1999 Subaru Forester: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Oct 4, 2006 · Body, Brakes · NY

Consumer complaint concerning 1999 forester gas mileage. *ts the consumer stated he experienced problems with the transmission, brakes, a knock sensor, a squeak in the cargo panel and the catalytic converter.

Filed Aug 19, 2004 · Suspension · 48,000 miles · PA

There was a grinding noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. Upon inspection of the noise by the dealership, they indicated the noise occurred because of a right wheel bearing failure. The right wheel bearing was replaced, but then the failure occurred on the left side.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Wheels · 16,000 miles · OR

3 right wheel bearing failures. At 16000 miles the right wheel bearing was replaced under warranty (9-11-01). At 22000 miles (4-23-03), right rear bearing noise returned and dealer 'adjusted' the bearing. Warranty had expired, but dealer did not charge for 'adjustment'. At 24100 miles, bearing failed with grinding and smoke during highway driving. A 100 mile tow was necessary. The dealer is refusing to repair under warranty. My position is that it was never fixed the first time. Online research reveals others with similar tales. One told of having bearings replaced 6 times. Subaru issued a service bulletin (#035002, dec. 23, 2002) advising of a new way to install the replacement bearings. A tech at my dealer said that they were told to start making replacements using a roller bearing instead of the oem bearing. One other problem - at about 20000 miles an ignition switch problem within the steering column caused engine failure while driving, requiring towing to the dealer.

Filed Aug 15, 2003 · Suspension · 24,100 miles · OR

The car is 4 years old with 24100 miles. At 16000 miles, right rear wheel bearing failed and was replaced under warranty. At 22000 miles, right rear bearing noise returned and the dealer 'adjusted' the bearing for 'free', even though the 3 year warranty had passed. At 24100 miles, the bearing failed with grinding and smoking while vehicle was on the highway. Dealer refused to cover the event under warranty.a technician at the dealership told consumer that other foresters were having similar bearing problems,and that they we retold to stop using the oem ball bearings, and go to a roller bearing.

Filed Dec 26, 2000 · Transmission · WV

06/27/00 at 39787 miles, noise gradually getting louder in rear, vibration. Right rear wheel bearing and axle replaced at dealership. 09/14/00 at 46801 miles, same wheel bearing replaced again. 09/25/00 at 47660 miles, bearing failed suddenly while traveling about 45 MPH in rain on I-66, grinding and screeching. I was able to stop safely and exit freeway. Dealer again replaced bearing. 10/25/00 at 49750, dealer again replaces bearing and housing also this time. Concerned about the effects of vibration on tires, I also ask for an alignment. 12/19/00, problem returns. Car is scheduled for service 12/27/00. I travel roughly 500 miles per week, mostly on very rural roads. I chose subaru very carefully and need to know I can rely on my vehicle to avoid being stranded alone on the most deserted of roads. This is the 2nd subaru I have owned (no problems with the first one), purchased because of the safety and reliability of the awd system; however, I am losing confidence in this particular car. I love the forester, and would buy another one! I am so disappointed.

Filed Dec 2, 1999 · Suspension, Transmission · PA

Would hear grinding noises coming from rear. The faster the vehicle was going, the louder the noise. Took vehicle to dealer at least 4 times: 6/23/ 7/2/ 11/8; & 11/15. The wheels locked up at one point when this happened. The seal had broken. Each time was repaired.