- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- This condition causes the vehicle stopping distance to be increased, possibly resulting in a crash.
- The fix
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER.
Vehicle safety record
1999 Subaru Forester Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 134 complaints about the 1999 Subaru Forester with NHTSA, most often about the transmission & drivetrain (32) and the engine & cooling (28). Those complaints describe 5 crashes, 1 fire and 5 injuries. It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in March 1999 for the master cylinder. For comparison, the 1998 has 101 and the 2000 has 75.
NHTSA data checked
BFewer problems than a typical Forester year, for its age
#69 most complained-about 1999 vehicle
- Complaints
- 134
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 5
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 5
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1999 Subaru Forester problems
Share of all 134 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1999 Subaru Forester recalls 1
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
What owners say
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134 complaints about the 1999 Subaru Forester
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 6.
(Partial copy of message I sent to subaru earlier this week.) [My] forester is old, but I wouldn't be replacing it if I didn't need another head gasket. You surely are aware of the problem your 4 cyl. Engines have had with failing head gaskets. Unfortunately, this is the second one experiencing such failure. I replaced the original one several years back at my own expense. Let me state my unqualified case that I should not have had to pay for this replacement, as you--subaru--knew well that gasket...
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failure was in this car's future. How do I make this claim? Well, when I bought the car, it came with an additive in the radiator. Something you call "coolant conditioner." Nobody told me why this was necessary. I found out one day when my temperature gauge red-lined and my radiator ran dry. I quickly made my way to the nearest subaru dealership so, recognizing the problem, the mechanic there told me about this coolant conditioner and how it would have been installed in my forester the day I drove it from the dealership. He sold me another bottleand advised me to pour it into the radiator immediately. I thought that would be the end of the problem, and I drove another, say 30,000 or so care-free miles, until the gasket again broke down. Time for a replacement, my personal mechanic advised me. I relented and drove about 40,000 miles on the new gasket...Until experiencing failure again. As I indicated before, from a legal standpoint, you--subaru--must have known it had a big problem on its hands. Why you failed to initiate a recall and were never called to task for it is a mystery to me. Recall what happened to volkswagen only a few years back. They knew about their "problem" as well. Let me add that I know of scores of other subaru owners more recent than 1999 that feel the same way.
Why is the brake line corrosion recall wqk-47 only for 2009-2013 foresters? I own a 1999 forester which has just had a catastrophic brake line failure that is exactly the same as what is described in the recall. Corrosion of the brake lines is in the area of the junction block that is located under the car behind the area of the passenger seat. It seems that vehicle safety should not be dependent on the age of the vehicle, especially something as critical as the braking system. When the system failed, the...
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brake pedal became very soft and I could feel it sinking toward the floor. Pumping the brake pedal helped some, but it was still sinking uncomfortably quickly. I was less than a mile from home and was able to make it there safely by pumping the brake pedal. After parking, that was a large puddle of brake fluid in the area under the junction block. I am researching whether my local mechanic can fix the problem, but I do not understand why subaru is not responsible when this is clearly the exact same problem described in the recall.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 subaru forester. On several occasions, while driving, the engine overheated and seized. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was previously repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 170,000.
As others have stated here and many more from various subaru forums, I've been dealing with the shifting into drive issue (it acts as if it's in neutral) with the at. It can take several seconds to several minutes (and sometimes longer or not at all) before it engages. I usually have to rev/pump the accelerator until it corrects itself. Once I'm in drive all is well as long as I stay that way. This is random until it starts to get worse over time. I've read that this is fairly common and it's a worn piston seal...
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or something that prevents enough pressure for the forward gear to engage. This began in 2010 with only 89k miles. The only temp fix has been to drain & replace the at fluid & filter, but that may only last for maybe 500-1000 miles or so. The latest temp fix includes that plus an additive (trans x) that works by swelling seals. This has been more effective with 2500-3500 miles between fluid changes, so I basically have it done every time I change the oil now. I find this appalling there's no recall for this since there's so many I've seen online with the exact same issue. Perhaps they just haven't gone through the right procedures in reporting this, which is why I'm just doing this now myself.
There are days where the vehicle will not engage into drive. It goes in reverse but still not engage the drive gear. After about a week of the vehicle sitting and not being turned on it will engage and work fine. But will do it again a few weeks to a couple of months later.
Note: below is an extract from a message I sent to an attorney in wisconsin in 2011 regarding the problems I was having with my vehicle. I have since had the cooling system problem repaired at my own expense. Note also: I see where there has been a recent entry for pending dealer repairs on a honda civic (i think) pertaining to "coolant loss". At least honda company will live up to and correct its manufacturing mistakes. I and others have had issues...
