Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 1998 Subaru Forester sits mid-pack among Forester years: 138 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 157, with a single recall and no defect investigations. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 9 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (28), suspension (18), and engine (17), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
138
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
9
Crash-involved
5
Fires reported
9
Injuries
1
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 28 | 20% | new |
| Suspension | 18 | 13% | new |
| Brakes | 17 | 12% | new |
| Engine | 17 | 12% | new |
| Speed Control | 14 | 10% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 9 | 7% | new |
| Visibility & Wipers | 7 | 5% | new |
| Airbags | 6 | 4% | new |
| Electrical System | 6 | 4% | new |
| Fuel System | 5 | 4% | new |
| Other | 4 | 3% | new |
| Steering | 3 | 2% | new |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 1% | new |
| Seats | 1 | 1% | new |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 1% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
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.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“YESTERDAY AFT. MY CAR DROVE ITSELF INTO A STORE WINDOW WITH ME AT THE WHEEL. FORTUNATELY NO ONE WAS HURT BUT IT COULD HAVE BEEN A REAL DISASTER. I WAS ALREADY PARKED THERE, PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE AND IT TOOK OFF WITHOUT MY TOUCHING THE ACCELERATOR. IN FACT, MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE THE WHOLE TIME…”
“LEFT SIDE AXLE SHAFT ASSEMBLY LEAKED, DEALER REPLACED RIGHT SIDE FRONT AXLE, SWAY BAR LINKS MADE NOISE, DEALER LUBED LINKS, THERE WAS A NOISE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE, CONSUMER WAS ADVISED TO REPLACE ALL TIRES, NO SPECIFIC TIRE INFORMATION WAS GIVEN. *SLC ”
“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…”
“WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES ON DRY PAVEMENT THE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR, CAUSING TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE WHICH RESULTED IN A COLLISION. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK”
“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…”
It is close to typical for the Forester: 138 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (28 complaints), suspension (18 complaints), engine (17 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1998 Subaru Forester. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Forester years to avoid are 2019, 2015, 2020, 2017, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2010, 2021, 2004, 2003. The cleanest record among Forester years belongs to 2026.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.