Does the 1988 Subaru DL have any recalls?

3 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026, covering: fuel system, gasoline, seat belts. Recalls apply to the model and year; whether a particular vehicle is included, and whether it has been repaired, depends on its VIN.

How do I check if my 1988 Subaru DL recall has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask a Subaru dealer. Recall repairs are free. NHTSA's VIN search doesn't list recalls that were already repaired.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 1988 Subaru DL?

5 complaints filed with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public that NHTSA uses to decide what to investigate.

1988 Subaru DL recalls

Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.

3 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026

For the 1988 Subaru DL. These apply to the model and year, not to one particular vehicle: check your VIN to see whether yours is included and whether it has been repaired.

Has your Subaru been repaired?

Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.

Check your VIN with NHTSA

NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. A Subaru dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.

1988 Subaru DL recalls, newest first

October 5, 2005NHTSA 05E06500042,962 vehicles potentially affected

Fuel system, gasoline

Aftermarket equipment: applies only if this part was installed

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.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

May 24, 1995NHTSA 95V103006100,825 vehicles potentially affected

Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly

Summary: 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 securely locked, and then pressing the release button. The latch plate should pop out of the buckle when the button is pressed. If either release button shows a sign of breaking or cracking or if either buckle fails to operate properly, owners should promptly contact their authorized dealer to schedule an appointment to have the buckle replaced or repaired, free of charge. The manufacturer is developing a remedy designed to prevent failure of the buttons that are not currently broken.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

April 5, 1988NHTSA 88V05200060,000 vehicles potentially affected

Seat belts

Summary: 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.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

Owner complaints

Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 1988 Subaru DL with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public; NHTSA uses them to decide what to investigate.

Crashes reported: 2
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 2
Deaths reported: 0

Most complained-about components

Fuel system2
Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system1
Engine and engine cooling › Engine1
Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control1
Gasoline › Carburetor system1

Other Subaru DL years

Other 1988 Subaru models

Questions

Does the 1988 Subaru DL have any recalls?: 3 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026, covering: fuel system, gasoline, seat belts. Recalls apply to the model and year; whether a particular vehicle is included, and whether it has been repaired, depends on its VIN.
How do I check if my 1988 Subaru DL recall has been fixed?: Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask a Subaru dealer. Recall repairs are free. NHTSA's VIN search doesn't list recalls that were already repaired.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 1988 Subaru DL?: 5 complaints filed with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public that NHTSA uses to decide what to investigate.