Owners have filed 138 complaints
about the 1998 Subaru Forester with NHTSA between 1997 and 2020.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 26 of 29 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 23
Against the median year of the Subaru Forester. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 71
13.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 15
9% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 1998 compares with every other Subaru Forester
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Windshield
616.2%
Rotor
513.5%
Rear
513.5%
Engine
513.5%
Multiple Axle
410.8%
Clutch Assembly
410.8%
Wheel Bearing
410.8%
Axle Assembly
410.8%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
25,000 – 49,999 miles
28.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
730.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
417.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1043.5%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Oct 1997peak 7Feb 2020
Recalls on the 1998 Subaru Forester
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 200006946,003 units in Canada
Other
Certain vehicle do not comply with Regulation 6 - Statement of Compliance. Compliance label was not expressed in both official languages in regard to vehicle classification. Correction: No corrective action will be taken for existing vehicles. Correct compliance label will be affixed in current production vehicles.
Recall 199904316,710 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles equipped with anti-lock brakes (ABS), the brake master cylinder secondary circuit may not function in extremely cold weather due to brake fluid bypassing the fluid supply valve, which remains open. This condition can result in the brake pedal going to the floor during normal light brake application, thereby increasing stopping distance. Correction: Brake master cylinder will be repaired or replaced as required.
Recall 19981544,152 units in Canada
Structure
THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 215 - BUMPERS. THE FRONT RIGHT CORNER IMPACT TEST FOR THE STANDARD CAUSES THE RIGHT FRONT FOG LAMP LENS TO BREAK. CORRECTION: A REINFORCEMENT BRACKET WILL BE INSTALLED BEHIND THE FRONT BUMPER ON AFFECTED VEHICLES.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Elyria, OHFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1998 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING SHE HEARD A LOUD NOISE, PULLED OVER TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE IT WAS ON FIRE. *MC THE CONSUMER REPLACED THE KNOCK SENSOR 30 DAYS PRIOR. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT).
NHTSA complaint #10190069 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
University Heights, OHCrash
TIRES
1998 SUBARU FORESTER'S TIRE BLEW OUT. *TS WHEN THE TIRE BLEWOUT IT CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO GO OFF THE ROADWAY AND STRIKE A CONSTRUCTION CONE, DELINEATOR POST AND SOUTH DITCH. THE VEHICLE LEFT REAR QUARTER PANEL, TAILLIGHT AND BUMPER WERE DAMAGED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES.
NHTSA complaint #10166914 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesMedia, PACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WHILE PARKED. THE VEHICLE WENT THROUGH A FENCE AND HIT SOME BRUSH. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT THE CONTACT SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. THE HEATER WOULD NOT WORK PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALERSHIP. THE THERMOSTAT WAS REPLACED. THERE WAS NOT A POLICE REPORT FILED. UPDATED 3/28/2006 -
NHTSA complaint #10149914 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesMedia, PACrash
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WHILE PARKED. THE VEHICLE WENT THROUGH A FENCE AND HIT SOME BRUSH. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT THE CONTACT SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. THE HEATER WOULD NOT WORK PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALERSHIP. THE THERMOSTAT WAS REPLACED. THERE WAS NOT A POLICE REPORT FILED. UPDATED 3/28/2006 -
NHTSA complaint #10149914 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,995 milesBattle Ground, INCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THE CONSUMER PLACED HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE, STARTED THE VEHICLE AND SUDDENLY WITHOUT WARNING THE VEHICLE LUNGED INTO GEAR TAKING OFF SOME 40 FEET, STRIKING ANOTHER VEHICLE DAMAGING BOTH VEHICLES.
NHTSA complaint #10082022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chesterfield, MOCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
MY SPOUSE HAD A MINOR ACCIDENT WITH OUR 1998 SUBARU FORESTER. THE FRONTAL IMPACT CAUSED BOTH AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WHEN IT DEPLOYED BROKE THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE (PASSENGER SIDE) DOOR WINDOW AND THE REAR VIEW MIRROR. NO ONE WAS SEATING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. I BELIEVE THIS IS A DEFECT THAT MAY BE A RESULT OF THE AIR BAG IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR ALIGNED. *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10010563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Green BAY, WI
SUSPENSION
1. WHEEL BEARINGS HAVE CONSISTENTLY NEEDED REPLACEMENT STARTING 4 YEARS AFTER CAR PURCHASED NEW. AT 450.00 TO 500.00 EACH TIME. THIS IS A DESIGN ISSUES AND SUBARU NEEDS TO PAY OF EACH REPLACEMENT. 2. FUEL LINE LEAK. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND AGAIN LISTED MANY MANY TIME ON ALL SUBARU FIX WEB SITES. COST TO FIX 1600.00 AND MORE IF FUEL TANK NEEDS REPLACING. AGAIN, SUBARU NEEDS TO DEAL WITH THIS. THESE HAVE BEEN HAPPENING SINCE CAR PURCHASED. CAR HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED SINCE PURCHASE.
