1998 subaru forester. Consumer states that while driving she heard a loud noise, pulled over to inspect the vehicle it was on fire. *mc the consumer replaced the knock sensor 30 days prior. (ohio traffic crash report).
1998 Subaru Forester: fire, smoke or burning smell
9 of the 100 complaints about the 1998 Subaru Forester describe fire, smoke or burning smell.
- owner complaints
- 9
- of this car's complaints
- 9%
- recalls
- 0
Is there a fix? 5 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below
Fire, smoke or burning smell by model year
What owners say
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle accelerated while parked. The vehicle went through a fence and hit some brush. The contact noticed smoke coming from the engine. Two weeks prior to the incident the contact smelled something burning. The heater would not work properly. The vehicle was taken to a dealership. The thermostat was replaced. There was not a police report filed. Updated 3/28/2006 -
Due to defective wheel bearing which went bad,. Problem happened 5 times. Dealer could not determine the cause. *ak right rear wheel bearings makes a loud noise at last failed and smoke came out of the wheel.
Car began smoking under the hood-no indication from dashboard that perhaps the car was overheating. When the car was ultimately turned off at the home of the owner, the engine under the hood ignited, flames engulfed under the hood. Fire department and police department were called to extinguish fire which was ten feet from garage of home .damage to driveway as well, due to melting of rubber and plastic in the car.fire reported to insurance company. Car was not driveable as per fire chief-car was towed to auto body shop.
Driving down the road made a stop at the store, smelled burning. Looked under the hood. Contacted dealer and was told it was leaking from the front axle on to the exhaust. Vehicle is in the shop for repairs.
Vehicle dripping oil/grease onto the catalytic coverter, causing a burning smell. Dealer notified.
Grease and oil dripping onto the catalytic converter starts smelling. Dealer cannot duplicate the problem, but is aware of the problem. *akthey doubled the viscosity of the driveline grease. From 90 to 150 weight. Tthere only one problem with this.the fumes coming off the exhaust were making me sick.the laekage was bad enough that I thought the car was starting on fire- fire hazard.
Driving 40 MPH another driver pointed out problem. Pulled over & noticed smoke from under the hood. Flames started shooting out. Fire department called & put out flames. Fire chief said fire orignated from fuel lines. Flames had engulfed vehicle in minutes. Vehicle totaled.
Vehicle caught fire while driving. Fire started from rear of vehicle's back seat.cause of fire has not been determined.owner is very concerned for safety.
Service bulletins that may apply
- This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a...
- This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic essential information during...
- This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for...
- Soa replacement ignition wire set
- Location of the transit connector
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 1998 Subaru Forester fire or smoke
Is fire, smoke or burning smell a common problem on the 1998 Subaru Forester?
9 of 100 owner complaints about the 1998 Subaru Forester (9%) mention fire, smoke or burning smell. The model year with the most reports is 2019.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1998 Subaru Forester?
There are 0 recalls and 5 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1998 Subaru Forester
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