The Subaru RX spans 1986–1989 with 0 recorded NHTSA recalls. It delivers up to 25 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
We're still compiling NHTSA safety, recall and owner-complaint data for the Subaru RX — its ForCar Reliability Score will appear once that data is in.
Overview
The Subaru RX is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1986 to 1989 across multiple generations.
How to read a Subaru RX VIN — every digit explained
Every Subaru RX 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 RX.
- 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 RX, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Subaru RX have?
The Subaru RX has 0 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1986–1989. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
Best and worst years for the Subaru RX
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Subaru RX — best- and worst-year trends will appear here once that data is in.
What are the most common Subaru RX problems?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint data for the Subaru RX — the most-reported problems will appear here once that data is in.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Subaru RX specifications & dimensions
The 1989 Subaru RX measures 175″ long on a 97″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 2,339 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Subaru RX window sticker.
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | 175″ | 65″ | 54″ | 97″ | 2,339 lb |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Subaru RX cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the RX holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 83 cu ft of passenger volume and 19 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
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 RX 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 RX get?
The Subaru RX returns up to 25 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $2,500/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 1989 Subaru RX (1.8L 4-cyl) gets 25 mpg combined and costs about $2,500/yr to fuel, emitting 355 g/mi CO₂ — about $1,500 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 RX | 23 | 29 | $2,500 | 355 | — | 1.8L 4-cyl | |
| 1988 RX | 23 | 29 | $2,500 | 355 | — | 1.8L 4-cyl | |
| 1987 RX | 21 | 26 | $2,700 | 386 | — | 1.8L 4-cyl | |
| 1986 RX | 21 | 27 | $2,700 | 386 | — | 1.8L 4-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the RX stacks up against the most fuel-efficient sedans, or calculate this RX's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Subaru RX have? Power & range
The Subaru RX is offered with 1 powertrain — 1.8L 4-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-cyl | 1.8L · 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | FWD | Regular |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Subaru RX cost to own?
A Subaru RX 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 RX 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 RX loses about 44% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $12,500 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the RX 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 RX safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the RX yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Subaru RX last?
A well-maintained Subaru RX typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain.
Check your Subaru RX’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this RX’s VIN free →All Subaru RX model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Subaru RX — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 RX | 0 | — | |
| 1988 RX | 0 | — | |
| 1987 RX | 0 | — | |
| 1986 RX | 0 | — |
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 RX?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Subaru RX.
How many recalls does the RX have?
0 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1986–1989. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Subaru recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the RX get?
Up to 25 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a RX last?
A well-maintained RX typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the RX reliable?
We're still compiling NHTSA data for the Subaru RX — its ForCar Reliability Score will appear once that data is in.
What's the Subaru RX 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 RX made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your RX'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 does a RX weigh?
The RX's curb weight is around 2,339 lb. Its GVWR — the maximum loaded weight — decodes from the VIN.
How much ground clearance does the RX 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.