RecallMyCar

1988 Subaru Justy Recalls, Complaints & Specs

4 safety recalls list the 1988 Subaru Justy, and owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA. Check your own VIN below.

4
safety recalls
4
owner complaints to NHTSA
28–33
MPG combined (EPA)

4 safety recalls for the 1988 Subaru Justy

Most recent first. Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. Click a recall for the full defect, consequence and remedy text.

  1. Buckle assembly (seat belts)

    NHTSA 95V103006 Reported 100,825 vehicles potentially affected SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

    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.

    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…

  2. Manual transmission (power train)

    NHTSA 89V028000 Reported 15,000 vehicles potentially affected SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

    Due to the design of the transmission case dipstick and the fluid level checking method, there may be insufficient lubrication of the 4 wheel drive extension housing bearing.

    Remedy: Install modified dipstick and insert information in owners manual on the correct fluid level checking procedures.

  3. Seat belts

    NHTSA 88V052000 Reported 60,000 vehicles potentially affected SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

    Omission of information specified by FMVSS 210 from owner manual.

    Remedy: Adhesive backed inserts will be furnished with the correct information.

  4. Alternator/generator/regulator (electrical system)

    NHTSA 88V029000 Reported 3,000 vehicles potentially affected SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

    Insufficient clearance between the relocated alternator wiring and the solenoid hose alternator wiring stay bracket can cause wire chaffing and an electrical short.

    Remedy: Modify by removing the solenoid hose/alternator stay bracket.

4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA

Owners of the 1988 Subaru Justy have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA. Complaints peaked in 1996 with 3 filed that year.

Most-reported components

What owners are reporting

“Received recall notice (#95v103006) in june. Called dealership for appointment. Drove vehicle to dealer-75 miles one way. After arriving was informed did not have the parts for repairs. *ak”

Owner complaint to NHTSA, September 5, 1997 · Seat belts

“Exhaust system malfunctioned; also, front driver's seatback separated from bottom/windshield wiper arm cracked/ lock mechanism interior spring broke/struts leak prematurely and hood rusted around latc”

Owner complaint to NHTSA, November 26, 1996 · Engine and engine cooling

Fuel economy and specs

EPA ratings for the 1988 Subaru Justy (Justy 4WD). Ranges cover every tested configuration.

Combined28–33 mpg
City / Highway26–31 / 32–35
FuelRegular
EPA classSpecial Purpose Vehicles, Subcompact Cars
Engine3 cyl, 1.2 L
TransmissionManual 5-spd

Compare Subaru Justy model years

Recall and complaint counts for every Subaru Justy model year in NHTSA's database.

Model yearRecallsComplaints
1987 Subaru Justy10
1988 Subaru Justy44
1989 Subaru Justy211
1990 Subaru Justy116
1991 Subaru Justy19
1992 Subaru Justy03
1993 Subaru Justy04
1994 Subaru Justy01
1995 Subaru Justy01

Checking a specific 1988 Subaru Justy

How do I know if my 1988 Subaru Justy has an open recall?

Enter your 17-character VIN above. The VIN is on the driver's side dashboard (visible through the windshield), the driver's door jamb sticker, and your registration or insurance card. The check runs against NHTSA's live database and tells you which campaigns list your vehicle. 4 campaigns currently list the 1988 Subaru Justy; your car may already have been repaired under some of them.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Under federal law, manufacturers must fix safety recalls at no charge for vehicles up to 15 years old from the date of sale to the first owner. Contact any authorised Subaru dealer with your VIN and the NHTSA campaign number (for example 88V029000).

What is the difference between a recall and a complaint?

A recall is a safety campaign filed by the manufacturer or ordered by NHTSA, with a defined defect and remedy. A complaint is a report an owner sent to NHTSA; it is not verified, but patterns of complaints are what trigger NHTSA investigations and, eventually, recalls.

Other Subaru models

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint databases and EPA fuel economy data, October 2026. Complaint counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. Recall counts are safety campaigns that list this model year; whether a particular car was already repaired depends on its VIN. How this data is compiled.