1999 Subaru Forester Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 2%of 131 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 96,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the body and structure of the 1999 Subaru Forester, 2% of the 131 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 96,000 miles.
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.
“1999 Subaru Forester s. At 40,000 new transmission. At 45,000 speed odometer sticking needs to be replaced. Now at 96,000 miles leaking head gasket needs to be replaced. All major problems requiring major money to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10021117, filed 2003-06, 96,000 miles“Consumer complaint concerning 1999 Forester gas mileage. The consumer stated he experienced problems with the transmission, brakes, a knock sensor, a squeak in the cargo panel and the catalytic converter.”
NHTSA complaint #10171181, filed 2006-10Related service bulletins
- 10015186Feb 25, 2005This bulletin provides information to properly diagnosis the rear gate stays and also avoids unnecessary replacement of non-failed stays.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 9% |
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2024 | 2 | 6% |
| 2023 | 3 | 4% |
| 2022 | 2 | 2% |
| 2021 | 4 | 2% |
| 2020 | 15 | 2% |
| 2019 | 25 | 3% |
| 2018 | 14 | 3% |
| 2017 | 15 | 3% |
| 2016 | 11 | 3% |
| 2015 | 20 | 3% |
| 2014 | 27 | 7% |
| 2013 | 4 | 5% |
| 2012 | 5 | 5% |
| 2011 | 8 | 5% |
| 2010 | 7 | 3% |
| 2009 | 2 | 1% |
| 2008 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 1 | 1% |
| 2006 | 7 | 8% |
| 2005 | 4 | 4% |
| 2004 | 4 | 2% |
| 2003 | 19 | 10% |
| 2002 | 3 | 3% |
| 2001 | 4 | 3% |
| 1999 | 3 | 2% |
Other parts of the 1999 Subaru Forester
32 complaintsEngine cooling
25 complaintsSuspension
25 complaintsBrakes
19 complaintsTires
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsWheels
4 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsEquipment
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 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