1998 Subaru Forester Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 6%of 101 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 98,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the electrical system of the 1998 Subaru Forester, 6% of the 101 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 98,000 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“During normal operation of vehicle air bag light on dash board lit up, and horn no longer was functional. Dealership examined vehicle, and informed consumer is would cost $1,000.00 to correct the problem. Please provide any additional information/attachments.”
NHTSA complaint #894863, filed 2001-08“When vehicle was turned on it suddenly accelerated backwards very fast, crashing into two vehicles. Consumer has contacted dealer. Cause of the problem has yet to be determined. While vehicle was in park and consumer had foot on the brake and turned on ignition the vehicle accelerated very fast in reverse and caused accident, consumer is also having various electrical problems with the vehicle, such as the battery draining, security system goes off while parked, and the doors lock by themselves.”
NHTSA complaint #8002093, filed 2002-01“Car began smoking under the hood-no indication from dashboard that perhaps the car was overheating. When the car was ultimately turned off at the home of the owner, the engine under the hood ignited, flames engulfed under the hood. Fire department and police department were called to extinguish fire which was ten feet from garage of home .damage to driveway as well, due to melting of rubber and plastic in the car.fire reported to insurance company. Car was not driveable as per fire chief-car was towed to auto body shop.”
NHTSA complaint #725833, filed 2000-07“Security system goes off when hazard lights are engaged/ABS brakes squeak. In addition, while pulling out of parking spot, vehicle lunged forward unexpectedly, and engine check light comes on.”
NHTSA complaint #541483, filed 1998-09“Vehicle caught fire while driving. Fire started from rear of vehicle's back seat.cause of fire has not been determined.owner is very concerned for safety.”
NHTSA complaint #817066, filed 1997-10Related service bulletins
- 10219491Aug 23, 2022This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
- 10209915Mar 18, 2022This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic essential information during diagnosis and repair of the Infotainment concerns. (Applicable to all…
- 10198758Jun 17, 2021This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8 | 25% |
| 2025 | 9 | 9% |
| 2024 | 1 | 3% |
| 2023 | 8 | 11% |
| 2022 | 11 | 11% |
| 2021 | 34 | 16% |
| 2020 | 103 | 17% |
| 2019 | 134 | 16% |
| 2018 | 71 | 14% |
| 2017 | 106 | 18% |
| 2016 | 93 | 22% |
| 2015 | 82 | 13% |
| 2014 | 42 | 10% |
| 2013 | 3 | 4% |
| 2012 | 10 | 9% |
| 2011 | 11 | 7% |
| 2010 | 13 | 5% |
| 2009 | 22 | 12% |
| 2008 | 5 | 10% |
| 2007 | 5 | 7% |
| 2006 | 7 | 8% |
| 2005 | 3 | 3% |
| 2004 | 4 | 2% |
| 2003 | 4 | 2% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
| 1999 | 4 | 3% |
| 1998 | 6 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1998 Subaru Forester
23 complaintsSuspension
17 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsEngine cooling
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
14 complaintsTires
8 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsAir bags
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 27, 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