1998 Subaru Forester Transmission and drivetrain Problems

“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.”

“Axle shaft leaked grease (potential fire hazard). Correction of failure outlined in manufacturer campaign wxn71 dated 5/5/1999. As owner, I did not receive campaign notification from Subaru of america. In response to inquiry, dlr advised that recall on my vehicle is closed; would like to know why.”

“Grease and oil dripping onto the catalytic converter starts smelling. Dealer cannot duplicate the problem, but is aware of the problem. *akthey doubled the viscosity of the driveline grease. From 90 to 150 weight. Tthere only one problem with this.the fumes coming off the exhaust were making me sick.the laekage was bad enough that I thought the car was starting on fire- fire hazard.”

“Yesterday aft. My car drove itself into a store window with me at the wheel. Fortunately no one was hurt but it could have been a real disaster. I was already parked there, put the car in reverse and it took off without my touching the accelerator. In fact, my foot was on the brake the whole time (automatic transmission). My braking wouldn't stop it, so I managed to get it into a forward gear. Had I not, the car might well have driven further into the store and hurt the several shoppers. Once in a forward gear, the car then it took off forward on a wild ride; again, I was merely the passenger. …”

“Consumer was parking on an upgrade. Consumer stated that they put vehicle in park attempted to exit when vehicle began to roll backwards. Consumer applied brakes, pedal went to the floor. Which resulted in vehicle crossing a residential street and stopping in someones yard. Consumer feels this was very dangerous, someone could have been hit. Please provide any further information.”