The Subaru DL spans 1981–1989 with 19 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 3.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 1988, 1989, 1987 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 1981, 1982, 1983. It delivers competitive fuel economy and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Subaru DL is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1981 to 1989 across multiple generations.
How to read a Subaru DL VIN — every digit explained
Every Subaru DL carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Subaru and the country it was built in (real Subaru codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this DL.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- JapanJF1 · JF2 · JF3 · JF4
- USA4S3 · 4S4
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your DL, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Subaru DL have?
The Subaru DL has 19 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–1989. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
1989 Subaru DL recalls 1
Fuel System, Gasoline
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. In the presence of an ignition source, a vehicle fire can occur.
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.
1988 Subaru DL recalls 3
Seat Belts
What's wrong. Omission of information specified by fmvss 210 from owner manual.
Risk. Fails to meet requirements of fmvss 210 regarding childrestraint systems.
Fix. Adhesive backed inserts will be furnished with the correct information.
Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. The safety belts would not provide adequate protection to an occupant in a vehicle crash.
Fix. 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.
Fuel System, Gasoline
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. In the presence of an ignition source, a vehicle fire can occur.
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.
1987 Subaru DL recalls 3
Fuel System, Gasoline
What's wrong. The composition of certain non-genuine replacement preheat tubes can cause combustion.
Risk. This could result in an engine compartment fire.
Fix. Install a modified design preheat tube.
Suspension:rear
What's wrong. The inner arms of the rear suspension are subject to corrosion in areas where road salt is used heavily in winter.
Risk. Operation and control of the vehicle can be adverselyaffected by corrosion of the inner control arms.
Fix. Rustproof or replace the inner control arms as necessary.
Fuel System, Gasoline
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. In the presence of an ignition source, a vehicle fire can occur.
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.
1986 Subaru DL recalls 3
Suspension:rear
What's wrong. The inner arms of the rear suspension are subject to corrosion in areas where road salt is used heavily in winter.
Risk. Operation and control of the vehicle can be adverselyaffected by corrosion of the inner control arms.
Fix. Rustproof or replace the inner control arms as necessary.
Suspension:rear
What's wrong. Continuous exposure to road salt could cause corrosion of rear suspension components, especially the inner arms.
Risk. The corrosion could affect the operation and control of the vehicle.
Fix. Rust proof or replace rear suspension, as necessary.
Fuel System, Gasoline
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. In the presence of an ignition source, a vehicle fire can occur.
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.
1985 Subaru DL recalls 3
Suspension:rear
What's wrong. The inner arms of the rear suspension are subject to corrosion in areas where road salt is used heavily in winter.
Risk. Operation and control of the vehicle can be adverselyaffected by corrosion of the inner control arms.
Fix. Rustproof or replace the inner control arms as necessary.
Suspension:rear
What's wrong. Continuous exposure to road salt could cause corrosion of rear suspension components, especially the inner arms.
Risk. The corrosion could affect the operation and control of the vehicle.
Fix. Rust proof or replace rear suspension, as necessary.
Fuel System, Gasoline
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. In the presence of an ignition source, a vehicle fire can occur.
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.
1984 Subaru DL recalls 2
Suspension:rear
What's wrong. Continuous exposure to road salt could cause corrosion of rear suspension components, especially the inner arms.
Risk. The corrosion could affect the operation and control of the vehicle.
Fix. Rust proof or replace rear suspension, as necessary.
Fuel System, Gasoline
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. In the presence of an ignition source, a vehicle fire can occur.
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.
1983 Subaru DL recalls 2
Suspension:rear
What's wrong. Continuous exposure to road salt could cause corrosion of rear suspension components, especially the inner arms.
Risk. The corrosion could affect the operation and control of the vehicle.
Fix. Rust proof or replace rear suspension, as necessary.
Fuel System, Gasoline
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. In the presence of an ignition source, a vehicle fire can occur.
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.
1982 Subaru DL recalls 1
Suspension:rear
What's wrong. Continuous exposure to road salt could cause corrosion of rear suspension components, especially the inner arms.
Risk. The corrosion could affect the operation and control of the vehicle.
Fix. Rust proof or replace rear suspension, as necessary.
1981 Subaru DL recalls 1
Suspension:rear
What's wrong. Continuous exposure to road salt could cause corrosion of rear suspension components, especially the inner arms.
Risk. The corrosion could affect the operation and control of the vehicle.
Fix. Rust proof or replace rear suspension, as necessary.
