MYRModel Year Report

1998 Subaru Forester

● Typical for this model
1998 Subaru Forester
RENDERED 2026-08-02T11:48:21.765Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Subaru Forester Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1998 highlighted. 1998: 101 complaints 1998 1999: 131 complaints 2000: 75 complaints 2001: 139 complaints 2002: 88 complaints 2002 2003: 189 complaints 2004: 219 complaints 2005: 93 complaints 2006: 88 complaints 2006 2007: 72 complaints 2008: 50 complaints 2009: 178 complaints 2010: 262 complaints 2010 2011: 147 complaints 2012: 105 complaints 2013: 77 complaints 2014: 403 complaints 2014 2015: 611 complaints 2016: 405 complaints 2017: 579 complaints 2018: 487 complaints 2018 2019: 831 complaints 2020: 592 complaints 2021: 207 complaints 2022: 93 complaints 2022 2023: 69 complaints 2024: 28 complaints 2025: 78 complaints 2026: 11 complaints 2026
1998: 101 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
1998101
1999131
200075
2001139
200288
2003189
2004219
200593
200688
200772
200850
2009178
2010262
2011147
2012105
201377
2014403
2015611
2016405
2017579
2018487
2019831
2020592
2021207
202293
202369
202428
202578
202611

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 13%

13% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 13 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY DEATH
Show complaint excerpts

THE CONSUMER PLACED HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE, STARTED THE VEHICLE AND SUDDENLY WITHOUT WARNING THE VEHICLE LUNGED INTO GEAR TAKING OFF SOME 40 FEET, STRIKING ANOTHER VEHICLE DAMAGING BOTH VEHICLES. *JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20040715

WHILE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP WITH FOOT ON BRAKE THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD UNEXPECTEDLY, CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. DEALER SAID THERE IS NO PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19980514

TIRES 7%

7% of complaints: tires — 7 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
VISIBILITY 6%

6% of complaints: visibility — 6 distinct reports on file.

SUSPENSION 5%

5% of complaints: suspension — 5 distinct reports on file.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 5%

5% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 5 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19990607 — service brakes, hydraulic

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS). (THE 1999 2.2 LITER LEGACY VEHICLES ARE EXCLUDED). IN EXTREMELY COLD WEATHER, THE BRAKE PED

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER.

Campaign 99V040000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1998 Subaru Forester — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (13 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for tires issues (7 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for visibility issues (6 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 99V040000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2008 ▲ 2023 ▲ 2007

WORST YEARS

■ 2019 ■ 2015 ■ 2020

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1998 Subaru Forester reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Subaru Forester is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1998 Subaru Forester?

The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 13% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1998 Subaru Forester have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.