Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 1999 Subaru Forester sits mid-pack among Forester years: 156 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 156, with a single recall and one closed investigation.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (35), engine (29), and suspension (26), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
156
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
1
Investigations
6
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
8
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 35 | 22% | — flat |
| Engine | 29 | 19% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 26 | 17% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 20 | 13% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 11 | 7% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 6 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 5 | 3% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 5 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 4 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 3 | 2% | new |
| Other | 3 | 2% | — flat |
| Steering | 3 | 2% | — flat |
| Airbags | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Seats | 1 | 1% | — flat |
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.
“199 SUBARU FORESTER. LETTER FROM CONGRESSMAN SARBANES ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT WITH CONCERNS ABOUT MECHANICAL PROBLEMS WITH SUBARU VEHICLES *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED IT WAS DIFFICULT TO PUT THE GEAR INTO DRIVE. A MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE FAILURE WAS WITH THE CLUTCH. THE TRANSMISSION FAILED…”
“SINCE THE PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE, IT BURNS WELL OVER A QUART OF OIL WHEN IT TRAVELED 1000 MILES. HENCE HAVING TO REPLACE 3 TO 4 QTS OF OIL BETWEEN OIL CHANGES. THE DEALER INSISTS THAT THIS IS ?NORMAL.? I THOUGHT THAT THEY SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO PUT THIS ON THE STICKER INFORMATION OF ALL NEW CARS…”
“THE WHEEL BEARINGS HAVE FAILED THREE TIMES SO FAR, AND I NEED TO HAVE THEM REPLACED AGAIN FOR THE FOURTH TIME. THE FIRST TIME WAS AT 60000 MILES AND THEN AT 65000 AND NOW AT 74000 MILES. I CAN NOT BELIEVE SUBARU HAS DONE NOTHING FOR US UP TO THIS POINT. I FEEL FORTUNATE WE HAVE NOT HURT SOMEONE AS…”
“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…”
“CONSUMER HEARD A ROARING NOISE FROM REAR OF VEHICLE, BEGINNING AT 4000 MILES. DEALER COULD NOT FIND CAUSE. AFTER THIRD VISIT DEALER SUGGESTED IT WAS A TIRE PROBLEM. CONSUMER REPLACED ALL TIRES, BUT NOISE KEPT GETTING LOUDER. ON FOURTH VISIT DEALER REPLACED ALL WHEEL BEARINGS, WHICH TOOK CARE OF…”
It is close to typical for the Forester: 156 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 1 investigation on file.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (35 complaints), engine (29 complaints), suspension (26 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1999 Subaru Forester. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
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.