1999 Subaru Forester problems
Owners have filed 156 complaints with NHTSA about the 1999 Subaru Forester. Engine is the most reported problem area, at 17% of complaints. After that come drivetrain & axles (17%) and suspension (17%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 156 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Engine 17% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 6 and 1
- Injuries and deaths
- 8 and 0
- Typical mileage
- 72,000 miles 57 complaints with mileage
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
When problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 3 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 7 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 14 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 9 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 13 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 6 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 0 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 2 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 2 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 1 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Among the 57 complaints that report mileage, the typical (median) problem appeared at about 72,000 miles. For engine specifically, the median reported mileage is about 96,000 miles (15 complaints with mileage).
Safety-related details: 6 complaints mention a crash; 1 complaint mentions a fire; 8 injuries reported.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 1999 ranks 16th most-complained-about out of 29 model years of the Subaru Forester with enough data (100 complaints in that window). It is also covered by 1 safety recall campaign.
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
Was waiting at a stop light when another vehicle rearended forester. Seat belt on driver's side failed to restrain. This caused driver to hit head on steering wheel. Seat belt was still locked. Er treatment and released.
During a 35 MPH rear collision front air bags did not deploy. Vehicle was towed. Consumer suffered minor injuries. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.
Upon entering the highway ramp, brakes failed, pedal was pressed to the floor resulting in collision with the car in front, 2 people were injured in the accident.
While driving, the engine light illuminated. The mechanic repaired the catalytic converter once, but the consumer continued to have the same problems. The converter was replaced once and the #02 sensor was repaired forced. Two dealers suggested that this model vehicle had a problem with this component when the vehicle was at or below 100k miles.
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).