1999 Subaru Forester Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 3%of 131 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 175,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the electrical system of the 1999 Subaru Forester, 3% of the 131 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 175,000 miles. 1 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.
“On 1998 Forester 5-spd, when pulling out on freeways and other roads, as I switch from 3 to 4 or from 4 to 5, engine wants to drop to idle as I try to accelerate.”
NHTSA complaint #10183186, filed 2007-02, 175,000 miles“About 3 years into owning this '99 Forester, the illumination for my gear shifting column between the front seats went out. Cost to repair was prohibitive, so I learned to deal with it. About 2 years ago, the LED clock above the mirror went out. Cost to repair $180, so I decided to live without a clock. Last friday, the LED that illuminates the gas gauge, speedometer and odometer went out. Now I have to periodically turn on the cabin light to see how fast I'm driving, how much gasoline I have and how many miles I've driven. What's next? This is ridiculous!”
NHTSA complaint #10212123, filed 2007-12Related 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
- 10234260Dec 13, 2012Repair Procedure for High-Pitched Sound from Extension Housing Area Using Latest Generation Production Parts
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 1999 Subaru Forester
32 complaintsEngine cooling
25 complaintsSuspension
25 complaintsBrakes
19 complaintsTires
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsWheels
4 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 Subaru Forester
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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