28th Jan 2003, 18:06

Our 1999 subaru forester has had numerous problems. Wheel bearings had to be replaced at 20,000 and then twice more in a short period of time--many trips to dealer as they kept replacing with the same faulty bearings! Now, at 68,000 mile and 4 years we need head gaskets to the tune of $1,200.00!

6th Jun 2003, 12:03

1999 Subaru Forester. At 40,000 miles needed new transmission (under warranty thank god). At 45,000 miles needs new speedometer (still does). And now at 96,000 miles it blew a head gasket. Problem car not worth the money. Consumer reports should read this page as there reports differ greatly.

21st Apr 2004, 12:35

My Subaru Forester (Automatic) had a catastrophic transmission failure at 75,000 miles and a cracked coil at 70,000 miles. $5500 of repairs in all and I am a very gentle driver. Dealer could not tell me why this would happen.

3rd Nov 2004, 22:35

My 1999 Subaru Forester S had a cracked head and a damaged piston at 53,000 miles. The dealer repaired and replaced the engine and now at 66,000 miles. the car was towed back to the dealer because of engine problems. They think it might be a blown head gasket, but won't know until they open it up to take a look. I'm definitely disappointed in the reliability of this vehicle. I know two other people who have had head gaskets replaced twice so far on their vehicles. If the 1999 year was so problematic, why wasn't a recall issued? A defect in manufacture should be their responsibility.

29th Mar 2006, 19:58

I consider myself lucky I guess, my 1999 forester has been a very dependable car except for the wheel bearings.

Been replaced 4 times now since new.I'll hang on to the car as long as I can, but I'm through with subaru because lack of satisfaction when contacted about wheel bearings.