1999 Subaru Forester: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 131 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (22% of complaints); the 2000 model year looks more trouble-free.
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 131 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 subaru forester. On several occasions, while driving, the engine overheated and seized. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was previously repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 170,000.”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2016
“There are days where the vehicle will not engage into drive. It goes in reverse but still not engage the drive gear. After about a week of the vehicle sitting and not being turned on it will engage and work fine. But will do it again a few weeks to a couple of months later.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jan 2015
“Check engine light came on. There was corrosion around the gas cap. Shop diagnosed problem as rusted fuel filler neck - replaced at a cost of $330. I had started to notice a fuel smell in my garage, so fumes were leaking out. Mechanic said it was probably a matter of time before gas may have come through. Vehicle is kept in garage when not in use and there is no reason for this pipe to corrode unless the material is defective. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Dec 2008
Show 7 more owner reports
“I have a subura 1999 forester it is telling me on internet their is a recall part needed for brakes system. But my dealer says there is not. .only for a different forester. I think my forester should be covered. It is a forrester. I am having a brake problem. The internet says yes the dealer says no. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Dec 2008
“Check engine light came on and after checking/changing gas cap and having light reset, it came on again. I then checked internet sites for possible problems and then noticed corrosion when I removed the gas cap. One area had a small hole starting in the metal. We had the fuel filler neck replaced at a repair shop and they gave me the old one back. It was all corroded and he said it was probably a matter of time before gas may have come through. Vehicle is kept in garage when not in use and there is no reason for this pipe to corrode unless the material is defective. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Oct 2008
“Tl*the contact owns a 1999 subaru forester. While coasting, the vehicle began to accelerate on its own. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The current and failure mileages were 48,700. Updated 05/06/08 *bf the consumer stated dreyer & reinbold checked engine, transmission mounts speed control and found no problem. 05/06/08 *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2008
“Tl*the contact owns a 1999 subaru forester. While driving 40 mph, the contact depressed the brake pedal to avoid a dog. The vehicle would not stop and crashed into a telephone pole. The police arrived and filed a report. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop. The insurance company investigated the failure and informed her that this was a maintenance issue, rather than a safety issue. The subaru manufacturer stated that his VIN was not included in the recall. The recall number was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 100,000. Updated 03-25-08 *bf updated 03/25/08 *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jan 2008
“About 3 years into owning this '99 forester, the illumination for my gear shifting column between the front seats went out. Cost to repair was prohibitive, so I learned to deal with it. About 2 years ago, the led clock above the mirror went out. Cost to repair $180, so I decided to live without a clock. Last friday, the led that illuminates the gas gauge, speedometer and odometer went out. Now I have to periodically turn on the cabin light to see how fast I'm driving, how much gasoline I have and how many miles I've driven. What's next? This is ridiculous! *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2007
“On 1998 forester 5-spd, when pulling out on freeways and other roads, as I switch from 3 to 4 or from 4 to 5, engine wants to drop to idle as I try to accelerate. *nm”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2007
“Dt*: the contact stated fuel leaked onto the ground while filling the vehicle. The vehicle was inspected by the contact who determined the fuel filler pipe was rusted. The plastic covering around the filler pipe became clogged with road debris and appeared to have caused the rust. Additionally, the pipe appeared to have rusted more quickly because it was made of mild steel. The replacement part was ordered through the local dealer, who informed the contact this was a commonly ordered part.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · May 2006
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 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 1999 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 1999 Subaru Forester reliable?
NHTSA has 131 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1999 Subaru Forester. The most complained-about area is power train (22% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1999 Subaru Forester problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 74,000 miles or less.
Does the 1999 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.