1998 Subaru Forester: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 101 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (17% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 1999
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 101 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 1998 subaru forester. The contact stated that the service engine indicator illuminated and the engine revved up and down. The vehicle would need to accelerate in order to rev down. An independent mechanic stated that the failure may be due to the oxygen sensor or the catalytic converter. The contact called liberty auto city (1000 e park ave, libertyville, il 60048, (847) 362-2683) and was informed that there were no recalls. The manufacturer provided the contact with a case number. The failure mileage was 120,000.”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2016
“When at the gas stations I try to put gas into my car, it is not going into the tank properly, it keeps shutting the gas nozzle off within seconds. Very hard to put gas into my car.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Sep 2015
“Increasing grinding noise from rear of car; dealer inspected and found failing right real wheel bearing; repair found failed seal on axle; one control arm replaced along with axle and bearing. *tr”Owner report · Suspension · Aug 2008
Show 7 more owner reports
“My '98 subaru forester is experiencing rear wheel bearing failure again. These bearings are defective and fail often, from what I've read on the web. *tr”Owner report · Suspension · Apr 2008
“My 98 forester had the right rear bearing changed 3 times by non dealer chain. Started making noise again. When I went to subaru, the mechanic told me that it's common. He has been replacing them with legacy bearings and has not had any complaints. Also the vent on top of rear differential blows or sweats diff fluid out onto differential. Potential for freeze up of differential once all fluid is gone. Mechanic claims he would have to open differential and "notch" some metal guard in there to prevent this. This along with bearings-$600. *tr”Owner report · Suspension · Oct 2007
“My 1998 subara forester went into a "sudden acceleration". Luckily, no one was killed, but the car sustained significant damage. *tr”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Aug 2007
“1998 subaru forester. Consumer states that while driving she heard a loud noise, pulled over to inspect the vehicle it was on fire. *mc the consumer replaced the knock sensor 30 days prior. (ohio traffic crash report). *jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 2007
“1998 subaru forester's tire blew out. *ts when the tire blewout it caused the vehicle to go off the roadway and strike a construction cone, delineator post and south ditch. The vehicle left rear quarter panel, taillight and bumper were damaged. There were no injuries. *nm”Owner report · Tires · Jul 2006
“Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle accelerated while parked. The vehicle went through a fence and hit some brush. The contact noticed smoke coming from the engine. Two weeks prior to the incident the contact smelled something burning. The heater would not work properly. The vehicle was taken to a dealership. The thermostat was replaced. There was not a police report filed. Updated 3/28/2006 - *nm”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2006
“The plastic !! Speedometer cable gears (2) failed , causing speedometer failure , at oil temp light to flash , check engine light to come , erratic idle, cruise control failure, engine stall . If this is not dangerous I don't know what else is !! Cost me $1300 to have it fixed and yes the parts are available ! *jb”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Aug 2005
When filing, owners marked a crash in 7 of these complaints and injuries in 5 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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 PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR AND THE VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE IS INCREASED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1998 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Forester by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1998 Subaru Forester reliable?
NHTSA has 101 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1998 Subaru Forester. The most complained-about area is power train (17% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1998 Subaru Forester problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 93,998 miles or less.
Does the 1998 Subaru Forester have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.