1999 Subaru Forester
JF1SF5LJ4XG043376
Vehicle record for the 1999 Subaru Forester (VIN JF1SF5LJ4XG043376). Black, wagon / suv, gasoline. Registered in Zhytomyr. 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year. Free specifications, registration region and recall data.
No photo of this model yet1999 Subaru Forester · Black on the registration record
Full vehicle history report
Everything below is in the paid report for VIN JF1SF5LJ4XG043376, compiled live from NMVTIS and licensed providers the moment you unlock it. Not every vehicle has every record type — the report shows what is on file, and says so when nothing is. The 1 recall campaign for this model year are shown free further down.
📜 Title & ownership
- Title statusClean, salvage, rebuilt, junk, flood or lemon — from the national title database (NMVTIS)🔒
- Title brand historyEvery brand ever applied, by state, with what each one means🔒
- Title & registration recordsHow many times it has been titled, where, and the years-per-owner pace🔒
- Decode consistency checkThe provider's decode cross-checked against ours — a mismatch is a cloned-VIN warning sign🔒
🛞 Odometer
- Odometer timelineEvery reported reading with its date and state, drawn as a timeline🔒
- Rollback checkFlags any reading that goes backwards🔒
- Miles per yearThis car's pace against the US average🔒
💥 Damage, loss & theft
- Total-loss recordsInsurance total-loss declarations, with the reporting insurer type and date🔒
- Salvage & junk-yard recordsSalvage, junk and auction dispositions, including export flags🔒
- Theft screenActive and recovered theft records🔒
- Accident indicatorsDamage events reflected in title data (NMVTIS does not carry police crash reports)🔒
- Flood-exposure checkTitle activity in a disaster area soon after a major flood or hurricane🔒
💰 Liens & value
- Liens, impounds & exportOpen liens with the lender, tow/impound and export records🔒
- Market value for this exact carRetail adjusted for its mileage and state, trade-in, loan value, auction low/avg/high and retail by condition🔒
- DepreciationDrop from original MSRP, yearly rate and a one-year projection🔒
- Sticker vs dealer invoiceWhat it cost new, and what the dealer paid🔒
🧰 Factory warranty & equipment
- Remaining warrantyBasic, powertrain and rust coverage left, estimated from the first title date and odometer🔒
- Standard equipment & coloursWhat this trim came with from the factory, and the colours it was offered in🔒
🚨 Recalls on this VIN
- Per-VIN recall statusWhether each campaign has been repaired on THIS car, remedy availability, do-not-drive and stop-sale flags, dealer labour time🔒
History reports cover US-titled vehicles only. This car is registered in Ukraine, so title, salvage and odometer records from the US national title database (NMVTIS) don't apply to it. The registration record, specifications and recall data on this page are free.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 1999 Subaru Forester data →
📋 All factory specifications on file9 more fields from the manufacturer's VIN record (NHTSA vPIC)
🏭 Manufacturing & other
Values are as reported by the manufacturer for this VIN pattern; blank or "not applicable" fields are omitted.
MPG & running costs
U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 1999 Subaru Forester.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.
Crash-test safety ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1999 Subaru Forester.
Frontal crash testSource: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program, tested as the 1999 Subaru Forester 4-DR. 4x4. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1999 Subaru Forester costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1999 Subaru Forester. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 1
SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE SEPARATION Closed
ODI HAS ONE COMPLAINT ALLEGING THE PASSENGER'S SIDE SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGE, LOCATED BETWEEN THE SEAT AND CENTER CONSOLE, BECAME DETACHED WHILE DRIVING. IN ADDITION, THE OWNER INSPECTED THE DRIVER''S SIDE SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGE AND FOUND THAT THE BOLT WAS PARTIALLY BACKED-OUT. THE COMPLAINT VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH LEATHER SEAT COVERS AND HEATED FRONT SEATS. BECAUSE OF THESE OPTIONS, THE FRONT SEAT BELTS WERE INSTALLED…
NHTSA #PE99020 · Seat Belts · opened Mar 1999 · closed Mar 1999An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 46
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be free. Showing the 10 most recent of 46.
This bulletin announces the recommended cleaning procedures to followed when encountering vehicles with long time exposure to pollen on painted surfaces on vehicles imported from Japan. This bulletin does not apply to SIA built vehicles.
Bulletin 12-249-23R · Equipment · Jul 2023This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
Bulletin 15-302-22 · Equipment, Electrical System · Aug 2022This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
Bulletin 01-167-08R · Equipment · Aug 2022This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic essential information during diagnosis and repair of the Infotainment concerns. (Applicable to all models with Harman or Denso CP1 Infotainment).
Bulletin 15-192-22R · Electrical System · Mar 2022This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models
Bulletin 01-167-08R · Electrical System, Equipment · Jun 2021This bulletin is to advise of SOAâs revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
Bulletin 09-51-08R · Equipment, Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2021To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate Special Service Tool.
Bulletin 14-22-16R · Equipment · Feb 2021Special Service Tools Cross Reference List.
Bulletin 14-22-16R · Equipment · Aug 2020All Models (Vehicle Cleaning- COVID-19Best Practices)
Bulletin 01-181-20 · Equipment · Apr 2020This Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips. This will prevent the pad from dragging due to corrosion buildup which may result in uneven or premature wear of…
Bulletin 06-68-19R · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 2019Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the FORESTER. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 2
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1999 Subaru Forester. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, 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.
