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.

2003 Subaru Forester

◆ Worse than typical

2003 Subaru Forester
RENDERED 2026-11-01T17:06:05.064Z

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: 189
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Fuel system, gasoline

Complaints per year

2003: 189 complaints

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	74
2008	50
2009	178
2010	262
2011	147
2012	105
2013	78
2014	403
2015	616
2016	414
2017	593
2018	497
2019	833
2020	604
2021	213
2022	100
2023	74
2024	30
2025	99
2026	33

Known problem areas

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

Fuel system, gasoline

16% · 31 reports

Most commonly citing hoses, lines/piping, and fittings.

Fuel/propulsion system

14% · 26 reports

INJURY

Air bags

14% · 26 reports

Most commonly citing frontal and side/window.

CRASHINJURYDEATH

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, 2019-08-28

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, 2013-09-03

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-06-26

Also filed under Seats

Suspension

12% · 22 reports

Most commonly citing lower arm and wheel bearing.

CRASHINJURY

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, 2018-11-01

The contact owns a 2003 Subaru Forester.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-12-07

Structure

11% · 20 reports

Most commonly citing body and frame and members.

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2003Complaint volume 189 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2003-01-08Power train02V282000 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2003-02-19Seat belts03V047000 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2011-04-07Preliminary evaluationClosed 2011-09-23 Front suspension control arm failure
R

2011-12-31Suspension11V464000 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2003 Subaru Forester — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Fuel system, gasoline: 31 reports on file for this year.
Fuel/propulsion system: 26 reports on file for this year.
Air bags: 26 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 02V282000 · Power train
Recall 03V047000 · Seat belts
Recall 11V464000 · Suspension

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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 16% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Subaru Forester have?: 3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.