1999 Subaru Forester S from North America - Comments

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.

Owner comment like these are a true eye openers for potential Subaru buyers.

As far as I am concerned - I took a hint and, as a current Toyota owner - I am staying with what I know.

Subaru better wake up.

For anyone with wheel bearing problems, do not let the dealer only replace the bearing. The bearing will go out 15,000 miles later if you are lucky. Have the dealer also replace the shaft the bearing slides on.

I had six bearings replaced on the same wheel before the also change the shaft and so far the bearing has been holding up for 30,000 miles. Knock on wood - I think the shaft was the main problem all along, but Subaru does not care if the car comes back for the same issue. I had to put pressure on Subaru the sixth time to actually get them to change the shaft, so put some pressure on them and hopefully you will get the same outcome I got with the bearing issue. I still have other issues wrong with the car and will never buy a Subaru again. I am trying to spread the word not to buy a Subaru, please do the same so we can force Subaru to step up to the plate and take blame for the design problems.

Hi, I won a 2001 Subaru Forester with 50'000 miles on it. The car has never been that good, always noisy with cheap accessories (cup holders broke almost immediately, CD player is broke).

Blower motor burned out (that was under warranty and after three tries they finally fixed it correctly).

Paint chips easily and so on.

The problem with the bearing is real. I noticed a grinding noise around 45'000 miles and it has drowned out the normal noisy interior sounds. I contacted the dealer and the manager did at least admit that they had problems with this model's bearings and he is going to contact Subaru of America to see if they will pick up some if not all of the replacement cost. Needless to say, I won't hold my breath.

These cars are not worth the money. I bought it because of their reputation for reliability. I think that reputation is pretty much shot. Go get yourself a Hyundai or KIA. 10 yr/ 100'000 mile warranty and, from what understand, their reliability is better than most.