The 1988 Subaru Gl has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 160,825 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 22 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the seat belts. Last updated July 5, 2026.
Recall campaigns
SEAT BELTS95V1030061995-05-24100,825 affected
Defect
THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.
Consequence
THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS…
SEAT BELTS88V0520001988-04-0560,000 affected
Defect
OMISSION OF INFORMATION SPECIFIED BY FMVSS 210 FROM OWNER MANUAL.
Consequence
FAILS TO MEET REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 210 REGARDING CHILDRESTRAINT SYSTEMS.
Remedy
ADHESIVE BACKED INSERTS WILL BE FURNISHED WITH THE CORRECT INFORMATION.
Complaints by component
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
8
2crashes
SEAT BELTS
2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
1
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
1
1crashes1injuries
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
1
Total complaints22
What owners report
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal
information removed.
“This air suspension system has failed after being repaired twice. The turbo -charger unit also has failed after being repaired twice. *ak”
“This air suspension system has failed after being repaired twice. The turbo -charger unit also has failed after being repaired twice. *ak”
“Upon pressing the pedal beeping noise occurs due to powder build up on braking system. *ak”
“Seat belt failed to hold driver in position during vehicle rollover, contributing to injury.”
“Sudden acceleration, causing loss of control/one accident. *skd”
“Front axles failed due to wear.”
“Driver seatbelt buckle locked up in latch position, after an accident seatbelt had to be cut off. Tt”
“Driver seatbelt buckle locked up in latch position, after an accident seatbelt had to be cut off. Tt”
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL,
FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 1988 Subaru Gl as of
July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page
contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.