1998 Subaru Forester
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Subaru › Forester › 1998
These records cover every 1998 Subaru Forester. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 1998 Subaru Forester. Newest first.
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 the vehicle stopping distance IS increased.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition causes the vehicle stopping distance to be increased, possibly resulting in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder.
Owner complaints
101 complaints7 involved a crash5 involved a fire5 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system · Suspension
1. Wheel bearings have consistently needed replacement starting 4 years after car purchased new. At 450.00 to 500.00 each time. This IS a design issues and subaru needs to pay of each replacement. 2. Fuel line leak. This IS very dangerous and again listed many many time on all subaru fix web…
1. Wheel bearings have consistently needed replacement starting 4 years after car purchased new. At 450.00 to 500.00 each time. This IS a design issues and subaru needs to pay of each replacement. 2. Fuel line leak. This IS very dangerous and again listed many many time on all subaru fix web sites. Cost to fix 1600.00 and more if fuel tank needs replacing. Again, subaru needs to deal with this. These have been happening since car purchased. Car has been well maintained since purchase.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 1998 subaru forester. The contact stated that the service engine indicator illuminated and the engine revved up and down. The vehicle would need to accelerate in order to rev down. An independent mechanic stated that the failure may be due to the oxygen sensor or the…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 subaru forester. The contact stated that the service engine indicator illuminated and the engine revved up and down. The vehicle would need to accelerate in order to rev down. An independent mechanic stated that the failure may be due to the oxygen sensor or the catalytic converter. The contact called liberty auto city (1000 e park ave, libertyville, il 60048, (847) 362-2683) and was informed that there were no recalls. The manufacturer provided the contact with a case number. The failure mileage was 120,000.
- Fuel/propulsion system
When at the gas stations I try to put gas into my car, it IS not going into the tank properly, it keeps shutting the gas nozzle off within seconds. Very hard to put gas into my car.
- Suspension › Rear
Increasing grinding noise from rear of car; dealer inspected and found failing right real wheel bearing; repair found failed seal on axle; one control arm replaced along with axle and bearing. *Tr
- Suspension › Rear
My '98 subaru forester IS experiencing rear wheel bearing failure again. These bearings are defective and fail often, from what I've read on the web. *tr
- Power train › Transfer case (4-wheel drive) · Suspension › Rear
My 98 forester had the right rear bearing changed 3 times by non dealer chain. Started making noise again. When I went to subaru, the mechanic told me that it's common. He has been replacing them with legacy bearings and has not had any complaints. also the vent on top of rear differential blows…
My 98 forester had the right rear bearing changed 3 times by non dealer chain. Started making noise again. When I went to subaru, the mechanic told me that it's common. He has been replacing them with legacy bearings and has not had any complaints. also the vent on top of rear differential blows or sweats diff fluid out onto differential. Potential for freeze up of differential once all fluid IS gone. Mechanic claims he would have to open differential and "notch" some metal guard in there to prevent this. This along with bearings-$600. *tr
- Vehicle speed control
My 1998 subara forester went into a "sudden acceleration". luckily, no one was killed, but the car sustained significant damage. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
1998 subaru forester. Consumer states that while driving she heard a loud noise, pulled over to inspect the vehicle it was on fire. *Mc the consumer replaced the knock sensor 30 days prior. (Ohio traffic crash report). *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Vehicle leaking oil at front seals and getting onto the exhaust system. *nm
- Tires
1998 subaru forester's tire blew out. *ts when the tire blewout it caused the vehicle to go off the roadway and strike a construction cone, delineator post and south ditch. the vehicle left rear quarter panel, taillight and bumper were damaged. there were no injuries. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Vehicle speed control
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle accelerated while parked. the vehicle went through a fence and hit some brush. the contact noticed smoke coming from the engine. two weeks prior to the incident the contact smelled something burning. the heater would not work properly. the vehicle was taken to a dealership. The thermostat was replaced. there was not a police report filed. updated 3/28/2006 - *nm
- Vehicle speed control › Cables
The plastic !! Speedometer cable gears (2) failed , causing speedometer failure , at oil temp light to flash , check engine light to come , erratic idle, cruise control failure, engine stall . If this IS not dangerous I don't know what else IS !! Cost me $1300 to have it fixed and yes the parts are available ! *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Engine head gaskets failed. heads were saved, but engine had to have top-half rebuilt.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
