1988 Subaru Xt6 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
2 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. 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…
What could happen: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A VEHICLE FIRE CAN OCCUR.
The 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1988 XT6.
- Book a repair at any authorized Subaru dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 05E065000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
Notes: CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236; (TTY:1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
2. Steering
What's wrong, in plain English: If steering fails you can lose control of the car. THE ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED MOTOR PUMP POWER STEERING SYSTEM MAY MALFUNCTION, CAUSING INTERMITTENT LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST AND REQUIRING VARYING DEGREES OF INCREASED STEERING EFFORT.
What could happen: THE INTERMITTENT NATURE OF THE POWER STEERING FAILURECAN LEAD TO LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND RESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
The fix: INSTALL A MODIFIED SIGNAL CONTROLLER AND A MODIFIED POWER CONTROLLER.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1988 XT6.
- Book a repair at any authorized Subaru dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 91V193000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP
Summary: THE ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED MOTOR PUMP POWER STEERING SYSTEM MAY MALFUNCTION, CAUSING INTERMITTENT LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST AND REQUIRING VARYING DEGREES OF INCREASED STEERING EFFORT.
Consequence: THE INTERMITTENT NATURE OF THE POWER STEERING FAILURECAN LEAD TO LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND RESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: INSTALL A MODIFIED SIGNAL CONTROLLER AND A MODIFIED POWER CONTROLLER.
Notes: SYSTEM: POWER STEERING.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CAR.NOTE: THE PARTS NECESSARY TO REPAIR THESE CARS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLEUNTIL JANUARY, 1992. IF YOU HAVE AN URGENT PROBLEM, CALL THE SUBARU TOLL FREEPHONE NUMBER 1-800-SUBARU-3 (1-800-782-2783) .
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1988 Subaru Xt6 owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Steering (5).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (5)
01/03/2003 · Steering
CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE REMEDIED UNDER RECALL 91V193000 IN 02/92. POWER STEERING BEGAN TO FAIL WITHOUT WARNING INTERMITTENTLY AT 89K MILES. DEALER DIAGNOSED PROBLEM AS RELATED TO PREVIOUS RECALL. MANUFACTURER ADVISED ONLY A 1 YEAR WARRANTY ON RECALL REMEDY. TS
06/03/1998 · Steering
WHILE OPERATING VEHICLE AT ANY SPEED, THE POWER STEERING WILL CEASE OPERATING CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL. VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY INCLUDED IN RECALL 91V193000, WHICH THE REMEDY CORRECTED THE PROBLEM ONLY BRIEFLY.
03/23/1998 · Steering
POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED PRIOR TO/AFTER RECALL REPAIRS (91V-193).
12/04/1996 · Steering
POWER STEERING MECHANISM FAILED AFTER RECALL WORK PERFORMED.
11/06/1996 · Steering
WHEN TRAVELING THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT AND THEN IT COMES BACK ON. ELECTRONIC STEERING SYSTEM SIGNAL CONTROLLER HAS BEEN REPLACED UNDER SERVICE RECALL #WZM48 ON 3/30/92 AT 60,000 MILES. NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN AT 90,000 AND ON 7/89. *AK