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1998 Subaru Forester: common problems and reliability
112 owner complaints on record.
Most complaints are about power train. 1 recall.
Should I buy a 1998 Forester?The 1998 Subaru Forester has 112 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are power train and suspension.
Safety record for the 1998 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1998 Subaru Forester vehicles (US, public record).
Is 1998 a good year for the Forester?
Across the 29 Forester model years we track, complaint volume runs from 50 (2008) to 833 (2019). With 112 complaints, the 1998 Forester sits below the model's median of 141.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 1998 Forester
service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder
Campaign 99V040000VEHICLE 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.
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.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Forester. See the full Forester owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Forester listings typically run $15,000–$24,194.
Other Forester model years
Compare every Forester year side by side to see how 1998 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Forester against its rivals
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