(1) noticed periodic overheating on 1998 forester with 2.5L DOHC engine. (2) head gasket failed temperature spiked and coolant boiled over, large amount of white steam from hood. (3) dealer said problem was head gasket and the engine was repaired for $1800, subaru of america was notified and denied any problems with this year engine in spite of a large number of similiar head gasket. *ak
- Suspension › Front › Wheel bearing
Left rear wheel bearing failure at 65000 miles an unlikely occurance at this age . *ak
- Vehicle speed control
The consumer placed his foot on the brake, started the vehicle and suddenly without warning the vehicle lunged into gear taking off some 40 feet, striking another vehicle damaging both vehicles. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
1. Engine failure due to a manufacturer's defect -- the cylinder walls are being bored into to place the engine bolts on the subaru 2.5L engines. in this case the cylinder wall cracked through the entire section where it was substantially bored into on the number 1 cylinder causing the engine to…
1. Engine failure due to a manufacturer's defect -- the cylinder walls are being bored into to place the engine bolts on the subaru 2.5L engines. in this case the cylinder wall cracked through the entire section where it was substantially bored into on the number 1 cylinder causing the engine to fail completely. Each of the 4 cylinder walls on my vehicle were bored into to some degree. I have a 1998 subaru forester l. With 72,000 miles. there was never an indication of a problem prior to engine failure. at the time of failure a blown head gasket was thought to be the problem. more information and pictures can be found at: http://webdev.ce.utexas.edu/irwin 2. This consequences of the defect rendered the vehicle useless and worthless. and there was absolutely nothing I could have done to prevent the failure from occurring. I followed the recommended maintanence schedule given to me by subaru at the time of purchase and have not received any ammendments to that schedule since I purchased the vehicle. we were lucky the engine failure did not happen when my family and I were on the highway or in a remote location. 3. Nothing has been done to correct the problem to date. I have a case number (643095) pending with subaru as of 6/25/04, but was told the vehicle will not be reviewed for another 10 days on 6/28/04. the engine failed on 6/16/04.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Catalytic convertor
Please note!..... my 1998 forester l-model with only 54400 miles has been diagnosed as having a leaky oil pump....thus causing oil to be dripping from the engine, front area, on to a plastic splash pan....where it lies until it has built-up enough of a puddle that it now seeks to be blown rearward…
Please note!..... my 1998 forester l-model with only 54400 miles has been diagnosed as having a leaky oil pump....thus causing oil to be dripping from the engine, front area, on to a plastic splash pan....where it lies until it has built-up enough of a puddle that it now seeks to be blown rearward along the inside of the pan...(between the splash-pan and the engine) until finally it IS blown on to the hot exhaust pipes located under the body of the car...adjacent to the catalytic converter (which IS extremely hot)....it appears that subaru IS totally aware that this problem exists....in fact they have a repair kit, which cost $ 30.00...and the labor cost $ 293.00, this condition IS 1. An environmental hazard, 2, a safety hazard (possible fire), and 3, a rip-off to all consumers who own a subaru forester, a oil-pump should not fail at 54,000 miles for two-bolts coming loose, especially since the bolts are located inside the engine, housing, and protected by not one, but two-separate covers.....and a splash pan.....there IS a severe problem....in any engine where parts are failing at 54,000 miles in-today's technical-knowledge drive society...the mechanic knew exactly where to go to locate the problem....after I told him I smelt burning oil!*ak
- Electrical system · Fuel system, other
My 1998 subaru forester hesitates on acceleration in the low rpm range. once over about 3000 rpm, it runs fine. according to a technical service bulletin released by subaru in jan 1999, #11-53-98, this IS caused by the engine control module incorrectly interpreting vibrations in the engine as…
My 1998 subaru forester hesitates on acceleration in the low rpm range. once over about 3000 rpm, it runs fine. according to a technical service bulletin released by subaru in jan 1999, #11-53-98, this IS caused by the engine control module incorrectly interpreting vibrations in the engine as skipping and readjusting the fuel flow rate. the fix requires installing an upgraded ecm--to the tune of well over $1000. this hesitation produces an unsafe situation because the car may at any time refuse to accelerate, or accelerate suddenly without warning.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system
Bad head gasket car IS overheating, smell of anti-freeze burning from exhaust. *la
- Suspension › Rear
Problems with wheel bearings on 1998 subaru forester. *mr the rear wheel bearings on the right side were replaced twice. *scc *jb
- Suspension › Rear
The rear wheel bearing showed signs of excessive wear every 30000 to 40000 miles. the dealer/independent shop replaced the part. *ak *scc *jb
- Suspension › Front › Wheel bearing
Dealer has had to replace front and rear wheel bearings three times. The problem has not been resolved at this time.*ak
