1998 Subaru Forester suspension problems
17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the suspension on the 1998 Subaru Forester — 17% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“1. Wheel bearings have consistently needed replacement starting 4 years after car purchased new. At 450.00 to 500.00 each time. This is a design issues and subaru needs to pay of each replacement. 2. Fuel line leak. This is very dangerous and again listed many many time on all subaru fix web sites…”
filed Feb 24, 2020
“Increasing grinding noise from rear of car; dealer inspected and found failing right real wheel bearing; repair found failed seal on axle; one control arm replaced along with axle and bearing. *tr”
filed Sep 15, 2008
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Suspension problems in other Forester years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Forester | 1 | 1% |
| 2023 Forester | 3 | 4% |
| 2022 Forester | 3 | 3% |
| 2021 Forester | 4 | 2% |
| 2019 Forester | 6 | 1% |
| 2018 Forester | 15 | 3% |
| 2017 Forester | 11 | 2% |
| 2016 Forester | 13 | 3% |
| 2015 Forester | 66 | 11% |
| 2014 Forester | 94 | 23% |
| 2012 Forester | 1 | 1% |
| 2010 Forester | 2 | 1% |
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.