Most common 1998 Subaru Forester problems
Share of the 101 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Subaru Forester complaints by model year
Best Forester years: 2013, 2024. Years to avoid: 2019, 2020, 2017, 2015, 2018. Compare all years →
1998 Subaru Forester recalls (1)
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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder.
What 1998 Subaru Forester owners say
Transmission & drivetrain all 23 →
Clutch chatters badly and clutch does not engage until the pedal is almost fully depressed when vehicle sits overnight. Problem seems more pronounced in colder weather, but occurs in all weather conditions. In addition to causing an unsafe driving situation, the condition May cause first and reverse gears to grind when selecting these gears from a stop. After driving a few miles the problem goes away and the clutch operates normally. The problem has been reported to Subaru repair shops numerous times, including at 33,220; 59,451; 74,213; and 92,380 miles. The Subaru repair shops can usually duplicate the chatter, but they have never been able to duplicate the clutch engaging only after being almost completely depressed. …
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 (automatic transmission). My braking wouldn't stop it, so I managed to get it into a forward gear. Had I not, the car might well have driven further into the store and hurt the several shoppers. Once in a forward gear, the car then it took off forward on a wild ride; again, I was merely the passenger. I managed to steer the car for a short distance before it decelerated, my foot on the brake all this time, while I cleared a light post and two cars on either side, as well as traffic in the road.
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 freeze up of differential once all fluid is gone. Mechanic claims he would have to open differential and "notch" some metal guard in there to prevent this. This along with bearings-$600.
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. Again, Subaru needs to deal with this. These have been happening since car purchased. Car has been well maintained since purchase.
Brakes
The braking system malfunction, causing extended stopping distance. Once had no braking ability at all which almost caused an accident. Dealer never replaced any parts, just removed a pebble from the brake pads. Please provide further information.
When applying the ABS brakes on wet or dry pavement the pedal travels to the floorboard, causing extended stopping distance. Dealer could not identify the problem, but replaced the master cylinder. Please give any further details.
1998 Subaru Forester engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 19 / 25 / 21 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 18 / 24 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Small SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1998 Subaru Forester a good car?
Based on 101 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1998 Forester rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Forester at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1998 Subaru Forester?
The transmission & drivetrain — 23 complaints, 23% of all complaints for this model year, most often about axle assembly. Next are the suspension (17) and brakes (15).
How many recalls does the 1998 Subaru Forester have?
There is 1 recall for the 1998 Subaru Forester, the most recent from March 3, 1999 (master cylinder). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Subaru Forester?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2013 and 2024. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2019, 2020, 2017, 2015 and 2018. See the full Subaru Forester years comparison.
At what mileage do 1998 Subaru Forester problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 98,000 miles; 6% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.