Is the 1998 Subaru Forester reliable?

It can be very dependable when maintained, but reliability depends heavily on timing belt history, cooling system condition, and whether head gasket leaks have been addressed properly.

What are the most common 1998 Subaru Forester problems?

The most reported issues include head gasket seepage, oil leaks from aging seals/gaskets, timing belt service neglect-related failures, and wheel bearing/suspension wear on higher-mileage vehicles.

Are maintenance costs high for a 1998 Subaru Forester?

Costs are usually moderate for an older AWD vehicle, but budget for larger “catch-up” items like timing belt/water pump service, oil leak repairs, and suspension refresh if prior owners deferred maintenance.

What are the best years to buy for an older Subaru Forester?

Many shoppers prefer later years with documented maintenance and fewer age-related issues; regardless of year, the best choice is typically the one with complete records, a healthy cooling system, and proof of timing belt service.

What should I check before buying a 1998 Subaru Forester?

Look for signs of overheating or coolant loss, verify timing belt service records, inspect for oil leaks, listen for wheel bearing noise on a test drive, and confirm all four tires are closely matched in tread depth. For a deeper dive, get a complete owner’s guide with full specs, factory service intervals, and model-year details to help you buy, maintain, and enjoy your 1998 Subaru Forester with confidence.

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Reliability AnalysisBased on known issue patterns, repair cost data, and ownership trends · How we score

1998 Subaru Forester Reliability ReportKeepScore 62/100 · top failure points · buy or avoid

62/ 100

KeepScore

MODERATE RISK

Grade: D+

A rugged all-weather champion, but only if its engine's notorious flaw has been expertly addressed.

Full system breakdown + what I would do

Quick Facts · 1998 Subaru Forester

Scores 17 points below the strongest nearby year — the 1999 Subaru Forester earns a 79.
The system most likely to surface first: engine head gaskets (major severity).
Has 1 NHTSA recall on record — the most notable involves the service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder.

1998 Subaru Forester: Buy or Avoid?

The 1998 Subaru Forester is a highly capable and practical compact SUV, beloved for its legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, but it carries a significant reliability Achilles' heel with its engine's head gaskets. While the rest of the vehicle is generally robust for its age, buyers absolutely must verify head gasket service history to avoid a major and costly repair, transforming a potentially excellent value into a financial headache.

Biggest Strengths

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive capability
Practical cargo space and usability
Strong chassis and overall build for its era

1998 Subaru Forester — Known Trouble Spots

The systems that break first on the 1998 Subaru Forester. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.

Engine Head Gasketsmajor

Rust and Corrosionmoderate

Electrical / Sensorsminor

Typical mileage, cost ranges, and the exact what-to-check list are in the full report.

Safety Recalls on the 1998 Subaru Forester

1 recall on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.

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.

What breaks on the 1998 Subaru Forester?

Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.

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Subaru Forester — Year-by-Year Comparison

Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Subaru Forester. Click any year for its full report.

All Subaru Forester years ranked →Subaru Forester years to avoid →Subaru Forester common problems →

Competing 1998s Worth a Look

Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.

1996 ToyotaLand Cruiser

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Frequently Asked Questions

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