1998 Subaru Forester
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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 | 72 |
| 2008 | 50 |
| 2009 | 178 |
| 2010 | 262 |
| 2011 | 147 |
| 2012 | 105 |
| 2013 | 77 |
| 2014 | 403 |
| 2015 | 613 |
| 2016 | 411 |
| 2017 | 586 |
| 2018 | 493 |
| 2019 | 832 |
| 2020 | 600 |
| 2021 | 207 |
| 2022 | 98 |
| 2023 | 73 |
| 2024 | 29 |
| 2025 | 93 |
| 2026 | 20 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
26% of complaints: power train — 26 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing manual transmission and clutch assembly.
CRASH INJURY17% of complaints: suspension — 17 distinct reports on file, 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, 20200224
Also filed under FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
17% of complaints: service brakes — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH15% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.
CRASH FIRE14% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing cables.
CRASH INJURY DEATHShow 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
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 power train issues (26 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (17 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (17 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 99V040000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.