How many recalls does the 1988 Subaru Dl have?

The 1988 Subaru Dl has 2 NHTSA safety recall campaigns on record.

How do I check if my 1988 Subaru Dl has an open recall?

Enter your 17-character VIN at NHTSA's official recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see open, unrepaired recalls for your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free.

What do owners complain about most on the 1988 Subaru Dl?

Of 11 NHTSA complaints on file, the most-reported component is engine and engine cooling.

1988 Subaru Dl Recalls

Recalls on record Updated July 2026

The 1988 Subaru Dl has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 160,825 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 11 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the engine and engine cooling. Last updated July 5, 2026.

Recall campaigns

SEAT BELTS 95V103006 1995-05-24 100,825 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 BELTS 88V052000 1988-04-05 60,000 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

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:CARBURETOR SYSTEM

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY

POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT

SEAT BELTS

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

Total complaints11

What owners report

Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.

“While traveling at 25 mph another vehicle ran a stop sign and hit consumer's vehicle on the right front bumber. Driver's side seatbelt didn't hold, resulting in driver sustainin serious injuries. Please provide any further information.*ak”

SEAT BELTS · reported 2002-06-16

“Vehicle hard to start in cold or wet weather.”

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM · reported 1997-10-01

“Replaced clutch assembly.”

POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY · reported 1995-09-16

“Replaced e axles.”

POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY · reported 1995-09-16

“Replaced timing belt.”

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE · reported 1995-09-16

“Replaced water pump”

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM · reported 1995-09-16

“Intake manifold was encrusted with coolant, causing carburetor leak. *ak”

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:CARBURETOR SYSTEM · reported 1995-09-16

“Replaced oxygen sensor.”

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL · reported 1995-09-16

Defect investigations

Investigation DP96010 Opened 1996-07-02 · closed 1996-10-24

SEAT BELT FAILURE

THE AGENCY WAS PETITIONED TO INVESTIGATED WHETHER THE DRIVER SEAT BELT ON THE 1988 MODEL YEAR SUBARU DL STATION WAGON IS DEFECTIVE. THE PETITIONER ALLEGED THAT DURING A ROLLOVER CRASH, THE SEAT BELT DID NOT PROPERLY RESTRAINT HIM FROM HITTING HIS HEAD ON THE ROOF OF THE VEHICLE.

Sources & methodology

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 Dl as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.