1999 Subaru Forester from North America - Comments

My 1999 Subaru Forester L (5-speed) has been OK. I've always had issues with where they chose to put the cup holder, but overall I like the car, especially the visibility. Regarding the wheel bearings, my first one failed (don't remember when but it was very early) and I had a mechanic replace it but he put the same type of bearing in as a replacement. When the second one failed, I did some research and found that it was a very common problem so I called SOA and they paid to have the second one replaced. When the first one I had replaced failed I might have been able to get them to replace that one too but didn't try. My understanding is this, Subaru apparently chose the wrong wheel bearings for this particular application. They changed to the same bearings as in the Legacy and the problem went away. I just had the clutch replaced this week at 105,000 miles. Mechanic told me that there was some kind of boot thing on the front axle that was going to need attention in the near future. Guess it's time for a new timing belt as well.

Have a late 2008 Forester, and have had several small problems with it.

Low gas light comes on at 1/2 a tank.

Radio squeaks.

Windows squeak when going up and down.

Burning smell comes in cab, smells like burning belts.

Passenger air bag won't come on with a 120 lbs person in seat.

Loud dash cracking as if a rock hit the windshield.

Wiper blades wear out after 5 months of use.

Stitching in front seats are fraying.

Gas door freezes shut.

High pitched noise from motor at speeds above 60 mph.

Dealer fixed most of problems. But why so many problems with such a high quality car? I drove Honda's for the last 14 year's with not one problem, I will be going back to Honda. I was wondering has anyone else experienced any of these problems?

I own a 2002 Subaru Forester and I'm on my fifth wheel bearing replacement. Obviously not under warranty any longer, here comes more $$$ out of my pocket.

I have a 2000 forester and am replacing my rear wheel bearings for the first time. It has 93,000 miles and hope that I don't have the same problem as everyone else with repeated wheel bearing replacements. overall a good car, I almost have it paid off and hope to keep the repairs to a minimum.

98 Forester

- Rebuilt engine

- Rebuilt tranny

- Front and rear bearings.

- Rear bearings again... 7500 Km after the last job!!

I'm broke now...

Wanna buy a Subbie??...I'm looking for a Honda again!!!

I have a 2002 Forester with about 96000 miles on it. The left rear wheel bearing went at about 94000 and the right rear has just started to make lots of noise.

Otherwise it has been a good car (but I really hate those rear disc brakes! They just rot away!)

My local mechanic does my work. I was very interested in the comments about using bearings from a Legacy. Is there any more info on this?

I guess I won't be buying this 1999 Subaru Forester for $3900 can at 160 000 km anymore!!!

I have owned a 99 Forester since new. Replaced rear wheel bearing early on. Then front axle went. Then pinion bearing in front differential. Then another wheel bearing. Then another wheel bearing. Then the other front axle. Then the other front axle again.

All this happened in a period of about 5 months except the first wheel bearing.

Now the check engine light stays on all the time and occasionally the AT Oil Temp lights flashes whenever it feels like it and the parking brakes cannot be turned off (this just happened today).

I have 160,000 miles on this car and CAN'T wait until I can afford to get a new car. It certainly WON'T be another Subaru. With all the money I've put into it this year, I could have bought another car. And of course Subaru could care less, way to keep a customer Subaru. If I hadn't followed the maintenance schedule TO THE LETTER, I could understand all this. So much for 300,000 miles.