The 1998 Subaru Forester has 1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting an estimated 221,987 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 138 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the vehicle speed control. Last updated July 5, 2026.
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.
THIS CONDITION CAUSES THE VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE TO BE INCREASED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER.
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.
“Tl* the contact owns a 1998 subaru forester. The contact stated that the service engine indicator illuminated and the engine revved up and down. The vehicle would need to accelerate in order to rev down. An independent mechanic stated that the failure may be due to the oxygen sensor or the…”
“When at the gas stations I try to put gas into my car, it is not going into the tank properly, it keeps shutting the gas nozzle off within seconds. Very hard to put gas into my car.”
“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”
“My '98 subaru forester is experiencing rear wheel bearing failure again. These bearings are defective and fail often, from what I've read on the web. *tr”
“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…”
“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…”
“My 1998 subara forester went into a "sudden acceleration". Luckily, no one was killed, but the car sustained significant damage. *tr”
“1998 subaru forester. Consumer states that while driving she heard a loud noise, pulled over to inspect the vehicle it was on fire. *mc the consumer replaced the knock sensor 30 days prior. (ohio traffic crash report). *jb”
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL, FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 1998 Subaru Forester as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.