NHTSA complaint #11311218 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Green BAY, WI
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1. WHEEL BEARINGS HAVE CONSISTENTLY NEEDED REPLACEMENT STARTING 4 YEARS AFTER CAR PURCHASED NEW. AT 450.00 TO 500.00 EACH TIME. THIS IS A DESIGN ISSUES AND SUBARU NEEDS TO PAY OF EACH REPLACEMENT. 2. FUEL LINE LEAK. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND AGAIN LISTED MANY MANY TIME ON ALL SUBARU FIX WEB SITES. COST TO FIX 1600.00 AND MORE IF FUEL TANK NEEDS REPLACING. AGAIN, SUBARU NEEDS TO DEAL WITH THIS. THESE HAVE BEEN HAPPENING SINCE CAR PURCHASED. CAR HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED SINCE PURCHASE.
NHTSA complaint #11311218 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesWaukegan, IL
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE ENGINE REVVED UP AND DOWN. THE VEHICLE WOULD NEED TO ACCELERATE IN ORDER TO REV DOWN. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FAILURE MAY BE DUE TO THE OXYGEN SENSOR OR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE CONTACT CALLED LIBERTY AUTO CITY (1000 E PARK AVE, LIBERTYVILLE, IL 60048, (847) 362-2683) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED THE CONTACT WITH A CASE NUMBER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11160794 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dixmoor, IL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
WHEN AT THE GAS STATIONS I TRY TO PUT GAS INTO MY CAR, IT IS NOT GOING INTO THE TANK PROPERLY, IT KEEPS SHUTTING THE GAS NOZZLE OFF WITHIN SECONDS. VERY HARD TO PUT GAS INTO MY CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10778898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 84,000 milesSuttons BAY, MI
SUSPENSION:REAR
INCREASING GRINDING NOISE FROM REAR OF CAR; DEALER INSPECTED AND FOUND FAILING RIGHT REAL WHEEL BEARING; REPAIR FOUND FAILED SEAL ON AXLE; ONE CONTROL ARM REPLACED ALONG WITH AXLE AND BEARING.
NHTSA complaint #10242202 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 141,000 milesAPO, AE
SUSPENSION:REAR
MY '98 SUBARU FORESTER IS EXPERIENCING REAR WHEEL BEARING FAILURE AGAIN. THESE BEARINGS ARE DEFECTIVE AND FAIL OFTEN, FROM WHAT I'VE READ ON THE WEB.
NHTSA complaint #10225671 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesChicopee, MA
SUSPENSION:REAR
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.
NHTSA complaint #10207577 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesChicopee, MA
POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)
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.
NHTSA complaint #10207577 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesN. SAN Juan, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
MY 1998 SUBARA FORESTER WENT INTO A "SUDDEN ACCELERATION". LUCKILY, NO ONE WAS KILLED, BUT THE CAR SUSTAINED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE.
NHTSA complaint #10201664 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Elyria, OHFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1998 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING SHE HEARD A LOUD NOISE, PULLED OVER TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE IT WAS ON FIRE. *MC THE CONSUMER REPLACED THE KNOCK SENSOR 30 DAYS PRIOR. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT).
NHTSA complaint #10190069 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesNEW Cumberland, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
VEHICLE LEAKING OIL AT FRONT SEALS AND GETTING ONTO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM.
NHTSA complaint #10171067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
University Heights, OHCrash
TIRES
1998 SUBARU FORESTER'S TIRE BLEW OUT. *TS WHEN THE TIRE BLEWOUT IT CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO GO OFF THE ROADWAY AND STRIKE A CONSTRUCTION CONE, DELINEATOR POST AND SOUTH DITCH. THE VEHICLE LEFT REAR QUARTER PANEL, TAILLIGHT AND BUMPER WERE DAMAGED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES.
