Model year guide

1998 Subaru forester

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1998 Subaru forester is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 3 on record.

1998 Subaru forester — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1998 Subaru forester at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints112
Combined21 mpg

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

1998 Subaru forester recalls 1

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder NHTSA Campaign #99V040000 · 03/03/1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS). (THE 1999 2.2 LITER LEGACY VEHICLES ARE EXCLUDED). IN EXTREMELY COLD WEATHER, THE BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR AND THE VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE IS INCREASED.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

1998 Subaru forester common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 112 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

1998 Subaru forester MPG & running costs

Combined21 mpg
City19 mpg
Highway25 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,025

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1998 Subaru forester costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$15,125
Fuel only$15,125
Per mile$0.20

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

1998 Subaru forester trims & engines on record

Trims
l
Engines
2.5L

1998 Subaru forester vehicles on record

1998 Subaru forester 1998 Subaru forester lJF1SF635XWH769848 1998 Subaru forester lJF1SF6356WH754568 1998 Subaru forester LJF1SF635XWG769824

Other Subaru forester model years

2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999

1998 Subaru forester — frequently asked questions

Does the 1998 Subaru forester have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 1998 Subaru forester. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 1998 Subaru forester?

Based on 112 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are suspension, engine and engine cooling, vehicle speed control.

What gas mileage does the 1998 Subaru forester get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 1998 Subaru forester at about 21 mpg combined (19 city / 25 highway).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.