MYRModel Year Report

2003 Subaru Forester

◆ Worse than typical
2003 Subaru Forester
RENDERED 2026-09-16T17:31:24.326Z

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Subaru Forester Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2003 highlighted. 1998: 101 complaints 1998 1999: 131 complaints 2000: 75 complaints 2001: 139 complaints 2002: 88 complaints 2002 2003: 189 complaints 2003 2004: 219 complaints 2005: 93 complaints 2006: 88 complaints 2006 2007: 72 complaints 2008: 50 complaints 2009: 178 complaints 2010: 262 complaints 2010 2011: 147 complaints 2012: 105 complaints 2013: 77 complaints 2014: 403 complaints 2014 2015: 613 complaints 2016: 411 complaints 2017: 586 complaints 2018: 493 complaints 2018 2019: 832 complaints 2020: 600 complaints 2021: 207 complaints 2022: 98 complaints 2022 2023: 73 complaints 2024: 29 complaints 2025: 93 complaints 2026: 20 complaints 2026
2003: 189 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
1998101
1999131
200075
2001139
200288
2003189
2004219
200593
200688
200772
200850
2009178
2010262
2011147
2012105
201377
2014403
2015613
2016411
2017586
2018493
2019832
2020600
2021207
202298
202373
202429
202593
202620

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 16%

16% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 31 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hoses, lines/piping, and fittings.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 14%

14% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 26 distinct reports on file.

INJURY
AIR BAGS 14%

14% of complaints: air bags — 26 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and side/window.

CRASH INJURY DEATH
Show complaint excerpts

MY MOTHER WAS PULLING HER CAR OUT OF THE GARAGE WHEN IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED & SHOT DOWN THE DRIVEWAY, ACROSS THE STREET, THRU THE NEIGHBOR'S HOUSE AND LANDED IN THEIR BACKYARD.

NHTSA ODI report, 20190828

Also filed under VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2013 SUBARU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BRAKE PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED ALMOST FROM THE MOMENT, HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, HE AND HIS WIFE EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES.

NHTSA ODI report, 20130903

Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC and VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

SUBARU REPLACED REGULAR SEATS WITH LEATHER AFTER MARKET SEATS. ALSO, SUBARU STATED THAT SIDE IMPACT AIR BAGS IN REAR MAY NOT DEPLOY PROPERLY. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS.*AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20020626

Also filed under SEATS

SUSPENSION 12%

12% of complaints: suspension — 22 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing lower arm and wheel bearing.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE WHICH EMITTED FROM THE PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONT SUSPENSION OF THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20181101

The contact owns a 2003 Subaru Forester.

NHTSA ODI report, 20231207

STRUCTURE 11%

11% of complaints: structure — 20 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and frame and members.

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2003 — complaint volume: 189
R 20030108 — power train

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION PARKING ROD. WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR LEVER IS PL

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PARKING ROD ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION JANUARY 8, 2003. AN INTERIM OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BE SENT DURING NOVEMBER 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR V

Campaign 02V282000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20030219 — seat belts

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE/LATCH ASSEMBLIES WERE I

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE/LATCH ASSEMBLIES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 19, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON

Campaign 03V047000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20110407 — PE (closed 20110923)

Front suspension control arm failure

R 20111231 — suspension

SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002-2007 IMPREZA, MODEL YEAR 2003-2008 FORESTER, AND MODEL YEAR 2005-2006 SAAB 9-2X VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 5, 2000 THROUGH NOVEMBER 26, 2007 ORIGI

Remedy: SUBARU WILL HANDLE THEIR VEHICLES AND SAAB WILL HANDLE THEIRS. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DEGREE OF CORROSION OF THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS, AND WILL EITHER RUSTPROOF OR REPLACE THEM. THIS SERVICE W

Campaign 11V464000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2003 Subaru Forester — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (31 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (26 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (26 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 02V282000 (power train) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 03V047000 (seat belts) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 11V464000 (suspension) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2008 ▲ 2007 ▲ 2023

WORST YEARS

■ 2019 ■ 2015 ■ 2020

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2003 Subaru Forester reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Subaru Forester is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Subaru Forester?

The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline, accounting for 16% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2003 Subaru Forester have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.