2003 Subaru Forester Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

2003 Subaru Forester recalls

Most common 2003 Subaru Forester problems

Problem areas named in the 189 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Fuel System, Gasoline	31
Air Bags	26
Fuel/Propulsion System	26
Suspension	22
Structure	20
Engine And Engine Cooling	19
Vehicle Speed Control	15
Engine	12
Power Train	11
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	11

What owners report

2025-08-23, Unknown Or Other
I bought a used vehicle and looked at it and they erased the codes I saw then erased it then I confronted them and was told nothing is wrong with the vehicle after telling them there is a recall on the suspension. Went to go get a alignment and was told it's severely unsafe to drive and the subframe is about to snap! The mechanic gave me photos and a report to return it imatelt but the used car lot said well u had every chance and I did it the mechanical stuff checked but the car place said everything is in good condition!

2025-05-23, Electrical System
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2003 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while investigating the vehicle mileage at [XXX] , it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 21,084; however, the contact later discovered that on July 20, 2022, the mileage was 220,251. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

2023-12-07, Suspension
The contact owns a 2003 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the front of the vehicle and the contact became aware that the power steering was not functioning properly. After a visual inspection of the exterior of the vehicle, the contact observed that the passenger’s side wheel appeared to have detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed failures with the frame rail, stabilizer, and lower control arm. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the lower control arm had fractured from the frame. After investigating the failure, the contact related the fai

2022-08-18, Suspension
The contact owns a 2003 Subaru Forester. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V464000 (Suspension). The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer where an inspection was performed but nothing was replaced. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speed, the lower control arm cracked. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the lower control arm was rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000.

2022-02-11, Suspension
The 2003 Subaru Forester Sub Frame is rusted. I live in Illinois.

2003 Subaru Forester questions

Does the 2003 Subaru Forester have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2003 Subaru Forester: Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower Arm; Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly; Power Train:Automatic Transmission. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

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

Based on 189 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Fuel System, Gasoline (31), Air Bags (26), Fuel/Propulsion System (26).

How do I check if a recall on my 2003 Subaru Forester has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.