Best and worst years for the Subaru DL
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 9 tracked years, the worst years are 1988, 1989, 1987 and the best (fewest complaints) are 1981, 1982, 1983.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 DL | — | Best | |
| 1982 DL | — | Best | |
| 1983 DL | — | Best | |
| 1984 DL | — | Average | |
| 1985 DL | — | Average | |
| 1986 DL | Electrical System | Average | |
| 1987 DL | Fuel System | Avoid | |
| 1988 DL | Power Train | Avoid | |
| 1989 DL | Seat Belts | Avoid |
What are the most common Subaru DL problems?
The most-reported Subaru DL problems are Gasoline (3 reports), Seat Belts (4 reports) and Suspension (1 reports) — out of 17 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Seat Belts 4 Read
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
1) passenger front seat belt fails to remain latched. 2) check engine light illuminates due to build up of combustion. Please describe details. Tt
Experiences intermittent failure, when driver's shoulder/lap belt won't come completely out to go around, and rear lap belts won't retract all the way. Tt
Seat belt buckle appear to be fasten, but most of the time it comes unfastened. Tt
Engine And Engine Cooling 4 Read
1) passenger front seat belt fails to remain latched. 2) check engine light illuminates due to build up of combustion. Please describe details. Tt
Replaced timing belt.
Replaced water pump
Replaced oxygen sensor.
Fuel System 3 Read
Vehicle hard to start in cold or wet weather.
Intake manifold was encrusted with coolant, causing carburetor leak. *ak
Time is a key factor, as well as places that rust vehicles sooner than others. The failure is a fuel damper and/or fuel lines and/or fuel pump. The consequences are smell of fuel, leaks, erratic engine, and lead on one occasion to a lean condition that failed a timing belt. The fuel pump also failed. If this leak happens on the suction side of fuel pump it is elusive and dangerous. *nm
Gasoline 3 Read
Vehicle hard to start in cold or wet weather.
Intake manifold was encrusted with coolant, causing carburetor leak. *ak
Time is a key factor, as well as places that rust vehicles sooner than others. The failure is a fuel damper and/or fuel lines and/or fuel pump. The consequences are smell of fuel, leaks, erratic engine, and lead on one occasion to a lean condition that failed a timing belt. The fuel pump also failed. If this leak happens on the suction side of fuel pump it is elusive and dangerous. *nm
Power Train 3 Read
Replaced clutch assembly.
Replaced e axles.
Replaced 5 cv boots.
Vehicle Speed Control 1 Read
The engine reved high when the driver pressed the accelerator. The vehicle went out of control due to the accelerator sticking and the driver struck a pedestrian and other vehicles. *yh
Suspension 1 Read
Air suspension system failed, causing a leak. *sd
Electrical System 1 Read
Engine comparment fire, under the hood, electrical short. Tt
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Subaru DL specifications & dimensions
The 1989 Subaru DL. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Subaru DL window sticker.
| Specs cache warming… |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Subaru DL cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the DL holds — passengers and cargo. Seating, cargo and interior dimensions vary by trim and seat configuration — decode your VIN for the exact build.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Subaru DL tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Subaru DL get?
MPG cache warming… reload in a moment.
What engines does the Subaru DL have? Power & range
Powertrain data warming… reload in a moment.
How much does a Subaru DL cost to own?
A Subaru DL holds its value well. A typical example keeps roughly 56% of its value after five years — losing about 44% to depreciation. Check what a used DL is worth today or browse current used-market prices before you buy or sell. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 84% | $25,200 | −$4,800 |
| Year 2 | 76% | $22,800 | −$7,200 |
| Year 3 | 68% | $20,400 | −$9,600 |
| Year 4 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 5 | 56% | $16,800 | −$13,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this DL loses about 44% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — based on EPA economy at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the DL ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Subaru DL safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the DL yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Subaru DL last?
A well-maintained Subaru DL typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 3.5/5.
Check your Subaru DL’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this DL’s VIN free →All Subaru DL model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Subaru DL — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 DL | 1 recall | — | — |
| 1988 DL | 3 recalls | — | — |
| 1987 DL | 3 recalls | — | — |
| 1986 DL | 3 recalls | — | — |
| 1985 DL | 3 recalls | — | — |
| 1984 DL | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 1983 DL | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 1982 DL | 1 recall | — | — |
| 1981 DL | 1 recall | — | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the DL?
By owner-complaint volume, 1988, 1989, 1987 drew the most reports. 1981, 1982, 1983 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the DL have?
19 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–1989. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
How many miles does a DL last?
A well-maintained DL typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the DL reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the DL is 3.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Subaru DL warranty?
New Subaru models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Subaru dealer.
Where is the Subaru DL made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your DL's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Subaru may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the DL have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.