1998 Subaru Forester Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 15%of 101 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Subaru Forester, 15% of the 101 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Left side axle shaft assembly leaked, dealer replaced right side front axle, sway bar links made noise, dealer lubed links, there was a noise outside of the vehicle, consumer was advised to replace all tires, no specific tire information was given.”
NHTSA complaint #564372, filed 2002-02“The braking system malfunction, causing extended stopping distance. Once had no braking ability at all which almost caused an accident. Dealer never replaced any parts, just removed a pebble from the brake pads. Please provide further information.”
NHTSA complaint #834271, filed 1999-01“When applying the ABS brakes on wet or dry pavement the pedal travels to the floorboard, causing extended stopping distance. Dealer could not identify the problem, but replaced the master cylinder. Please give any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #823012, filed 1998-05“Consumer has had to have rotors turned on a 'very' frequent basis. Dealership/mechanic were saying that drums needed to be replaced. Please provide any additional information.”
NHTSA complaint #882257, filed 2001-03“While at a stop light and when driver accelerates engine will rev. Consumer has also changed rotors, and it's time to change them again after 3000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #878351, filed 2001-01Related recalls
- 99V040000Mar 3, 1999Vehicle description: passenger and sport utility vehicles equipped with anti-lock braking system (abs). (the 1999 2.2 liter legacy vehicles are excluded). In…Covers: Subaru Forester 1998–1999, Legacy 1998–1999
Related service bulletins
- 10163525Jul 11, 2019This Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips. This will prevent the pad from…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 3% |
| 2025 | 6 | 6% |
| 2024 | 1 | 3% |
| 2023 | 6 | 8% |
| 2022 | 11 | 11% |
| 2021 | 7 | 3% |
| 2020 | 14 | 2% |
| 2019 | 26 | 3% |
| 2018 | 14 | 3% |
| 2017 | 15 | 3% |
| 2016 | 29 | 7% |
| 2015 | 36 | 6% |
| 2014 | 31 | 8% |
| 2013 | 9 | 12% |
| 2012 | 16 | 15% |
| 2011 | 20 | 14% |
| 2010 | 37 | 14% |
| 2009 | 16 | 9% |
| 2008 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 4 | 5% |
| 2006 | 2 | 2% |
| 2005 | 7 | 8% |
| 2004 | 5 | 2% |
| 2003 | 10 | 5% |
| 2002 | 11 | 13% |
| 2001 | 16 | 12% |
| 1999 | 19 | 14% |
| 1998 | 15 | 15% |
Other parts of the 1998 Subaru Forester
23 complaintsSuspension
17 complaintsEngine cooling
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
14 complaintsTires
8 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsEquipment
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Subaru Forester
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology