1998 Subaru Forester Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 17%of 101 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 84,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the suspension of the 1998 Subaru Forester, 17% of the 101 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 84,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 or sweats diff fluid out onto differential. Potential for freeze up of differential once all fluid is gone. Mechanic claims he would have to open differential and notch some metal guard in there to prevent this. This along with bearings-$600.”
NHTSA complaint #10207577, filed 2007-10, 120,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10242202, filed 2008-09, 84,000 miles“1. Wheel bearings have consistently needed replacement starting 4 years after car purchased new. At 450.00 to 500.00 each time. This is a design issues and Subaru needs to pay of each replacement. 2. Fuel line leak. This is very dangerous and again listed many many time on all Subaru fix web sites. Cost to fix 1600.00 and more if fuel tank needs replacing. Again, Subaru needs to deal with this. These have been happening since car purchased. Car has been well maintained since purchase.”
NHTSA complaint #11311218, filed 2020-02“The Subaru Forester cited in this complaint was purchased new at woodbridge jeep Subaru in woodbridge va. On august 29, 1998. Unknown to us at the time of purchase, the 4 wheel alignment was misaligned. On august 25, 2000, my wife was on an extended trip when the check engine light came on for no readily apparent reason. This prompted her to return home and us to try to contact woodbridge jeep Subaru which we soon learned had quit selling subarus. We then contacted the next closest Subaru dealer which was reynolds cadillac Subaru in orange va., a distance of 36 miles one way from my residence. …”
NHTSA complaint #732544, filed 2000-09“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 2002-02Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2023 | 3 | 4% |
| 2022 | 3 | 3% |
| 2021 | 4 | 2% |
| 2019 | 6 | 1% |
| 2018 | 15 | 3% |
| 2017 | 13 | 2% |
| 2016 | 14 | 3% |
| 2015 | 66 | 11% |
| 2014 | 94 | 23% |
| 2012 | 1 | 1% |
| 2010 | 2 | 1% |
| 2009 | 6 | 3% |
| 2008 | 11 | 22% |
| 2007 | 12 | 16% |
| 2006 | 12 | 14% |
| 2005 | 21 | 23% |
| 2004 | 25 | 11% |
| 2003 | 22 | 12% |
| 2002 | 9 | 10% |
| 2001 | 15 | 11% |
| 2000 | 19 | 25% |
| 1999 | 25 | 19% |
| 1998 | 17 | 17% |
Other parts of the 1998 Subaru Forester
23 complaintsBrakes
15 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 29, 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