1999 Subaru Forester S review from North America

I had to have the head gasket replaced at 30,000 miles. I just had my first wheel bearing (left rear) replaced at 40,000 miles.

I have to replace the tires every 20,000 miles due to uneven wear. This may be from the faulty wheel bearings, but Subaru and my tire guy will not say for sure.

I was told by one Subaru dealer that I needed to have the left rear wheel bearing replaced. I asked him why it would need to be done since the car only had 40,000 miles on it. He said it could be that I hit a curb or that there was "bad grease". He acted as if it was the first time he had told someone that they had a bearing problem. I told him that I did not hit a curb and asked if Subaru could pay the $520 to replace the rear wheel bearings. He said no.

I then went on the Internet and read about all of the problems with Forester wheel bearings (thanks everyone). I called the dealer that I purchased the car from (great dealer ship) and they told me right away that it is a problem with Foresters and that they would cover the entire cost of replacing the bad bearing. They said that 1999 Forester bearings were not covered under the power train warranty, but that they would cover the cost as "good will".

I really do love the car and it is the right for my lifestyle. Unfortunately I will probably get a Rav 4 for my next car. Having the head gasket and wheel bearings go bad so early in the car's life give me less confidence in the realiability of the car.

My husband has a Toyota Avalon with more miles than my Forester and he has only had to have routine maintenance done on the car. After reading reviews about the Forester's wheel bearing problems I feel that this car is going to need a lot of work in the near future.