPOSITION OF CERTAIN NON-GENUINE REPLACEMENT PREHEAT TUBES CAN CAUSE COMBUSTION.
What could happen: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
The fix: INSTALL A MODIFIED DESIGN PREHEAT TUBE.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1987 GL.
- Book a repair at any authorized Subaru dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 89V103000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: THE COMPOSITION OF CERTAIN NON-GENUINE REPLACEMENT PREHEAT TUBES CAN CAUSE COMBUSTION.
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
Remedy: INSTALL A MODIFIED DESIGN PREHEAT TUBE.
Notes: SYSTEM: ENGINE/PREHEAT TUBES.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 4-DOOR SEDAN, 3 DOOR COUPE AND STATION WAGON, 4-WHEELDRIVE (4WD) CARBURETOR EQUIPPED VEHICLES.
3. Suspension
What's wrong, in plain English: Parts can break and cause loss of control. THE INNER ARMS OF THE REAR SUSPENSION ARE SUBJECT TO CORROSION IN AREAS WHERE ROAD SALT IS USED HEAVILY IN WINTER.
What could happen: OPERATION AND CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE CAN BE ADVERSELYAFFECTED BY CORROSION OF THE INNER CONTROL ARMS.
The fix: RUSTPROOF OR REPLACE THE INNER CONTROL ARMS AS NECESSARY.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1987 GL.
- Book a repair at any authorized Subaru dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 92V001000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: 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.
Notes: SYSTEM: REAR SUSPENSION.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS.NOTE: SUBARU OF AMERICA HAS INFORMED NHTSA THAT THE PARTS NECESSARY TO REPAIRTHESE CARS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL MARCH 1992. IF YOU HAVE AN URGENTPROBLEM, CALL THE SUBARU TOLL FREE PHONE NUMBER 1-800-SUBARU-3 (1-800-782-2783).
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1987 Subaru Gl owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (10), Seat belts (4), Wheels / tires (2), Equipment (2), Suspension (2).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
09/08/2004 · Wheels / tires
WHILE DRIVING REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. *AK THE FELT REAR WHEEL FELL OFF/REAR SUSPENSION TORSION BAR SPLIT. *SC
04/30/1998 · Seat belts
THE REAR OUTBOARD SEATBELT ANCHORS HAVE RUSTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
07/08/1997 · Brakes
EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE FAILED TO RELEASE, CAUSING PADS/DISC TO OVERHEAT.
04/11/1997 · Body / structure
FRAME ROTTED TO THE EXTENT THAT JACK WOULD NOT SUPPORT CAR AT INDICATED POINT OR FLOOR. *AK
12/18/1996 · Wheels / tires
WHEEL FELL OFF, CAUSING ACCIDENT. (NEW JERSEY POLICE REPORT)
12/04/1996 · Suspension
TORSION BAR SPLIT.
11/25/1996 · Suspension
THE REAR SINGLE AXLE IS RUSTING OUT SAME RECALL FOR THE 1987 # 92V001000 . *AK *SLC
09/17/1996 · Electrical system
KEY CAN BE REMOVED FROM IGNITION WHILE IN DRIVE AT STOP. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS.*AK