1998 Subaru Forester recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. 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.
What could happen: THIS CONDITION CAUSES THE VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE TO BE INCREASED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1998 FORESTER.
- Book a repair at any authorized Subaru dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 99V040000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
Summary: 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.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAUSES THE VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE TO BE INCREASED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 7, 1999. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1998 Subaru Forester owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Transmission / drivetrain (25), Suspension (18), Engine (16), Brakes (15), Hydraulic (15).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
02/24/2020 · Suspension
1. WHEEL BEARINGS HAVE CONSISTENTLY NEEDED REPLACEMENT STARTING 4 YEARS AFTER CAR PURCHASED NEW. AT 450.00 TO 500.00 EACH TIME. THIS IS A DESIGN ISSUES AND SUBARU NEEDS TO PAY OF EACH REPLACEMENT. 2. FUEL LINE LEAK. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND AGAIN LISTED MANY MANY TIME ON ALL SUBARU FIX WEB SITES. COST TO FIX 1600.00 AND MORE IF FUEL TANK NEEDS REPLACING…
12/11/2018 · Engine
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 PA…
09/30/2015 · Fuel system
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.
09/15/2008 · Suspension
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
04/25/2008 · Suspension
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
10/31/2007 · Suspension
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 FR…
09/01/2007 · Vehicle Speed Control
MY 1998 SUBARA FORESTER WENT INTO A "SUDDEN ACCELERATION". LUCKILY, NO ONE WAS KILLED, BUT THE CAR SUSTAINED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE. *TR
04/30/2007 · Engine · fire
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