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with their subaru vehicles circa 1997-2004. The most important issue has to do with the cooling system losing coolant at an unacceptable rate. This is the result of functional design flaws of using different metals in the engine compartment. This allows larger than normal gaps to open up in the cylinder walls as the two metals expand differently when the engine heats up. Coupled with cheap gaskets, this formula has led to many engine seizures in these cars across the country due to overheating. (I've caught mine barely in time as the thermostat hit red-line twice now without warning.) Meanwhile, subaru knew about this problem from the onset, since dealers treated the coolant system with so-called coolant "conditioner" before selling these cars. And they didn't advise the purchaser that they were doing this and why. Problems is...The conditioner will not work indefinitely and may even accelerate the breakdown of the cheap gasket. I've got 81,400 miles now on my car and I'm on my second can of conditioner. But the coolant level keeps dropping and it's burning away in the hot engine. I can smell it when I leave the car in the garage overnight. (It smells sweet but I'm not too pleased with it.). Subaru has since had the forethought to change its gaskets to much sturdier ones. But, of course, that means I'd have to shell out thousands of dollars to replace mine. *Tr
In one months time we have had 4 separate cooper weathermaster s/t2 205/70r15 tires have sidewall failure. These are snow tires used only during winter months. 3 Of the 4 tires were purchased for the 2010/11 winter, and had less than 5000 miles on them, the 4th was new with about 100 miles on it when it failed. 1St blowout) drivers side rear tire blew out in driveway just after we returned home from errands. Replaced with new tire by dealer. 2Nd failure) noticed bubble on drivers side front tire while...
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shopping 45 minutes from home. Called roadside service to put on spare and when home, went to dealer who replaced with a new tire. 3Rd failure) 2 hours from home, stopped for gas and noticed drivers side front tire with bubble in sidewall. This was the new replacement for the 2nd failure. Put on spare and drove home. That night we had our 4th failure - blowout) the passenger side rear tire blew out during the night. 3 Of the tires were 2 seasons old, the 4th was a brand new replacement tire for one of the earlier failures. In all cases we were given brand new replacement tires of the same brand and model. We were fortunate and not driving when the blowouts happened. This all happened between mid november and december 16th 2012. All blown and defective tires have been returned to dealer and we do not have access to the dot number. *Tr
199 Subaru forester. Letter from congressman sarbanes on behalf of constituent with concerns about mechanical problems with subaru vehicles *tgw the consumer stated it was difficult to put the gear into drive. A mechanic informed the consumer the failure was with the clutch. The transmission failed with only a 119,000 miles on the vehicle. *Jb
Check engine light came on. There was corrosion around the gas cap. Shop diagnosed problem as rusted fuel filler neck - replaced at a cost of $330. I had started to notice a fuel smell in my garage, so fumes were leaking out. Mechanic said it was probably a matter of time before gas may have come through. Vehicle is kept in garage when not in use and there is no reason for this pipe to corrode unless the material is defective. *Tr
I have a subura 1999 forester it is telling me on internet their is a recall part needed for brakes system. But my dealer says there is not. .Only for a different forester. I think my forester should be covered. It is a forrester. I am having a brake problem. The internet says yes the dealer says no. *Tr
Check engine light came on and after checking/changing gas cap and having light reset, it came on again. I then checked internet sites for possible problems and then noticed corrosion when I removed the gas cap. One area had a small hole starting in the metal. We had the fuel filler neck replaced at a repair shop and they gave me the old one back. It was all corroded and he said it was probably a matter of time before gas may have come through. Vehicle is kept in garage when not in use and there is no reason for this pipe to corrode unless the material is defective. *Tr
Head gasket/engine failed while on highway. Car stalled, unable to be driven. *Tr
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 subaru forester. While coasting, the vehicle began to accelerate on its own. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The current and failure mileages were 48,700. Updated 05/06/08 *bf the consumer stated dreyer & reinbold checked engine, transmission mounts speed control and found no problem. 05/06/08 *Tr
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 subaru forester. While driving 40 mph, the contact depressed the brake pedal to avoid a dog. The vehicle would not stop and crashed into a telephone pole. The police arrived and filed a report. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop. The insurance company investigated the failure and informed her that this was a maintenance issue, rather than a safety issue. The subaru manufacturer stated that his vin was not included in the recall. The recall number was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 100,000. Updated 03-25-08 *bf updated 03/25/08 *tr
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). The only remedy is to rev the engine to high revs, over and over, until the transmission "catches", at which point the vehicle lurches...
