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 the consumer stated dreyer & reinbold checked engine, transmission mounts speed control and found no problem. 05/06/08

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

We have a 1999 Subaru Forester with a 2.5 L engine. We got a recall notice 2-2004 regarding external coolant leaks at the engine cylinder head gaskets. This recall covered vehicle years 1999-2002 or 4 years of vehicles. We took the vehicle in and had the specific (special conditioner) installed as required by Subaru. Unfortunately for us it took Subaru 5 years to acknowledge the problem as we are on the front end of the model years in question. Last week the head gaskets failed and with it a large repair bill. Subaru will not honor the extended warranty as we are outside it by less than 10% in mileage but within the specified 8 years in age. We live in southern California and it is our opinion the mileage amounts allowed do not represent this part of the country and are not real world. We have discussed the issue with 2 extremely experienced mechanics including a Nissan mechanic (noted throughout the country) who indicated the conditioner was merely a band-aid, a way for Subaru to make a temporary fix, and not make a proper repair by replacing the defective head gaskets in question.

- Valencia, CA, USA

Loud clunking noise coming from engine. My mechanic diagnosed as a cracked cylinder or piston. Took the car to local Subaru dealership to repiar - hoping that Subaru would cover part of the cost (no longer under warrantee.) have been told by dealership after a rep. From Subaru looked at the car - that the engine will need to be replaced. When I asked what happened. I was told that the pistons in this car do not have a skirting. Therfore when they go up and down in the cylinder they have more room than normal and can move around more. (sounds like an engineering flaw to me.) Subaru says that they are willing to cover 40% of the cost to repair. I feel that I bought a car that wasn't designed very well - and I should not have to pay for their mistakes. I have called Subaru's costumer service hotline and am waiting for them to reply. They also told me that because I was the 2nd owner of the car - I was probably not going to get any more help. Really makes you want to buy a used Subaru!

- Ithaca, NY, USA

While driving at 70 mph, suddenly there was a clicking noise from the engine and then it stalled. The vehicle was towed to a dealership. The dealership stated, there was internal engine damage. This occurred because water seeped into the engine because of a faulty gasket.

- Black Mountain, NC, USA

Problems with tensioner, front belt cover and head gasket. The front belt cover and tensioner failed two months after the head gasket was repaired. The mechanic did not torque down the tensioner bolt and caused it to come loose. The valves were bent even though the motor is considered noninterference. Two recalls were applied to the vehicle without the consumer's knowledge (recall wwg90 & wwp99). The seal on top of the tensioner failed. The mechanics had given two results; 3 cylinders with no compression. The vehicle was losing oil before the head gasket problem in December 2003. The consumer also noticed changes in the oil level between changes. The consumer requested a new engine.

- Washington, VA, USA

At 53,500 miles engine oil began leaking. All seals had to be replaced including watre pump seals wich had also failed.

- Bronx, NY, USA

Engine seized and blew at 30,000 - I provided Subaru with all receipts for oil changes that complied with warranty. Subarua denied warranty writing that Ohio has such severe weather that the warranty provisions did not apply. I have since learned that Subaru has no such warranty policy. Subaru destroyed my engine oil, after receiving a certified letter directing that the oil be preserved for testing, charged me for the oil's disposal, tore down my engine, destroyed the defective parts, charged me for the engine tear down, and has refused to cooperate in discover - I sued - court ordered Subaru to comply with discovery, and Subaru admitted that it's letter denying my warranty was based on a false reason. My trial against Subaru is in September - trying to find other information that might help.

- Columbus, OH, USA

I bought a 1999 Subaru Forester S less than 2 years ago. In December 2003, at approx. 71,200 miles, the car began loosing antifreeze. I discovered that I needed a head gasket job. Now I find they have a recall on this. Shortly thereafter I discovered the mysterious "vanishing oil" problem with this engine. At 75,775, I checked the oil and found it mostly gone! I returned to my mechanic, who found no external leak and no sign of oil burning on the spark plugs. After doing some research (see NHTSA complaints), this appears to be a chronic problem with these engines. I continued to monitor the situation and add oil as necessary. I seem to need 1 quart per 1500 miles, approximately. Now, the final problem. On 3/24/04, at 77,848, I was driving at 65 mph, heard a strange noise and the check engine light came on. I immediately turned off the engine and coasted to a safe turn out. After towing the car to my mechanic, he discovered that the top of the timing belt tensioner had popped off, releasing the hydraulic and of course the timing belt. He has never seen a tensioner fail, and out of the hundreds of new timing belts he has done, he only had to replace about a dozen that were out of specs. We debated a course of action and, since it is a non-interference motor, I decided to replace the tensioner and not the entire motor. He also did a hand crank to check for resistance or other head damage. After waiting nearly 2 weeks for parts (due to Subaru's part ordering method), he replaced the tensioner. When testing the engine, it did not sound right. He did a compression test and found no compression on 3 cylinders! so now I had the shocking prospect of needing a new engine!I decided I better get help from the dealer, as this all appears to be a quality issue that should not be happening to this engine at this mileage. The car is now at stohlman Subaru in vienna, va.

- Washington, VA, USA

While driving at 45 mph temperature gauge suddenly went into the hot zone. Consumer pulled off the road to inspect the vehicle. Checked the fluids level, added water, and got back on the road, and temperature gauge immediately went back into the hot zone. Consumer pulled off the road, and had vehicle towed to the dealership, who determined that engine head gasket was leaking antifreeze.

- Saint Louis Park, MN, USA

Vehicle continues to run hot. Dealer notified.

- Mayfield, KY, USA

Chronic engine and oil leakage of a 1999 Subaru Forester. No satisfaction from 2 dealerships (bald hill Subaru and pilgrim Subaru). I have noted the last date of service, but the problem has been constant and chronic. I have lost time from work, had breakdowns on 2 vacations, and have constant anxiety about the situation.

- Warwick, RI, USA