1999 Subaru Forester transmission problems

Filed May 28, 2016 · Transmission · 89,000 miles · CA

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 is well as long as I stay that way. This is random until it starts to get worse over time. I've read that this is fairly common and it's a worn piston seal or something that prevents enough pressure for the forward gear to engage. This began in 2010 with only 89k miles. The only temp fix has been to drain & replace the at fluid & filter, but that may only last for maybe 500-1000 miles or so. The latest temp fix includes that plus an additive (trans x) that works by swelling seals. This has been more effective with 2500-3500 miles between fluid changes, so I basically have it done every time I change the oil now. I find this appalling there's no recall for this since there's so many I've seen online with the exact same issue. Perhaps they just haven't gone through the right procedures in reporting this, which is why I'm just doing this now myself.

Filed May 20, 2015 · Transmission · WA

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.

Filed Aug 20, 2010 · Transmission · 119,000 miles · DC

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.

Filed Apr 14, 2008 · Acceleration, Engine · 48,700 miles · IN

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 subaru forester. While coasting, the vehicle began to accelerate on its own. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The current and failure mileages were 48,700. Updated 05/06/08 *bf the consumer stated dreyer & reinbold checked engine, transmission mounts speed control and found no problem. 05/06/08

Filed Jan 24, 2008 · Transmission · 72,000 miles · VA

This problem initially occurred only once a month or so, but has since deteriorated to occurring multiple times per day. When approaching a stoplight, or braking harder than usual, the vehicle will slip into neutral. The shifter does not move, it is still in drive, however, without warning, the car will suddenly stop responding to the accelerator (except the engine still revs). The only remedy is to rev the engine to high revs, over and over, until the transmission "catches", at which point the vehicle lurches forward, often violently, even with the brake depressed. This most often happens at stoplights/signs, however it will occur on the highway in traffic when brakes are applied hard. This seems to be quite potentially dangerous if it were to happen when it was necessary to move the vehicle out of the way of something oncoming and would not be able to. A dealer looked at it and flushed the transmission and added new fluid, which solved the problem for about 2 months, after which it has continued to get worse. The transmission is not low on fluid, and the fluid looks fine. I have heard this complaint from numerous other 1999 forester owners via various internet forums.

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 Jul 13, 2005 · Transmission · NJ

Dt: the consumer stated the vehicle would only go into reverse.

Filed Feb 10, 2005 · Transmission · 74,000 miles · MI

1999 subaru forrester. Vehicle transmission began having difficulty shifting into drive. After approximately 7-10 days, vehicle slipped into neutral upon braking. Took several minutes to get vehicle back into drive. 2nd instance almost caused a major accident. I braked to turn left and began my turn. When I depressed the accelerator, I found the vehicle had again slipped into neutral and I was helplessly coasting with traffic heading toward me. Luckily, the oncoming traffic was able to stop in time to avoid an accident. Transmission was inspected for a possible linkage problem, but none was found. A complete transmission flush and fill did not remedy the situation. Vehicle has since slipped out of drive 3 additional times (luckily no accidents).

Filed Jan 8, 2005 · Transmission · 93,000 miles · KY

Have a 1999 forester l w/auto tramsmission. I can drive in reverse all day with no problem. Going forward is hit and miss. Sometimes I can sit for 15 to 30 minutes before the forward gears engage. Once forward engages, I have no problem until I turn off the ignition. Servicing the trans is a temporary fix for a few thousand miles and then the problem slowly returns. I really like my car, but I'm sure the trans will eventually cease working all together.evidently other are having same problem according to chat rooms.

Filed Apr 21, 2004 · Transmission · 75,000 miles · NJ

Catastrophic transmission failure.