The 1999 Subaru Forester has 20 brakes complaints filed with NHTSA — 13% of the year's total, and roughly flat versus the prior model year.
20
Brakes complaints
13%
Share of year
2
Crash-involved
1
Related recalls
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.
“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…”
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the 1999 Subaru Forester brakes — 13% of all complaints filed for that model year.
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the brakes: 99V040000.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.