1998 Subaru Forester: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1998 Subaru Forester: 1 recall, 101 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
_wagon_(2008-11-05).jpg){kind=link}
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #99V040000 · 1999 · 221,987 vehicles
What's wrong: (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.
Why it matters: This condition causes the vehicle stopping distance to be increased, possibly resulting in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 5 mention a fire, 5 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (23): the most common themes are noise or vibration (7), leaks (4).
- Suspension (17): the most common themes are noise or vibration (5).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (15): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (3).
- Speed control / throttle (14): the most common themes are sudden acceleration (6).
The 1998 Subaru Forester has 101 owner complaints, ranking #17 of 29 Forester model years for complaints (well below the 224 average). Complaints peaked in 2000 (20 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 93,997 miles. Neighboring years: 1999 (131 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 21 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 20 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1998 Subaru Forester.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 1998 Subaru Forester have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1998 Subaru Forester. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1998 Subaru Forester problems?
Owners have filed 101 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (23), suspension (17), brakes (hydraulic) (15).
What gas mileage does the 1998 Subaru Forester get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (2.5 L, Manual 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1998 Subaru Forester repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.