1998 Subaru Forester problems
Owners have filed 138 complaints about the 1998 Subaru Forester with NHTSA. Power train accounts for 20.3% of them — the clear leader, ahead of suspension at 13%.
Complaints138
Crashes9
Fires5
Injuries9
Deaths1
What owners report breaking
Power train 20.3% · 28
Suspension 13.0% · 18
Service brakes, hydraulic 12.3% · 17
Engine and engine cooling 11.6% · 16
Vehicle speed control 10.1% · 14
Tires 6.5% · 9
Visibility 5.1% · 7
Electrical system 4.3% · 6
Severity
Of those complaints, 9 describe a crash, 5 describe a fire, 9 report an injury and 1 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 23 model years of the Subaru Forester in this data, 1998 sits 18th by complaint volume. 2019 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 4 in the last three years against 10 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 98,000 miles.
In owners' own words
Consumer was parking on an upgrade. Consumer stated that they put vehicle in park attempted to exit when vehicle began to roll backwards. Consumer applied brakes, pedal went to the floor. Which resulted in vehicle crossing a residential street and stopping in someones yard. Consumer feels this was very dangerous, someone could have been hit. Please provide any further information. Power train
The clutch does not engage properly when the engine is cold and for extended periods in cold weather. Clutch "chatters" making it difficult to start up from rest without hesitation and/or stalling. Potentially dangerous in traffic. Clutch seems not strong enough to handle the torque of the engine. Power train
Axle shaft leaked grease (potential fire hazard). Correction of failure outlined in manufacturer campaign wxn71 dated 5/5/1999. As owner, I did not receive campaign notification from Subaru of america. In response to inquiry, dlr advised that recall on my vehicle is closed; would like to know why. Power train
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…