What Owners Report NHTSA ODI · 2,175,102 complaints · MY1998–2026

1999 Subaru Forester

Typical pattern

17.5% of complaints about the 1999 Subaru Forester came in the first year, which is unremarkable for a 1999 vehicle — around the middle of the 201 model-years on record. The median complaint arrives at 4.2 yr in service. The most-reported system is power train (29 complaints), typically at 4.2 yr or about 53,000 miles.

Complaints
126
Median age at failure
4.2 yr
Median mileage
74,000 n=52
Crash / fire / tow
7.1% of reports
Safety recalls
1

When each system is reported — middle 50% of complaints

System
0y2y4y6y8y10y12y14y
Power train
29 reports · 53,000 mi
4.2 yr
0%
Engine cooling
22 reports · 96,000 mi
5.5 yr
0%
Suspension
21 reports · 48,000 mi
3.5 yr
0%
Service brakes, hydraulic
15 reports · 100,000 mi
1.7 yr
26.7%

Safety recalls — NHTSA campaigns

99V040000 1999-03-03
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder

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.

THIS CONDITION CAUSES THE VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE TO BE INCREASED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.

In owners’ own words

Service brakes, hydraulic mileage not reported 11 mo in service
I HAVE DETECTED THAT WITHIN THE SPEED RANGE OF 5 MILES PER HOUR UP TO 70 MILES PER HOUR, THE BRAKE ROTORS (FRONT AND BACK) CAUSE A PREMATURE VIBRATION WHEN BRAKING WITH REASONABLE FORCE ON BRAKE PEDAL FROM THESE SPEEDS. THIS VIBRATION IS SUSPECTED TO BE CAUSING IRREGULAR WEAR ON ALL FOUR TIRES, AND WILL WEAR VITAL SUSPENTION AND BRAKING COMPONENTS PREMATURELY, CAUSING A POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD.
Service brakes, hydraulic mileage not reported 1.7 yr in service
OWNER RECEIVED RECALL NOTIFICATION (99V-040), HOWEVER DEALERSHIP REFUSED REPAIR, DEALERSHIP NOT INFORMED. *MJS
Service brakes, hydraulic mileage not reported 7 mo in service
WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED THE VEHICLE UNDER MANY CONDITIONS WILL TEND TO ACCELERATE, THIS ALSO HAPPENS ON A 2001 VERSION OF THE SABRU FORESTER S WE ALSO HAVE. THE DEALER HAS NO EXPLAINATION
Power train mileage not reported 7 mo in service
WHEN THE TRUCK IS PARKED ON A SLIGHT INCLINE WITH THE ENGINE OFF IT WILL JERK ONE OR TWO INCHES FORWARD. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE TRUCK IS PARKED IN REVERSE WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED TO THE DEALERSHIP. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER CONCERNS. *AK

Other Forester model years

2025202320222021202020192018201720162015201420132012201120102009200620052004200320022001200019991998

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