1999 Subaru Forester Wheels Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 3%of 131 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 16,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the wheels of the 1999 Subaru Forester, 3% of the 131 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 16,000 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.
“3 right wheel bearing failures. At 16000 miles the right wheel bearing was replaced under warranty (9-11-01). At 22000 miles (4-23-03), right rear bearing noise returned and dealer 'adjusted' the bearing. Warranty had expired, but dealer did not charge for 'adjustment'. At 24100 miles, bearing failed with grinding and smoke during highway driving. A 100 mile tow was necessary. The dealer is refusing to repair under warranty. My position is that it was never fixed the first time. Online research reveals others with similar tales. One told of having bearings replaced 6 times. …”
NHTSA complaint #10070659, filed 2004-01, 16,000 miles“While driving at 55 on the highway left rear driver's side tire blew out. Consumer had to replace the tire, and the wheel was bent. Consumer made contact with the manufacturer, who wanted the wheel and tire mailed.”
NHTSA complaint #10099887, filed 2004-11“I have had to replace three (3) wheel bearings on this automobile. Wheel bearing failure could lead to loss of a wheel and a serious accident. A search of the web indicates this model has a history of these problems. Dt”
NHTSA complaint #769775, filed 2002-11Wheels: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 | 4% |
| 2024 | 1 | 3% |
| 2022 | 2 | 2% |
| 2021 | 1 | 0% |
| 2020 | 1 | 0% |
| 2019 | 6 | 1% |
| 2018 | 6 | 1% |
| 2017 | 13 | 2% |
| 2016 | 17 | 4% |
| 2015 | 20 | 3% |
| 2014 | 11 | 3% |
| 2012 | 3 | 3% |
| 2010 | 4 | 2% |
| 2009 | 2 | 1% |
| 2008 | 1 | 2% |
| 2006 | 3 | 3% |
| 2005 | 2 | 2% |
| 2004 | 3 | 1% |
| 2003 | 2 | 1% |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
| 2001 | 7 | 5% |
| 1999 | 4 | 3% |
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 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