Three problems related to manual transmission have been reported for the 1998 Subaru Forester. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Engine started to race while driving,transmission won't engage without grinding. Needs new clutch. Not sure why a clutch should go in 2 years of having the car.
Vehicle delayed then jerked into reverse, running into a building an causing significant vehicle damage.
Clutch cannot handle engine torque. Clutch chatters on engagement when cold, resulting in vehicle not starting up and accelerating as expected. This could cause accident if vehicle cannot move out of way of other traffic. Clutch vibration on hard acceleration first noted at 8653 miles and reported to dealer. Noticeable chatter when cold (under 40 degrees outside temp) until used several times. Chatter continues to become worse and occur at higher temperatures as mileage increases. Reported to delaer at 30,110 miles and dealer could not duplicate. Reported again at 35,913 miles and dealer noted but siad did not require repair. Reported again at 48,000 miles and dealer wants to repair at customer expense. Problem would have been covered under warranty if repaired at original report (8653 miles).