Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Subaru Forester owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Subaru Forester. On several occasions, while driving, the engine overheated and seized. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was previously repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 170,000.
We have a 1999 Subaru Forester with a 2.5 l engine. We got a recall notice 2-2004 regarding external coolant leaks at the engine cylinder head gaskets. This recall covered vehicle years 1999-2002 or 4 years of vehicles. We took the vehicle in and had the specific (special conditioner) installed as required by Subaru. Unfortunately for us it took Subaru 5 years to acknowledge the problem as we are on the front end of the model years in question. Last week the head gaskets failed and with it a large repair bill. Subaru will not honor the extended warranty as we are outside it by less than 10% in mileage but within the specified 8 years in age. We live in southern california and it is our opinion the mileage amounts allowed do not represent this part of the country and are not real world. …
Engine seized and blew at 30,000 - I provided Subaru with all receipts for oil changes that complied with warranty. Subarua denied warranty writing that ohio has such severe weather that the warranty provisions did not apply. I have since learned that Subaru has no such warranty policy. Subaru destroyed my engine oil, after receiving a certified letter directing that the oil be preserved for testing, charged me for the oil's disposal, tore down my engine, destroyed the defective parts, charged me for the engine tear down, and has refused to cooperate in discover - I sued - court ordered Subaru to comply with discovery, and Subaru admitted that it's letter denying my warranty was based on a false reason. My trial against Subaru is in September - trying to find other information that might help.
While driving at 45 MPH temperature gauge suddenly went into the hot zone. Consumer pulled off the road to inspect the vehicle. Checked the fluids level, added water, and got back on the road, and temperature gauge immediately went back into the hot zone. Consumer pulled off the road, and had vehicle towed to the dealership, who determined that engine head gasket was leaking antifreeze.
While driving, the engine light illuminated. The mechanic repaired the catalytic converter once, but the consumer continued to have the same problems. The converter was replaced once and the #02 sensor was repaired forced. Two dealers suggested that this model vehicle had a problem with this component when the vehicle was at or below 100K miles.
Tl contact owns a 1999 Subaru Forester. While coasting, the vehicle began to accelerate on its own. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The current and failure mileages were 48,700. Updated 05/06/08 the consumer stated dreyer & reinbold checked engine, transmission mounts speed control and found no problem. 05/06/08
While driving at 70 MPH, suddenly there was a clicking noise from the engine and then it stalled. The vehicle was towed to a dealership. The dealership stated, there was internal engine damage. This occurred because water seeped into the engine because of a faulty gasket.
1999 Subaru Forester s. At 40,000 new transmission. At 45,000 speed odometer sticking needs to be replaced. Now at 96,000 miles leaking head gasket needs to be replaced. All major problems requiring major money to be replaced.
Consumer complained about engine head gasket leaking coolant and mixing with the oil. Instead of replacing the head gasket dealer was offering a liquid conditioner, and holding the consumer responsible for maintenance.
I bought a 1999 Subaru Forester s less than 2 years ago. In December 2003, at approx. 71,200 miles, the car began loosing antifreeze. I discovered that I needed a head gasket job. Now I find they have a recall on this. Shortly thereafter I discovered the mysterious "vanishing oil" problem with this engine. At 75,775, I checked the oil and found it mostly gone! I returned to my mechanic, who found no external leak and no sign of oil burning on the spark plugs. After doing some research (see NHTSA complaints), this appears to be a chronic problem with these engines. I continued to monitor the situation and add oil as necessary. I seem to need 1 quart per 1500 miles, approximately. Now, the final problem. On 3/24/04, at 77,848, I was driving at 65 MPH, heard a strange noise and the check engine light came on. I immediately turned off the engine and coasted to a safe turn out. …
Engine complaints in other Forester years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1999 Subaru Forester?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1999 Subaru Forester, 21% of the model year's 131 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Subaru Forester engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1999 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 1999 Subaru Forester engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 87,000 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.