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 1999 Subaru Forester owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
As others have stated here and many more from various Subaru forums, I've been dealing with the shifting into drive issue (it acts as if it's in neutral) with the at. It can take several seconds to several minutes (and sometimes longer or not at all) before it engages. I usually have to rev/pump the accelerator until it corrects itself. Once I'm in drive all is well as long as I stay that way. This is random until it starts to get worse over time. I've read that this is fairly common and it's a worn piston seal or something that prevents enough pressure for the forward gear to engage. This began in 2010 with only 89K miles. The only temp fix has been to drain & replace the at fluid & filter, but that May only last for maybe 500-1000 miles or so. The latest temp fix includes that plus an additive (trans x) that works by swelling seals. …
This problem initially occurred only once a month or so, but has since deteriorated to occurring multiple times per day. When approaching a stoplight, or braking harder than usual, the vehicle will slip into neutral. The shifter does not move, it is still in drive, however, without warning, the car will suddenly stop responding to the accelerator (except the engine still revs). The only remedy is to rev the engine to high revs, over and over, until the transmission "catches", at which point the vehicle lurches forward, often violently, even with the brake depressed. This most often happens at stoplights/signs, however it will occur on the highway in traffic when brakes are applied hard. This seems to be quite potentially dangerous if it were to happen when it was necessary to move the vehicle out of the way of something oncoming and would not be able to. …
1999 Subaru forrester. Vehicle transmission began having difficulty shifting into drive. After approximately 7-10 days, vehicle slipped into neutral upon braking. Took several minutes to get vehicle back into drive. 2nd instance almost caused a major accident. I braked to turn left and began my turn. When I depressed the accelerator, I found the vehicle had again slipped into neutral and I was helplessly coasting with traffic heading toward me. Luckily, the oncoming traffic was able to stop in time to avoid an accident. Transmission was inspected for a possible linkage problem, but none was found. A complete transmission flush and fill did not remedy the situation. Vehicle has since slipped out of drive 3 additional times (luckily no accidents).
Multiple major and costly repairs to a vehicle that is driven on hard road services only, and in a safe manner. The vehicle has had all routine maintenance. Repairs include replace oxygen sensor & emission control computer. I was eventually reimbursed for this service/part which took 7 visiits to dealer and much convincing on my part. Other major repairs include replace defective transmission seal (2 visits), replace oil pump, replace left rear wheel bearing. Replacement of other wheel bearings is possible and pending. I have no confidence in this car, just waiting for the next major repair.
Clutch prematurely burned out. Prior to this incident, the clutch would chatter or disengage in cold temperatures. The clutch was replaced, but failed again. This was a common problem, but the manufacturer did not acknowledge it. There was no solution for the problem. The replacement clutch hadn't failed completely . It started exhibiting the same problems as the first one but at an accelerated pace. Consumer noted many other Subaru owners in the bay area experienced the same defect and are not riding the clutch.
Have a 1999 Forester l w/auto tramsmission. I can drive in reverse all day with no problem. Going forward is hit and miss. Sometimes I can sit for 15 to 30 minutes before the forward gears engage. Once forward engages, I have no problem until I turn off the ignition. Servicing the trans is a temporary fix for a few thousand miles and then the problem slowly returns. I really like my car, but I'm sure the trans will eventually cease working all together.evidently other are having same problem according to chat rooms.
With about 15-18K miles, I started having problems with stuttering in first and second gear. It was always worst in winter, when it was cold. I searched the internet for other issues and found several chat rooms where people were having similar issues. I took the car in several times to the dealers who said they could not duplicate the problem. When reading the chat rooms, some people did have the dealers say this was a problem. I called Subaru's customer line and was told to go to the dealer.
199 Subaru Forester. Letter from congressman sarbanes on behalf of constituent with concerns about mechanical problems with Subaru vehicles 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 with only a 119,000 miles on the vehicle.
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
There are days where the vehicle will not engage into drive. It goes in reverse but still not engage the drive gear. After about a week of the vehicle sitting and not being turned on it will engage and work fine. But will do it again a few weeks to a couple of months later.
Transmission complaints in other Forester years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1999 Subaru Forester?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1999 Subaru Forester, 24% of the model year's 131 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Subaru Forester transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 72,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 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.