2003 Subaru Forester Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 25about this part
- Share
- 13%of 189 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 59,287miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 25 complaints about the air bags of the 2003 Subaru Forester, 13% of the 189 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 59,287 miles. 8 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving at 55 MPH when my right front control arm snapped. I looked to ensure no vehicles were coming, and made the decision to turn left to get back on the road with all four tires as I could only turn left. I could not control the vehicle, and the vehicle turned side ways and then rolled three consecutive times landing on its wheels facing south. I was transported to the hospital . …”
NHTSA complaint #10617956, filed 2014-07, 126,244 miles“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. The car just missed my father in the driveway and the neighbors in their house. The insurance adjuster said the car was airborne when it went thru the front door based on the damage to the front door & the skid marks on the tile in the hallway. The air bags didn't deploy. The car is a total loss. A few months prior to this my mother was parking the car when it suddenly accelerated. …”
NHTSA complaint #11252119, filed 2019-08, 72,000 miles“(all) the air bags failed. The passenger side rear, (fell) out of the carrier. The drivers auto lock on the seatbelt failed, the rear storage cover popped (out) of its holders, flew to the front (v'ed), hitting her in the rt temple, as she (bounced) backed and forth hitting the dash and center post drivers doors. Geico (gave) me the car incase Subaru wanted to send an investor. Called them at their corp. #. Threatened to sue me if I went public. Had to hire a lawyer in fairbank. …”
NHTSA complaint #10544615, filed 2013-09, 25,000 miles“Air bag light has been on for about a month. It went out once for a bit but has been on since. I had one service dept. Say the problem was in the passenger side air bag sensor. Ths Subaru dealership said it was the air bag sensors under front seats.- caused by changing the position of the seats freqently and made the wires break. I have 88.000 miles on my car. I am the only driver so I do not change my seat position often. There was nothing noted at time of purchase about limiting change of seat position. This is actually rediculos. …”
NHTSA complaint #10405578, filed 2011-06, 87,300 miles“The air bag warning light on my Subaru Forester is on yet again. It has done this several times. In reading online there are wired brought together at a connector that when both ends are pushed together then the airbag warning light will go out. Just using google online to search I have come across dozens of complaints. As this is a vehicle safety component, Subaru should repair this at no cost. Why Subaru could not have implemented a much more secure, reliable connector for such a critical safety subsystem is baffling as a more reliable connector should not cost but a couple of dollars more. …”
NHTSA complaint #10555207, filed 2013-12, 45,568 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11005609Jul 15, 2024This announcement provides information on Takata Recall Escalated Towing Program.
- 10015705Mar 1, 2005Srs codes 41 & 42. Subaru tech tips.
- 10016481Sep 1, 2003Airbag connectors were difficult for the technicians to get apart for the side airbag on some vehicles.
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 | 4% |
| 2024 | 7 | 23% |
| 2023 | 6 | 8% |
| 2022 | 4 | 4% |
| 2021 | 2 | 1% |
| 2020 | 11 | 2% |
| 2019 | 17 | 2% |
| 2018 | 99 | 20% |
| 2017 | 166 | 28% |
| 2016 | 100 | 24% |
| 2015 | 102 | 17% |
| 2014 | 57 | 14% |
| 2013 | 13 | 17% |
| 2012 | 20 | 19% |
| 2011 | 29 | 20% |
| 2010 | 42 | 16% |
| 2009 | 40 | 22% |
| 2008 | 6 | 12% |
| 2007 | 6 | 8% |
| 2006 | 6 | 7% |
| 2005 | 5 | 5% |
| 2004 | 21 | 10% |
| 2003 | 25 | 13% |
| 2002 | 10 | 11% |
| 2001 | 12 | 9% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
| 1999 | 2 | 2% |
| 1998 | 6 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2003 Subaru Forester
57 complaintsSuspension
22 complaintsEngine cooling
19 complaintsBody and structure
19 complaintsVehicle speed control
15 complaintsEngine
12 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
9 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsEquipment
5 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Subaru Forester
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology