Subaru Forester
1998–2002 only
1998–2002 Subaru Forester models have 78 classified complaints on record for these years specifically. The most common issue in this range is Tank, lines and filler, typically surfacing around 108,000 miles.
Computed directly from stored federal records for 1998–2002 model years only — not blended with the rest of this vehicle's production run. See the full Subaru Forester report for every year combined.
Where this range fits
What breaks, and when — 1998–2002 only
Median onset: 108,000 miles. 6.3% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.
More common in older model years.
Median onset: 109,000 miles. 8.3% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.
More common in older model years.
Median onset: 169,851 miles.
Tends to show up later than this model's other issues. · More common in older model years. · Typical repair: $230–$700 nationally.
Median onset: 84,000 miles.
More common in older model years. · Typical repair: $1,620–$3,010 nationally.
Median onset: 176,250 miles.
Tends to show up later than this model's other issues. · More common in older model years.
Median onset: 56,000 miles. 40.0% of these reported an injury, a death, or a crash with fire.
Tends to show up earlier than this model's other issues. · More common in newer model years.
Median onset: 96,250 miles.
More common in older model years. · Typical repair: $660–$1,260 nationally.
Median onset: 78,000 miles.
More common in older model years.
From owner-filed complaints to NHTSA, not independently verified. Federal mileage reporting on recent complaints is sparse — see how it works. Cost ranges are national estimates from book labor hours and parts pricing, not this vehicle's actual repair history — they don't account for your location or shop type.
Cost estimator: what will this one cost you?
Enter the car's year and mileage. See which known problems are due in your next 3 years, what each costs at your state's labor rates, which ones to ask the seller about, and routine maintenance to budget for.
Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — complaints and recalls, scoped to 1998–2002 model years. See the full Subaru Forester report for every year and full specs/safety data.