1999 Subaru Forester review from North America

Wheel bearing problem at 41500 miles. These were straight highway miles (no off-road) In a facility of 200 workers I'm the third with wheel bearing problems in a Forester. All have occurred between 40,000 and 50,000 miles. By calling different Subaru dealers in my region of the country and speaking to the Parts Department (people who are a little more free with their information), I have found that many will not put Forester wheel bearings back on a Forester----they install Legacy bearings.

This is a Subaru problem and should not be passed down to the customer. There appears to be one of three scenarios. 1. Subaru is being supplied with bad or poorly designed parts. 2. Subaru has a design problem (using undersized bearings etc.). 3. Subaru has an installation problem. I think probably scenario no. 1 is the culprit. In any event this should be completely handled by Subaru with no cost to the customer. Wheel bearings do not wear out at 40,000 miles.