2003 Subaru Forester Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 5%of 189 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 16,523miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 Subaru Forester, 5% of the 189 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 16,523 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“2003 Subaru Forester purchased may 2003 1. Brakes did not feel correct - low brake pedal 2. Made appointment at aaa auto mark car care center for brakes to be checked 3. Aaa auto mark car care center person said that our master cylinder was leaking and needed to be replaced. Our vehicle mileage - 18046 - and even that the car was out of warranty (36 months maximum), they contacted the local Subaru but Subaru said seeing the car was out of the 36 month warranty period, Subaru would not pay for the part or repair. 4. …”
NHTSA complaint #10162089, filed 2006-07, 18,046 miles“Had started to brake in order slow down vehicle and felt the brake pedal going to the floor. Vehicle failed to stop right away. Had been in contact with dealership concerning brakes. Problem had not been resolved.”
NHTSA complaint #10041821, filed 2003-09, 12,000 miles“While backing out of a parking space the vehicle accelerated. No impact reported. The problem had not been completely corrected. The consumer almost hit a pedestrian in a parking lot due to this problem. When backing out, the vehicle started out slow but would then surge in reverse. The brakes felt spongy. The front brake pads were sticking to the sliders. The pads were removed and the corrosion was cleaned. The vehicle accelerated like it was in cruise and when the consumers foot was taken off of the gas, the speed would remain the same.”
NHTSA complaint #10117512, filed 2005-05, 11,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Subaru Forester. While performing a routine inspection and oil change, the mechanic noticed that the rotors were cracked. The mechanic replaced the rotors. The dealer and manufacturer were notified and they stated that the failure was caused by wear. The current and failure mileages were 40,000. Updated 11/07/07”
NHTSA complaint #10203929, filed 2007-09, 40,000 miles“The contact stated while driving at 35 MPH on a gravel road a deer ran out in front of the vehicle. The contact tapped the brake pedal to miss the deer; this in turn caused the contact to lose control. The vehicle hit a double post head on, then slid down an embankment and stood on its nose. It then flipped onto the driver's side, rolled onto its top and then rested on its wheels. Seat belts were in use, but did not restrain the occupant. Frontal and side airbags did not deploy, injuries were sustained. …”
NHTSA complaint #10151477, filed 2006-02, 59,287 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11002725Jun 25, 2024This bulletin provides diagnosis and procedure information to be applied when diagnosing potential fluid leaks on front and rear brake calipers. This information has been…
- 10163525Jul 11, 2019This Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips. This will prevent the pad from…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 3% |
| 2025 | 6 | 6% |
| 2024 | 1 | 3% |
| 2023 | 6 | 8% |
| 2022 | 11 | 11% |
| 2021 | 7 | 3% |
| 2020 | 14 | 2% |
| 2019 | 26 | 3% |
| 2018 | 14 | 3% |
| 2017 | 15 | 3% |
| 2016 | 29 | 7% |
| 2015 | 36 | 6% |
| 2014 | 31 | 8% |
| 2013 | 9 | 12% |
| 2012 | 16 | 15% |
| 2011 | 20 | 14% |
| 2010 | 37 | 14% |
| 2009 | 16 | 9% |
| 2008 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 4 | 5% |
| 2006 | 2 | 2% |
| 2005 | 7 | 8% |
| 2004 | 5 | 2% |
| 2003 | 10 | 5% |
| 2002 | 11 | 13% |
| 2001 | 16 | 12% |
| 1999 | 19 | 14% |
| 1998 | 15 | 15% |
Other parts of the 2003 Subaru Forester
57 complaintsAir bags
25 complaintsSuspension
22 complaintsEngine cooling
19 complaintsBody and structure
19 complaintsVehicle speed control
15 complaintsEngine
12 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