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forward, often violently, even with the brake depressed. This most often happens at stoplights/signs, however it will occur on the highway in traffic when brakes are applied hard. This seems to be quite potentially dangerous if it were to happen when it was necessary to move the vehicle out of the way of something oncoming and would not be able to. A dealer looked at it and flushed the transmission and added new fluid, which solved the problem for about 2 months, after which it has continued to get worse. The transmission is not low on fluid, and the fluid looks fine. I have heard this complaint from numerous other 1999 forester owners via various internet forums. *Tr
About 3 years into owning this '99 forester, the illumination for my gear shifting column between the front seats went out. Cost to repair was prohibitive, so I learned to deal with it. About 2 years ago, the led clock above the mirror went out. Cost to repair $180, so I decided to live without a clock. Last friday, the led that illuminates the gas gauge, speedometer and odometer went out. Now I have to periodically turn on the cabin light to see how fast I'm driving, how much gasoline I have and how many miles I've driven. What's next? This is ridiculous! *Tr
On 1998 forester 5-spd, when pulling out on freeways and other roads, as I switch from 3 to 4 or from 4 to 5, engine wants to drop to idle as I try to accelerate. *Nm
Consumer complaint concerning 1999 forester gas mileage. *Ts the consumer stated he experienced problems with the transmission, brakes, a knock sensor, a squeak in the cargo panel and the catalytic converter. *Jb
We have a 1999 subaru forester with a 2.5 L engine. We got a recall notice 2-2004 regarding external coolant leaks at the engine cylinder head gaskets. This recall covered vehicle years 1999-2002 or 4 years of vehicles. We took the vehicle in and had the specific (special conditioner) installed as required by subaru. Unfortunately for us it took subaru 5 years to acknowledge the problem as we are on the front end of the model years in question. Last week the head gaskets failed and with it a large repair bill....
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Subaru will not honor the extended warranty as we are outside it by less than 10% in mileage but within the specified 8 years in age. We live in southern california and it is our opinion the mileage amounts allowed do not represent this part of the country and are not real world. We have discussed the issue with 2 extremely experienced mechanics including a nissan mechanic (noted throughout the country) who indicated the conditioner was merely a band-aid, a way for subaru to make a temporary fix, and not make a proper repair by replacing the defective head gaskets in question. *Jb
Dt*: the contact stated fuel leaked onto the ground while filling the vehicle. The vehicle was inspected by the contact who determined the fuel filler pipe was rusted. The plastic covering around the filler pipe became clogged with road debris and appeared to have caused the rust. Additionally, the pipe appeared to have rusted more quickly because it was made of mild steel. The replacement part was ordered through the local dealer, who informed the contact this was a commonly ordered part.
After purchasing my 1999 subaru forester, at 67,000 miles the left rear wheel bearing began to fail. This appears to be a common event judging from the complaints I have researched from various internet sources. Instead of recalling the defective parts, subaru has decided to ignore the issue and make the vehicle owners have their defective wheel bearings replaced (with different bearings) at their own expense.*Jb
HEAD GASKET FAILURE. *JB
Dt: the contact stated since purchase of the vehicle there has been antifreeze smell. He would periodically check the reservoir, and once he noticed it was leaking. He took the vehicle to a mechanic, who determined the head gasket was leaking. There was manufacturer recall wwp-99, for this problem, but when he took the vehicle to the dealership they stated there was no problem with the vehicle. They told the contact he probably filled the reservoir too high, causing the leak. The manufacturer was contacted, and suggested he keep an eye on the problem. If it persists, they will fix the vehicle under the recall. The vehicle has not been repaired. *Ak
Both rear wheel bearings have failed twice. Replaced twice by repair shop. Original ones lasted 50,000 miles, 1st replacement lasted 10,000 miles. *Jb
Dt: the consumer stated the vehicle would only go into reverse. *Jb
Subaru Forester: every year compared
All Forester years1999 Subaru Forester vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 Subaru Forester | 134 | 1 | B | |
| 1999 Jeep Cherokee | 2,004 | 8 | F | Compare |
| 1999 Kia Sportage | 284 | 5 | F | Compare |
| 1999 Honda CR-V | 137 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 1999 Toyota RAV4 | 63 | 5 | B | Compare |
| 1999 Nissan Rogue | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 1999 Subaru Outback | 111 | 1 | B | Compare |
| 1999 Subaru Legacy | 97 | 3 | D | Compare |
| 1999 Subaru Impreza | 22 | 4 | A | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1999 Subaru Forester
Does the 1999 Subaru Forester have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 1999 Subaru Forester: master cylinder (March 1999). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1999 Subaru Forester?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the transmission & drivetrain (32), engine & cooling (28), suspension (25).
How many complaints has the 1999 Subaru Forester had?
134 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on February 22, 1999 and the latest on February 28, 2020. Of these, 5 describe a crash and 1 a fire, and together they report 5 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1999 Subaru Forester a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 70 out of 100 (grade B: fewer problems than a typical Subaru Forester year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Subaru Forester years have the most complaints?
2019 (834), 2015 (618), 2020 (603). See every Subaru Forester year compared.
What should I do if my 1999 Subaru Forester has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data