NHTSA complaint #10166914 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesMedia, PACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WHILE PARKED. THE VEHICLE WENT THROUGH A FENCE AND HIT SOME BRUSH. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT THE CONTACT SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. THE HEATER WOULD NOT WORK PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALERSHIP. THE THERMOSTAT WAS REPLACED. THERE WAS NOT A POLICE REPORT FILED. UPDATED 3/28/2006 -
NHTSA complaint #10149914 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesMedia, PACrash
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WHILE PARKED. THE VEHICLE WENT THROUGH A FENCE AND HIT SOME BRUSH. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT THE CONTACT SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. THE HEATER WOULD NOT WORK PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALERSHIP. THE THERMOSTAT WAS REPLACED. THERE WAS NOT A POLICE REPORT FILED. UPDATED 3/28/2006 -
NHTSA complaint #10149914 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesRichland, OR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
THE PLASTIC !! SPEEDOMETER CABLE GEARS (2) FAILED , CAUSING SPEEDOMETER FAILURE , AT OIL TEMP LIGHT TO FLASH , CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME , ERRATIC IDLE, CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE, ENGINE STALL . IF THIS IS NOT DANGEROUS I DON'T KNOW WHAT ELSE IS !! COST ME $1300 TO HAVE IT FIXED AND YES THE PARTS ARE AVAILABLE !
NHTSA complaint #10134373 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 133,000 milesPortland, OR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
ENGINE HEAD GASKETS FAILED. HEADS WERE SAVED, BUT ENGINE HAD TO HAVE TOP-HALF REBUILT.
NHTSA complaint #10127227 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,150 milesDoylestown, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
(1) NOTICED PERIODIC OVERHEATING ON 1998 FORESTER WITH 2.5L DOHC ENGINE. (2) HEAD GASKET FAILED TEMPERATURE SPIKED AND COOLANT BOILED OVER, LARGE AMOUNT OF WHITE STEAM FROM HOOD. (3) DEALER SAID PROBLEM WAS HEAD GASKET AND THE ENGINE WAS REPAIRED FOR $1800, SUBARU OF AMERICA WAS NOTIFIED AND DENIED ANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS YEAR ENGINE IN SPITE OF A LARGE NUMBER OF SIMILIAR HEAD GASKET.
NHTSA complaint #10096493 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesAbingdon, MD
SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING
LEFT REAR WHEEL BEARING FAILURE AT 65000 MILES AN UNLIKELY OCCURANCE AT THIS AGE .
NHTSA complaint #10092959 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,995 milesBattle Ground, INCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THE CONSUMER PLACED HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE, STARTED THE VEHICLE AND SUDDENLY WITHOUT WARNING THE VEHICLE LUNGED INTO GEAR TAKING OFF SOME 40 FEET, STRIKING ANOTHER VEHICLE DAMAGING BOTH VEHICLES.
NHTSA complaint #10082022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,000 milesAustin, TX
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
1. ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT -- THE CYLINDER WALLS ARE BEING BORED INTO TO PLACE THE ENGINE BOLTS ON THE SUBARU 2.5L ENGINES. IN THIS CASE THE CYLINDER WALL CRACKED THROUGH THE ENTIRE SECTION WHERE IT WAS SUBSTANTIALLY BORED INTO ON THE NUMBER 1 CYLINDER CAUSING THE ENGINE TO FAIL COMPLETELY. EACH OF THE 4 CYLINDER WALLS ON MY VEHICLE WERE BORED INTO TO SOME DEGREE. I HAVE A 1998 SUBARU FORESTER L. WITH 72,000 MILES. THERE WAS NEVER AN INDICATION OF A PROBLEM PRIOR TO ENGINE FAILURE. AT THE TIME OF FAILURE A BLOWN HEAD GASKET WAS THOUGHT TO BE THE PROBLEM. MORE INFORMATION AND PICTURES CAN BE FOUND AT: HTTP://WEBDEV.CE.UTEXAS.EDU/IRWIN 2. THIS CONSEQUENCES OF THE DEFECT RENDERED THE VEHICLE USELESS AND WORTHLESS. AND THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING I COULD HAVE DONE TO PREVENT THE FAILURE FROM OCCURRING. I FOLLOWED THE RECOMMENDED MAINTANENCE SCHEDULE GIVEN TO ME BY SUBARU AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE AND HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY AMMENDMENTS TO THAT SCHEDULE SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. WE WERE LUCKY THE ENGINE FAILURE DID NOT HAPPEN WHEN MY FAMILY AND I WERE ON THE HIGHWAY OR IN A REMOTE LOCATION. 3. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM TO DATE. I HAVE A CASE NUMBER (643095) PENDING WITH SUBARU AS OF 6/25/04, BUT WAS TOLD THE VEHICLE WILL NOT BE REVIEWED FOR ANOTHER 10 DAYS ON 6/28/04. THE ENGINE FAILED ON 6/16/04.
