1999 Subaru Forester Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 25about this part
- Share
- 19%of 131 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 43,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 25 complaints about the suspension of the 1999 Subaru Forester, 19% of the 131 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 43,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The car is 4 years old with 24100 miles. At 16000 miles, right rear wheel bearing failed and was replaced under warranty. At 22000 miles, right rear bearing noise returned and the dealer 'adjusted' the bearing for 'free', even though the 3 year warranty had passed. At 24100 miles, the bearing failed with grinding and smoking while vehicle was on the highway. …”
NHTSA complaint #10032914, filed 2003-08, 24,100 miles“There was a grinding noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. Upon inspection of the noise by the dealership, they indicated the noise occurred because of a right wheel bearing failure. The right wheel bearing was replaced, but then the failure occurred on the left side.”
NHTSA complaint #10089274, filed 2004-08, 48,000 miles“Rear wheel bearings on my 1999 Subaru forrester purchased on mar 6, 1999 have failed on the left rear wheel at 31619 miles on nov. 13, 2001. The right rear wheel bearing failed on july 1, 2004 at 58974 miles. The left rear failed again on a vacation trip to vermont on july 12, 2004 at 59832 miles. On this last failure the left rear hopusing had to be replaced as excessive heat scorched the part. The first incident was covered under the manufacturers warrenty. …”
NHTSA complaint #10081210, filed 2004-07, 31,699 miles“Rear wheel bearings were replaced four times. Vehicle was making too much noise before the bearings were replaced. Consumer felt that the wheel bearings should have lasted longer. Manufacturer was notified.”
NHTSA complaint #10094667, filed 2004-10, 80,765 miles“While making a right turn, the consumer heard a rubbing noise. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the rear strut spring plate corroded and was pushed down onto the tires. The rear struts were replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10046289, filed 2003-12, 68,607 milesSuspension: 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 1999 Subaru Forester
32 complaintsEngine cooling
25 complaintsBrakes
19 complaintsTires
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsElectrical system
4 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 30, 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