Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Subaru Forester owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
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.
Clutch cannot handle engine torque. Clutch chatters on engagement when cold, resulting in vehicle not starting up and accelerating as expected. This could cause accident if vehicle cannot move out of way of other traffic. Clutch vibration on hard acceleration first noted at 8653 miles and reported to dealer. Noticeable chatter when cold (under 40 degrees outside temp) until used several times. Chatter continues to become worse and occur at higher temperatures as mileage increases. Reported to delaer at 30,110 miles and dealer could not duplicate. Reported again at 35,913 miles and dealer noted but siad did not require repair. Reported again at 48,000 miles and dealer wants to repair at customer expense. Problem would have been covered under warranty if repaired at original report (8653 miles).
When vehicle was turned on it suddenly accelerated backwards very fast, crashing into two vehicles. Consumer has contacted dealer. Cause of the problem has yet to be determined. While vehicle was in park and consumer had foot on the brake and turned on ignition the vehicle accelerated very fast in reverse and caused accident, consumer is also having various electrical problems with the vehicle, such as the battery draining, security system goes off while parked, and the doors lock by themselves.
After owning the Forester just 3 months, the windshield had three chips in it which then spread into a crack across the driver's viewing area. After only 21,000 miles the clutch disc/plate had to be replaced and was not a warranty matter. After 42,000 miles a bearing in the rear axle has gone bad and the clutch is beginning to make the same noise for which it had to be replaced earlier. I am most disappointed in this vehicle.000 miles,000 miles the
Grease and oil dripping onto the catalytic converter starts smelling. Dealer cannot duplicate the problem, but is aware of the problem. *akthey doubled the viscosity of the driveline grease. From 90 to 150 weight. Tthere only one problem with this.the fumes coming off the exhaust were making me sick.the laekage was bad enough that I thought the car was starting on fire- fire hazard.
Consumer was parking on an upgrade. Consumer stated that they put vehicle in park attempted to exit when vehicle began to roll backwards. Consumer applied brakes, pedal went to the floor. Which resulted in vehicle crossing a residential street and stopping in someones yard. Consumer feels this was very dangerous, someone could have been hit. Please provide any further information.
The clutch does not engage properly when the engine is cold and for extended periods in cold weather. Clutch "chatters" making it difficult to start up from rest without hesitation and/or stalling. Potentially dangerous in traffic. Clutch seems not strong enough to handle the torque of the engine.
Axle shaft leaked grease (potential fire hazard). Correction of failure outlined in manufacturer campaign wxn71 dated 5/5/1999. As owner, I did not receive campaign notification from Subaru of America. In response to inquiry, dlr advised that recall on my vehicle is closed; would like to know why.
Transmission complaints in other Forester years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1998 Subaru Forester?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1998 Subaru Forester, 23% of the model year's 101 complaints. The component named most often is axle assembly (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Subaru Forester transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 1998 Subaru Forester, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1998 Subaru Forester transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 120,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 2 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.