NHTSA complaint #10078992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesPittsburgh, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
PLEASE NOTE!..... MY 1998 FORESTER L-MODEL WITH ONLY 54400 MILES HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED AS HAVING A LEAKY OIL PUMP....THUS CAUSING OIL TO BE DRIPPING FROM THE ENGINE, FRONT AREA, ON TO A PLASTIC SPLASH PAN....WHERE IT LIES UNTIL IT HAS BUILT-UP ENOUGH OF A PUDDLE THAT IT NOW SEEKS TO BE BLOWN REARWARD ALONG THE INSIDE OF THE PAN...(BETWEEN THE SPLASH-PAN AND THE ENGINE) UNTIL FINALLY IT IS BLOWN ON TO THE HOT EXHAUST PIPES LOCATED UNDER THE BODY OF THE CAR...ADJACENT TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER (WHICH IS EXTREMELY HOT)....IT APPEARS THAT SUBARU IS TOTALLY AWARE THAT THIS PROBLEM EXISTS....IN FACT THEY HAVE A REPAIR KIT, WHICH COST $ 30.00...AND THE LABOR COST $ 293.00, THIS CONDITION IS 1. AN ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD, 2, A SAFETY HAZARD (POSSIBLE FIRE), AND 3, A RIP-OFF TO ALL CONSUMERS WHO OWN A SUBARU FORESTER, A OIL-PUMP SHOULD NOT FAIL AT 54,000 MILES FOR TWO-BOLTS COMING LOOSE, ESPECIALLY SINCE THE BOLTS ARE LOCATED INSIDE THE ENGINE, HOUSING, AND PROTECTED BY NOT ONE, BUT TWO-SEPARATE COVERS.....AND A SPLASH PAN.....THERE IS A SEVERE PROBLEM....IN ANY ENGINE WHERE PARTS ARE FAILING AT 54,000 MILES IN-TODAY'S TECHNICAL-KNOWLEDGE DRIVE SOCIETY...THE MECHANIC KNEW EXACTLY WHERE TO GO TO LOCATE THE PROBLEM....AFTER I TOLD HIM I SMELT BURNING OIL!
NHTSA complaint #10078772 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesIthaca, NY
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
MY 1998 SUBARU FORESTER HESITATES ON ACCELERATION IN THE LOW RPM RANGE. ONCE OVER ABOUT 3000 RPM, IT RUNS FINE. ACCORDING TO A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN RELEASED BY SUBARU IN JAN 1999, #11-53-98, THIS IS CAUSED BY THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE INCORRECTLY INTERPRETING VIBRATIONS IN THE ENGINE AS SKIPPING AND READJUSTING THE FUEL FLOW RATE. THE FIX REQUIRES INSTALLING AN UPGRADED ECM--TO THE TUNE OF WELL OVER $1000. THIS HESITATION PRODUCES AN UNSAFE SITUATION BECAUSE THE CAR MAY AT ANY TIME REFUSE TO ACCELERATE, OR ACCELERATE SUDDENLY WITHOUT WARNING.
NHTSA complaint #10064082 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesIthaca, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY 1998 SUBARU FORESTER HESITATES ON ACCELERATION IN THE LOW RPM RANGE. ONCE OVER ABOUT 3000 RPM, IT RUNS FINE. ACCORDING TO A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN RELEASED BY SUBARU IN JAN 1999, #11-53-98, THIS IS CAUSED BY THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE INCORRECTLY INTERPRETING VIBRATIONS IN THE ENGINE AS SKIPPING AND READJUSTING THE FUEL FLOW RATE. THE FIX REQUIRES INSTALLING AN UPGRADED ECM--TO THE TUNE OF WELL OVER $1000. THIS HESITATION PRODUCES AN UNSAFE SITUATION BECAUSE THE CAR MAY AT ANY TIME REFUSE TO ACCELERATE, OR ACCELERATE SUDDENLY WITHOUT WARNING.
NHTSA complaint #10064082 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 73,500 milesST. Louis, MO
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
BAD HEAD GASKET CAR IS OVERHEATING, SMELL OF ANTI-FREEZE BURNING FROM EXHAUST.
NHTSA complaint #10052669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 73,500 milesST. Louis, MO
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
BAD HEAD GASKET CAR IS OVERHEATING, SMELL OF ANTI-FREEZE BURNING FROM EXHAUST.
NHTSA complaint #10052669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.