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1998 Subaru Forester AWD L Wagon

All Subaru Forester SF trims (1998–2002) → All Subaru Forester generations →
1998 Subaru Forester – front
Photo: 2002 Subaru Forester ALL Weather Automatic 2.0 Front by Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Photos show the first generation (facelift) (SF, 1998–2002); trim, color, and model year may differ.
All photo credits
  1. Photo: 2002 Subaru Forester ALL Weather Automatic 2.0 Front by Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  2. Photo: 2001 Subaru Forester L in Silverthorn Metallic, Front Right, 04-20-2022 by Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  3. Photo: 2000 Subaru Forester GLS by Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  4. Photo: 2000 Subaru Forester GLS 1 by Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  5. Photo: 2001 Subaru Forester L in Silverthorn Metallic, Rear Left, 08-21-2022 by Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The 1998 Subaru Forester AWD L Wagon is a 165-hp 2.5-liter wagon with a 5-speed manual and all-wheel drive. It starts at $19,190 MSRP and is rated at 21 mpg combined.

It makes 165 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 162 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway (21 mpg combined).

The Forester measures 175.2 inches long on a 99.4-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 3,020 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeWagon
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$19,190 ($38,262 *)
Engine
Engine Type2.5L DOHC 16-valve H4 (EJ25D)
Displacement2.5 L
Horsepower165 hp @ 5,600 rpm
Torque162 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
ValvetrainDOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Injection TypeElectronic fuel injection
Drivetrain
Drive TypeAWD — Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
Transmission
Transmission5-speed manual
Fuel Economy
City19 MPG
Highway25 MPG
Combined21 MPG
Tank Capacity15 gal
Dimensions & Weight
Length175.2 in
Width68.3 in
Height65 in
Wheelbase99.4 in
Curb Weight3,020 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front40.6 in
Headroom Rear39.6 in
Legroom Front43 in
Legroom Rear33.4 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

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Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.

Recalls

1 recall on file with NHTSA for the 1998 Subaru FORESTER. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Mar 3, 1999 · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS). (THE 1999 2.2 LITER LEGACY VEHICLES ARE EXCLUDED). IN EXTREMELY COLD WEATHER, THE BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR AND THE VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE IS INCREASED.

Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAUSES THE VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE TO BE INCREASED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER.

NHTSA campaign 99V040000

101 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1998 Subaru FORESTER

Owner Complaints

101 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1998 Subaru FORESTER (7 mention a crash, 5 a fire, 2 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Power Train22
Suspension17
Vehicle Speed Control14
Engine And Engine Cooling12
Hydraulic12
Service Brakes12
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Feb 24, 2020 · Suspension, 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…”
Dec 11, 2018 · 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…”
Sep 30, 2015 · 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.”
Sep 15, 2008 · Suspension
“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. *TR”
Apr 25, 2008 · Suspension
“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. *TR”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1998 SUBARU FORESTER. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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