Is the 1999 Subaru Forester reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1999 Subaru Forester is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1999 Subaru Forester?

The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1999 Subaru Forester have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

1999 Subaru Forester

● Typical for this model

1999 Subaru Forester
RENDERED 2026-11-01T17:07:11.222Z

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: 131
Recalls: 1
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Power train

Complaints per year

1999: 131 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

27% · 35 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and axle shaft.

Suspension

19% · 25 reports

Most commonly citing wheel bearing and rear.

Engine and engine cooling

19% · 25 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

Service brakes

15% · 19 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Why is the brake line corrosion recall wqk-47 only for 2009-2013 foresters? I own a 1999 Forester which has just had a catastrophic brake line failure that is exactly the same as what is described in the recall.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-07-09

Tires

5% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing bead.

Show complaint excerpts

In one months time we have had 4 separate cooper weathermaster s/T2 205/70R15 tires have sidewall failure. These are snow tires used only during winter months.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-12-18

Safety timeline

1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

I
1999-03-05Preliminary evaluationClosed 1999-03-26 Seat belt anchorage separation
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

1999 Subaru Forester — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Power train: 35 reports on file for this year.
Suspension: 25 reports on file for this year.
Engine and engine cooling: 25 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 1999 Subaru Forester reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1999 Subaru Forester is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1999 Subaru Forester?: The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1999 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.