1998 Subaru Forester Subaru Forester 1998

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1998 Subaru Forester repairs by problem area

Engine (25%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (11%)

Brakes and Traction Control (11%)

Suspension and Steering (32%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (14%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (4%)

Other (4%)

Chart based on 28 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 1998 Subaru Forester.

1998 Subaru Forester repair cost distribution

$2500+ (0%)

$1000 - $2499 (13%)

$500 - $999 (13%)

$100 - $499 (43%)

< $100 (30%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 23 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

1998 Subaru Forester

Engine not specified

Subaru in Utah, United States
Jul 2012 - Jul 2013
Oct 2012

232200 mi

US $88
Lose inner tie-rod replaced, plus both steering boots 
Jun 2013

234000 mi

US $800
U Joints went on driveshaft when driving 350 to Idaho. Trapped in Idaho for two days waiting for parts. 
Jul 2013

234000 mi

US $145
Alternator failed - showed P0101 and P0103 codes. replaced alternator, problem went away. 
Subaru in New York, United States
Jul 2012 - Dec 2012
Aug 2012

202500 mi

US $325
short brake line replaced, pads,shoes,drums, rotors replaced. 
Subaru in Texas, United States
Mar 2013 - Mar 2016
May 2013

185000 mi

US $450
replaced 2 rear sway bar links noticed an intermittent gasoline smell when driving the car, shop found and replaced cracking fuel lines 
Mar 2015

197000 mi

US $1100
steering rack replaced with remanufactured had all four shocks/struts replaced 
Subaru in Pennsylvania, United States
Mar 2013 - Jun 2014
Apr 2013

187700 mi

US $920
Replaced catalytic converters and O2 sensors. The connecting flanges had rusted through even though the cat and SS containers were still good after 15 years. They had rusted off from the exhaust pipe flange, Noise and CO danger in Winter. 
Jun 2014

198000 mi
Frame rusted out. Wheel not attached to frame... can't drive or steer it. Vehicle was junked. 
Subaru in Alberta, Canada
Feb 2016 - Nov 2016
Jul 2016

155400 mi

C $100
Re-replaced front drivers side strut - Gabriel strut had failed within a week of installation. 
Subaru in Georgia, United States
Oct 2011 - Nov 2011
Nov 2011

120000 mi

US $2000
Head gasket leak; decided to replace the car 
Subaru in Pennsylvania, United States
Sep 2011 - Nov 2011
Nov 2011

150000 mi
Trip was for state inspection after purchasing used. Replaced Calipers. Noted Front Engine leak, internal engine leak and oil pump replacement. replaced calipers, brake fluid hoses, state inspection. Head gasket. Coolant pulled in and out of reservoir and overheating periodically, then consistently. Attempted engine block seal. Then overheated, and traded in for Toyota Corolla. Mechanic did not think head gasket initially. 
Subaru in Portugal
Mar 2011 - Jul 2018
Apr 2011

112220 mi

€450
and right rear wheel bearing 
Subaru in Hawaii, United States
Mar 2011 - May 2011
Apr 2011

125000 mi

US $250
rear wheel bearings noise, replace with new L/R side 
Subaru in Texas, United States
Feb 2012 - Mar 2013
Mar 2012

64000 mi
Second time problem with rotors; suspension bars and other suspension-related issues that I didn't understand. 

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1998 Subaru Forester 4-door

4-cylinder manual AWD

Subaru in Iowa, United States
Mar 2011 - Sep 2013
Dec 2011

132000 mi

US $55
Doors froze shut, owner damaged door handle trying to open the door 
Aug 2012

140700 mi

US $1000
Head gaskets;  radiator+hoses. CV boots; steering rack boots AC high side hose 

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1998 Subaru Forester 4-door

4-cylinder automatic AWD

Subaru in Washington, United States
Jun 2017 - Jun 2018
Dec 2017

191500 mi

US $80
Trans. fluid temp light came on 
Subaru in New Mexico, United States
Mar 2011 - Aug 2016
Nov 2011

122200 mi

US $20
The sensor on the gas gauge needed to be replaced. 
Subaru in Hawaii, United States
May 2011 - Sep 2012
Sep 2011

97000 mi

US $400
Cracked radiator - replaced radiator, hoses, thermostat - also added "freon" and changed oil. Just completed by backyard mechanic (trained on Subarus). Still monitoring for possible damage to head gasket when car overheated. 
Dec 2011

98000 mi

US $280
starter motor went out - replaced starter motor - was done in my backyard by a pro mechanic who has a home service business - took about 2 hrs. - $180/motor, $100/labor. 

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See TrueDelta's information for all Subaru models.

1998 Subaru Forester Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 1998 Subaru Forester problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.