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 power train, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1998 Subaru Forester have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

1998 Subaru Forester

● Typical for this model

1998 Subaru Forester
RENDERED 2026-11-01T17:06:20.198Z

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: 101
Recalls: 1
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Power train

Complaints per year

1998: 101 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1998	101
1999	131
2000	75
2001	139
2002	88
2003	189
2004	219
2005	93
2006	88
2007	74
2008	50
2009	178
2010	262
2011	147
2012	105
2013	78
2014	403
2015	616
2016	414
2017	593
2018	497
2019	833
2020	604
2021	213
2022	100
2023	74
2024	30
2025	99
2026	33

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Power train

26% · 26 reports

Most commonly citing manual transmission and clutch assembly.

CRASHINJURY

Suspension

17% · 17 reports

Most commonly citing rear and wheel bearing.

Show complaint excerpts

1. Wheel bearings have consistently needed replacement starting 4 years after car purchased new. At 450.00 to 500.00 each time. This is a design issues and Subaru needs to pay of each replacement. 2. Fuel line leak.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-02-24

Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system

Service brakes

17% · 17 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH

Engine and engine cooling

15% · 15 reports

Most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

CRASHFIRE

Vehicle speed control

14% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing cables.

CRASHINJURYDEATH

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-07-15

While coming to a complete stop with foot on brake the vehicle surged forward unexpectedly, causing an accident. Dealer said there is no problem.

NHTSA ODI report, 1998-05-14

Safety timeline

1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

1999-06-07Service brakes, hydraulic99V040000 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…

Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1998 Subaru Forester — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Power train: 26 reports on file for this year.
Suspension: 17 reports on file for this year.
Service brakes: 17 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 99V040000 · Service brakes, hydraulic

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

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 power train, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Subaru Forester have?: 1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.