Transport Canada #2000069 · Mar 2000Brakes
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 mas…
Transport Canada #1999043 · Mar 1999Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester is a compact crossover SUV that has been manufactured by Subaru since 1997. The first generation was built on the platform of the Impreza in the style of a taller station wagon, a style that continued to the second generation, while the third-generation model onwards moved towards a crossover SUV design. A performance model was available for the second-generation Forester in Japan as the Forester STi.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
Safety recall campaigns 1
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER.
NHTSA Campaign #99V040000 · manufacturer #WXQ-74 · 03/03/1999Note: recall data comes from the U.S. NHTSA and covers the US-market version of this model. A car registered in Ukraine may have different campaigns — check with the manufacturer's local importer.
These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 7 Oct 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 141 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1999 Subaru Forester, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 5 involved a crash 🔥 1 involved a fire 🚑 7 reported injuries
🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
🔍 Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
🔍 Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
🔍 Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 141
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 1999 Subaru Forester.
ENGINE
(PARTIAL COPY OF MESSAGE I SENT TO SUBARU EARLIER THIS WEEK.) [MY] FORESTER IS OLD, BUT I WOULDN'T BE REPLACING IT IF I DIDN'T NEED ANOTHER HEAD GASKET. YOU SURELY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM YOUR 4 CYL. ENGINES HAVE HAD WITH FAILING HEAD GASKETS. UNFORTUNATELY, THIS IS THE SECOND ONE EXPERIENCING SUCH FAILURE. I REPLACED THE ORIGINAL ONE SEVERAL YEARS B…
NHTSA ODI #11311985SERVICE BRAKES
WHY IS THE BRAKE LINE CORROSION RECALL WQK-47 ONLY FOR 2009-2013 FORESTERS? I OWN A 1999 FORESTER WHICH HAS JUST HAD A CATASTROPHIC BRAKE LINE FAILURE THAT IS EXACTLY THE SAME AS WHAT IS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL. CORROSION OF THE BRAKE LINES IS IN THE AREA OF THE JUNCTION BLOCK THAT IS LOCATED UNDER THE CAR BEHIND THE AREA OF THE PASSENGER SEAT. IT SEEMS T…
NHTSA ODI #11230370ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 SUBARU FORESTER. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE OVERHEATED AND SEIZED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MIL…
NHTSA ODI #10970496POWER TRAIN
AS OTHERS HAVE STATED HERE AND MANY MORE FROM VARIOUS SUBARU FORUMS, I'VE BEEN DEALING WITH THE SHIFTING INTO DRIVE ISSUE (IT ACTS AS IF IT'S IN NEUTRAL) WITH THE AT. IT CAN TAKE SEVERAL SECONDS TO SEVERAL MINUTES (AND SOMETIMES LONGER OR NOT AT ALL) BEFORE IT ENGAGES. I USUALLY HAVE TO REV/PUMP THE ACCELERATOR UNTIL IT CORRECTS ITSELF. ONCE I'M IN DRIVE ALL…
NHTSA ODI #10871310POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THERE ARE DAYS WHERE THE VEHICLE WILL NOT ENGAGE INTO DRIVE. IT GOES IN REVERSE BUT STILL NOT ENGAGE THE DRIVE GEAR. AFTER ABOUT A WEEK OF THE VEHICLE SITTING AND NOT BEING TURNED ON IT WILL ENGAGE AND WORK FINE. BUT WILL DO IT AGAIN A FEW WEEKS TO A COUPLE OF MONTHS LATER.
NHTSA ODI #10717441ENGINE
NOTE: BELOW IS AN EXTRACT FROM A MESSAGE I SENT TO AN ATTORNEY IN WISCONSIN IN 2011 REGARDING THE PROBLEMS I WAS HAVING WITH MY VEHICLE. I HAVE SINCE HAD THE COOLING SYSTEM PROBLEM REPAIRED AT MY OWN EXPENSE. NOTE ALSO: I SEE WHERE THERE HAS BEEN A RECENT ENTRY FOR PENDING DEALER REPAIRS ON A HONDA CIVIC (I THINK) …
NHTSA ODI #10662895TIRES
IN ONE MONTHS TIME WE HAVE HAD 4 SEPARATE COOPER WEATHERMASTER S/T2 205/70R15 TIRES HAVE SIDEWALL FAILURE. THESE ARE SNOW TIRES USED ONLY DURING WINTER MONTHS. 3 OF THE 4 TIRES WERE PURCHASED FOR THE 2010/11 WINTER, AND HAD LESS THAN 5000 MILES ON THEM, THE 4TH WAS NEW WITH ABOUT 100 MILES ON IT WHEN IT FAILED. 1ST BLOWOUT) DRIVERS SIDE REAR TIRE BLEW OU…
NHTSA ODI #10489109POWER TRAIN
199 SUBARU FORESTER. LETTER FROM CONGRESSMAN SARBANES ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT WITH CONCERNS ABOUT MECHANICAL PROBLEMS WITH SUBARU VEHICLES *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED IT WAS DIFFICULT TO PUT THE GEAR INTO DRIVE. A MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE FAILURE WAS WITH THE CLUTCH. THE TRANSMISSION FAILED WITH ONLY A 119,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10351029+ 133 more complaints on record.
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