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Electrical systemPart report

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 1997-10

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2026825%
202599%
202413%
2023811%
20221111%
20213416%
202010317%
201913416%
20187114%
201710618%
20169322%
20158213%
20144210%
201334%
2012109%
2011117%
2010135%
20092212%
2008510%
200757%
200678%
200533%
200442%
200342%
200121%
200011%
199943%
199866%

Other parts of the 1998 Subaru Forester

Transmission and drivetrain
23 complaints
Suspension
17 complaints
Brakes
15 complaints
Engine cooling
14 complaints
Vehicle speed control
14 complaints
Tires
8 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaints
Air bags
6 complaints
Fuel system
5 complaints
Other or unknown
3 complaints
Steering
3 complaints
Equipment
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