- Seat belts › Rear/other
My parents recently gave my daughter a 1998 subaru forester and she IS having problems getting the baby's carseat to tighten down properly. I emailed subaru about this problem and they suggested using a rolled towel to fill the void and make it tighter. she has taken the car to serveral…
My parents recently gave my daughter a 1998 subaru forester and she IS having problems getting the baby's carseat to tighten down properly. I emailed subaru about this problem and they suggested using a rolled towel to fill the void and make it tighter. she has taken the car to serveral dealerships and they say they know of no problems. IS the rolled towel safe to use? she makes sure that her carseat IS properly installed, even purchasing a ratcheting system to tighten. we are very concerned about this, even to the point of selling the car.*ak
- Power train › Clutch assembly · Power train › Manual transmission
Clutch chatters badly and clutch does not engage until the pedal IS almost fully depressed when vehicle sits overnight. problem seems more pronounced in colder weather, but occurs in all weather conditions. in addition to causing an unsafe driving situation, the condition may cause first and…
Clutch chatters badly and clutch does not engage until the pedal IS almost fully depressed when vehicle sits overnight. problem seems more pronounced in colder weather, but occurs in all weather conditions. in addition to causing an unsafe driving situation, the condition may cause first and reverse gears to grind when selecting these gears from a stop. after driving a few miles the problem goes away and the clutch operates normally. the problem has been reported to subaru repair shops numerous times, including at 33,220; 59,451; 74,213; and 92,380 miles. the subaru repair shops can usually duplicate the chatter, but they have never been able to duplicate the clutch engaging only after being almost completely depressed. at 92,380 miles the vehicle was driven only 1.5 miles in the morning to the subaru repair shop with the poor clutch engagement still occurring, and the subaru repair shop said they still could not duplicate the problem. the entire clutch assembly was removed and repaired shortly after the 33,220 mile service complaint at subarus expense, but the problem returned within a few thousand miles. this appears to be a common problem for subaru foresters, and possibly other manual transmission subarus (for ple, ://forums.vmag.com/suvsubaru0200/messages/5197.html).*ak
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10240110This bulletin announces the recommended cleaning procedures to followed when encountering vehicles with long time exposure to pollen on painted surfaces on vehicles imported from Japan. This bulletin does not apply to SIA built vehicles.
- 10234261Remanufactured Automatic Transaxle Program
- 10219492This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 10219491This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
- 10209915This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic essential information during diagnosis and repair of the Infotainment concerns. (Applicable to all models with Harman or Denso CP1 Infotainment).
- 10198758This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models
- 10198749This bulletin is to advise of SOAs revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
- 10187315To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate Special Service Tool.
- 10179378Special Service Tools Cross Reference List.
- 10174543All Models (Vehicle Cleaning- COVID-19Best Practices)
- 10163525This Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips. This will prevent the pad from dragging due to corrosion buildup which may result in uneven or premature wear of the replacement brake pads. This additional instruction applies to all models with brake pads using the upper and lower pad clips and has been added to the brake pad installation procedures found in the related Service Manuals.
- 10161824Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newletter.
- 10161813To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate Special Service Tool.
- 10037968Subaru: there IS a steering wheel vibration at highway speeds due to an imporper wheel balance.
- 10019343Rubbing mark on timing belt. Subaru.
- 10015186This bulletin provides information to properly diagnosis the rear gate stays and also avoids unnecessary replacement of non-failed stays.
- 10002989Replacement of the electronic control unit (ecu) for anti-lock brake system (ABS) repair. Update.
- 10001929Soa replacement ignition wire set.
- 10001726Clutch pedal sticking.
- 10000642New procedure for replacing rear wheel bearings.
- 631078Subject regarding shifter rattle.
- 626926Information regarding seat belt latch slides to the lower seat belt anchor. Updated
- 608198Vehicles equipped with manual transmissions may exhibit first gear popping out while driving.
- 606645Subject regarding brake master cylinder safety recall campaign on some vehicles with ABS.
- 605779Information regarding the availability of retrofit air bag
- 605778Information on installing rear differential protector .
- 604956Location of the transit connector.
- 604484Customer may complain of a slight engine hesitation on vehicles with manual transmissions 2.5L and 2.2L engines. Tt
- 602135Information on accessory installation manual.
- 600708Subject on service manual correction.
- 53025Various information on procedures and theft prevention standards.
Every Subaru Forester model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.