1998 Subaru Forester power train problems
23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 1998 Subaru Forester — 23% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“My 98 forester had the right rear bearing changed 3 times by non dealer chain. Started making noise again. When I went to subaru, the mechanic told me that it's common. He has been replacing them with legacy bearings and has not had any complaints. Also the vent on top of rear differential blows or…”
filed Oct 31, 2007
“Clutch chatters badly and clutch does not engage until the pedal is almost fully depressed when vehicle sits overnight. Problem seems more pronounced in colder weather, but occurs in all weather conditions. In addition to causing an unsafe driving situation, the condition may cause first and…”
filed Jul 4, 2003
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Power Train problems in other Forester years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Forester | 4 | 5% |
| 2023 Forester | 4 | 5% |
| 2022 Forester | 4 | 4% |
| 2021 Forester | 14 | 7% |
| 2020 Forester | 30 | 5% |
| 2019 Forester | 38 | 5% |
| 2018 Forester | 23 | 5% |
| 2017 Forester | 44 | 8% |
| 2016 Forester | 49 | 12% |
| 2015 Forester | 95 | 15% |
| 2014 Forester | 41 | 10% |
| 2013 Forester | 6 | 8% |
Other reported problem areas on the 1998 Subaru Forester
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.