2003 Subaru Forester
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1998 | 101 |
| 1999 | 131 |
| 2000 | 75 |
| 2001 | 139 |
| 2002 | 88 |
| 2003 | 189 |
| 2004 | 219 |
| 2005 | 93 |
| 2006 | 88 |
| 2007 | 72 |
| 2008 | 50 |
| 2009 | 178 |
| 2010 | 262 |
| 2011 | 147 |
| 2012 | 105 |
| 2013 | 77 |
| 2014 | 403 |
| 2015 | 611 |
| 2016 | 405 |
| 2017 | 579 |
| 2018 | 487 |
| 2019 | 831 |
| 2020 | 592 |
| 2021 | 207 |
| 2022 | 93 |
| 2023 | 69 |
| 2024 | 28 |
| 2025 | 78 |
| 2026 | 11 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
15% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 29 distinct reports on file.
14% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 26 distinct reports on file.
INJURY11% of complaints: air bags — 20 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY DEATHShow 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
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
10% of complaints: suspension — 19 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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
8% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 15 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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
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
2003 SUBARU FORESTER SPEED CONTROL MALFUNCTION. *MR WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY TOOK OFF IN AN UNCONTROLLABLE MANNER AND STRUCK TWO PARKED VEHICLES THAT WERE 10 FEET AWAY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050722
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
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
Front suspension control arm failure
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 (29 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 (20 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.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 15% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Subaru Forester have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.