1999 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.
27% of complaints: power train — 35 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and axle shaft.
19% of complaints: suspension — 25 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing wheel bearing and rear.
19% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 25 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
15% of complaints: service brakes — 19 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20190709
5% of complaints: tires — 7 distinct reports on file, 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, 20121218
SAFETY TIMELINE
SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE SEPARATION
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
1999 Subaru Forester — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (35 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (25 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (25 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 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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.