Parts for your 1999 Subaru Forester-Wiper blades

1999 Subaru Forester Wiper Blades

Wiper blades are absolutely fitted to the 1999 Subaru Forester (SF series). This is confirmed by technical sources including the 1999MY Subaru Forester Owner’s Manual (Maintenance and Wiper/Washer sections), the Subaru Service Manual for the SF chassis (Body: Wiper and Washer System), and major aftermarket fitment catalogues used by workshops. The model is equipped with front windscreen wipers and a rear wiper on the tailgate.

On this Forester, the front blades are commonly 500 mm (20") driver and 450 mm (18") passenger, with a rear blade around 350 mm (14"). Some markets and brands may list slight variations, so it’s smart to confirm against what’s on the vehicle or check the arm style before purchase. Most examples use a common hook-type arm for straightforward replacement.

Wiper blades do the quiet, constant work of keeping the windscreen clear in rain, road grime, coastal salt spray and the odd muddy detour. Fresh, properly sized blades maintain visibility, reduce eye strain, and help the demister work more effectively by clearing water efficiently rather than smearing it around.

For Australian and New Zealand conditions—strong UV, heat, and coastal environments—expect faster rubber ageing. A practical replacement interval is every 6–12 months, or sooner if there’s streaking, chatter, or splitting. Clean the rubber regularly with a damp cloth and a drop of washer fluid, keep the windscreen clean, and avoid dry-wiping dusty glass which chews out the edge. In frost, free the blades gently rather than ripping them off the glass. Don’t forget the rear wiper, it cops sun and grime and is often overdue by the time it’s noticed.

• Signs it’s time to replace: streaks, missed patches, squeaks, juddering, cracked or ragged edges, or the blade lifting at speed.
• Replacement tips: confirm lengths and arm fitment, replace front blades as a pair and do the rear if it’s the same age, if using OEM-style refills, slide new rubbers into the existing rails, seat the blade squarely, then test with washers and a wet screen.

Sticking to the owner’s manual maintenance schedule and choosing quality blades keeps the 1999 Forester ready for four-seasons-in-a-day weather, whether it’s city commuting or a weekend run to the coast.

Popular questions about 1999 Subaru Forester wiper blades

What size wiper blades fit a 1999 Subaru Forester?
Most 1999 Foresters take 500 mm (20") on the driver’s side, 450 mm (18") on the passenger side, and about 350 mm (14") on the rear. Check what’s on the car and the arm style before buying, as some catalogues list minor variations. A quick measure of the existing blades is a safe bet.

How often should the wiper blades be replaced?
In Aussie and Kiwi conditions, every 6–12 months is realistic. Strong UV and heat harden the rubber, and coastal air speeds up wear. Replace sooner if there’s streaking, squeaking, or juddering, or if the edges look torn or shiny.

Why do my Forester’s wipers judder or chatter?
Judder usually points to contamination on the windscreen or blade, worn rubber, or a bent arm. Clean the glass with a proper glass cleaner, wipe the blade edge with washer fluid, and make sure the blade is the correct length and seated squarely. If the problem persists, replace the blades, if it still chatters, have the arm tension and park angle checked.