Model year guide

1999 Subaru forester

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1999 Subaru forester is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 2 on record.

1999 Subaru forester at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints141
Combined21 mpg

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

1999 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.

1999 Subaru forester common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 141 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
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.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Fuel System
Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
Gasoline
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

1999 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 1999 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.

1999 Subaru forester trims & engines on record

Trims
S · l
Engines
2.5L

1999 Subaru forester vehicles on record

1999 Subaru forester lJF1SF6359XH716902 1999 Subaru forester 1999 Subaru forester SJF1SF6553XH702300

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 1998

1999 Subaru forester — frequently asked questions

Does the 1999 Subaru forester have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 1999 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 1999 Subaru forester?

Based on 141 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are power train, engine, service brakes.

What gas mileage does the 1999 Subaru forester get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 1999 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.