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2003 Subaru ForesterProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 189 owner complaints about the 2003 Subaru Forester, most often about the fuel system, gasoline. It is covered by 3 safety recalls.

2003 Subaru Forester
50
CarFlaw IndexSolid year1.0× the Forester median · #14 of 27 years by complaints
Safety recalls3Free fix at dealersOwner complaints18926 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage91kFuel system, gasoline, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 23, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: sv1ambo, CC BY 2.0.

Complaints by system

Where the 2003 Subaru Forester has problems

189 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Fuel system, gasoline310
Fuel/propulsion system261
Air bags258
Suspension222
Structure190
Engine and engine cooling191
Vehicle speed control159
Engine120
Service brakes, hydraulic102
13 other systems486

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

3 recalls

2003 Subaru Forester recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Control arm: lower arm

Recall 11V-464 · Sep 6, 2011 · 318,215 vehicles

Risk. A BROKEN CONTROL ARM CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Front: buckle assembly

Recall 03V-047 · Feb 20, 2003 · 326 vehicles

Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE FRONT SEAT BELTS COULD UNLATCH, WHICH COULD RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Power train: automatic transmission

Recall 02V-282 · Oct 30, 2002 · 172,564 vehicles

Risk. THE VEHICLE COULD THEN MOVE/ROLL WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Subaru.

Mileage at failure

When do fuel system, gasoline problems start?

91kmiles, median

Based on the odometer reading in 31 fuel system, gasoline complaints. 52% were reported before 100,000 miles.

median0k50k100k150k200k+
0under 30k miles16under 100k miles15100k miles or more
Best & worst years

2003 vs. every other Forester year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Forester median. How we score

'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2003 Subaru Forester safety ratings

2003 Subaru Forester 4-DR. w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

2003 Subaru Forester frontal crash test, NHTSA
Frontal crashNot rated
2003 Subaru Forester side barrier test, NHTSA
Side barrierNot rated
  • Rollover: 3 stars (0.0% risk)
  • Stability control: No
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2003 Subaru Forester, and the recalls they led to.

  1. Front suspension control arm failurePE11011 · closed Sep 23, 2011
    Led to recall 11V-464
In owners' words

What Forester owners report

Recent fuel system, gasoline complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE DURING COLD WEATHER, AN ODOR OF FUEL WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE WOULD ONLY OCCUR IN TEMPERATURES BELOW 25 DEGREES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NEIL HUFFMAN SUBARU DEALER LOCATED AT 4916…
Complaint 11057291 · Dec 29, 2017 · 114,000 miles
IN VERY COLD TEMPERATURES THE INTERIOR OF MY VEHICLE IS OVERCOME WITH FUEL FUMES. IT HAPPENS AT IDLE AND LOW SPEEDS, DOES GO AWAY ONCE WE ARE DRIVING FOR A FEW MINUTES OVER 30 MPH. IT IS SO BAD WE HAD TO DRIVE WITH WINDOWS OPEN IN 5 DEGREE WEATHER. DEFINITELY COMING IN THROUGH THE HEAT VENTS,…
Complaint 10671351 · Jan 9, 2015 · 131,000 miles
NOTICED THE SAME PROBLEM LAST YEAR ALSO AT ABOUT 134000 MILES. WHEN THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE DROPS BELOW 20 DEGREES WOULD BE MY BEST GUESS, THE WHOLE CAB OF THE CAR FILLS WITH GASOLINE FUMES. PRETTY POWERFUL SMELL. I NOTICE ONLINE IN MANY, MANY PLACES THAT SUBARU IS HAVING THIS ISSUE. THEY ARE ONLY…
Complaint 10563471 · Feb 8, 2014 · 149,000 miles

Own a 2003 Forester?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.