1989 Subaru XT
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1989 Subaru XT is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.
1989 Subaru XT at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
1989 Subaru XT recalls 2
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 …
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.
UNDER CERTAIN LOAD CONDITIONS, THE PARK GEAR MAY NOT DISENGAGE IMMEDIATELY WHEN THE TRANSMISSION LEVER IS MOVED FROM PARK TO REVERSE.
Fix: INSTALL A MODIFIED PARKING BRAKE PAWL TO PREVENT DELAYED RELEASE INTO REVERSE GEAR.
Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.
1989 Subaru XT common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 2 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
1989 Subaru XT MPG & running costs
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 3 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1989 Subaru XT costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Investigations & service bulletins
Manufacturer service bulletins 10
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered.
This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
Bulletin 15-302-22 · Equipment, Electrical System · Aug 2022This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
Bulletin 01-167-08R · Equipment · Aug 2022This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic essential information during diagnosis and repair of the Infotainment concerns. (Applicable to all models with Harman or Denso CP1 Infotainment).
Bulletin 15-192-22R · Electrical System · Mar 2022This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models
Bulletin 01-167-08R · Electrical System, Equipment · Jun 2021This bulletin is to advise of SOAâs revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
Bulletin 09-51-08R · Equipment, Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2021To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate Special Service Tool.
Bulletin 14-22-16R · Equipment · Feb 2021Special Service Tools Cross Reference List.
Bulletin 14-22-16R · Equipment · Aug 2020All Models (Vehicle Cleaning- COVID-19Best Practices)
Bulletin 01-181-20 · Equipment · Apr 2020Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newletter.
Bulletin Subaru Tech Tips · Equipment · May 2019To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate Special Service Tool.
Bulletin 14-22-16R · Equipment · May 2019Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the XT. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 2
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1989 Subaru XT. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Powertrain
ON ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, THE PARK GEAR DISENGAGEMENT MECHANISM, WHEN SUBJECT TO LOADS RESULTING FROM CERTAIN PARKING SITUATIONS, MAY NOT RELEASE IMMEDIATELY INTO REVERSE GEAR RESULTING IN DELAYED AND POSSIBLY ABRUPT VEHICLE MOVEMENT. THIS COULD RESULT IN POSSIBLE LOSS OF CONTROL AND THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH. CORRECTION: TRANSMISSION WILL BE REPAI…
Transport Canada #1991092 · Jun 1991Lights And Instruments
Certain vehicles do not comply with CMVSS 108 - Lighting. The resinous reflex reflectors of the front parking/side marker lamps do not meet the photometric requirements of the Standard. Correction: Front parking/side marker lamps will be replaced on affected vehicles.
Transport Canada #1991043 · Mar 1991Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Subaru XT
The Subaru XT is a 2+2 car manufactured and marketed by Subaru from 1985 to 1991, with a facelift in 1987. It is a two-door coupé with a front-mounted engine and either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. When the XT debuted, it was the most aerodynamic car in the US market.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.