1998 Subaru Forester: common problems and reliability

The 1998 Subaru Forester has 112 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are power train and suspension. Owners most often flag cvt transmission longevity concerns — concerns about long-term reliability beyond 100,000 miles, with strong owner consensus recommending proactive fluid changes every 30,000-60,000 miles despite some manufacturer guidance. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 1998 model year

112
Owner complaints
1
Recalls
7
Crash reports
5
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1998 Subaru Forester vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

power train
25
suspension
18
engine and engine cooling
15
service brakes
15
hydraulic
15

Recalls affecting the 1998 Forester

service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder

Campaign 99V040000

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 …

What owners say across generations

Overwhelmingly positive sentiment across multiple generations, with the Forester consistently praised for its practicality, safety, all-weather capability, and long-term reliability when properly maintained. Owners express deep satisfaction with the vehicle's

  • CVT transmission longevity concerns — Concerns about long-term reliability beyond 100,000 miles, with strong owner consensus recommending proactive fluid changes every 30,000-60,000 miles despite some manufacturer guidance. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Infotainment system glitches — Occasional screen freezes, slow response, or connectivity issues. Noted as an annoyance but not a dealbreaker. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Windshield/glass cracking — Described as an "Achilles' heel"; prone to cracks and chips, necessitating comprehensive glass insurance. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Front control arm bushing wear — Bushings reported to fail relatively early, sometimes between 60,000-100,000 miles, affecting ride quality. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Oil consumption — Some models, particularly older generations, noted to consume more oil than average, requiring monitoring between changes. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Forester.

Typical used price

Used Forester listings typically run $14,131–$28,173 across 2012 to 2026 model years.

Other Forester model years

2025 Forester2024 Forester2021 Forester2018 Forester2016 Forester2012 Forester2011 Forester2010 Forester2007 Forester2005 Forester2002 Forester
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