2003 Subaru Forester Equipment Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 3%of 189 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 6,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the equipment of the 2003 Subaru Forester, 3% of the 189 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 6,000 miles.
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.
“A rock hit my windshield and within 5 min there was a crack across the entire bottomof the glass, radiating down into the heating element. $975. Ne year later, another rock hit the windshield and another crack resulted in exactly the same position. Is there a flaw in the Subaru glass? I will have this one replaced with after market glass without the heating element. $632 .”
NHTSA complaint #10075374, filed 2004-06, 6,000 miles“Keyless entry remote became inoperative. The consumer stated 80 to 90% of the time the keyless did not work. The system was replaced twice with an aftermarket system. The second system has only failed once.”
NHTSA complaint #10081850, filed 2004-07“Problems with fuses on the 2003 Subaru Forester. The consumer noticed a blown fuse and that the control of her rear view mirrors were not working. The consumer also noticed while in the process of replacing fuse #4, the label and manual stated 2003 Forester manual a8070be/msa5m0304a-page 12-6) differed in amperage for not only the #4 but also #8 (ABS solenoid). The consumer promptly changed the fuses to 20 amps each. The consumer was informed that the manual was wrong and that the label was right. The consumer promptly changed back to the 15 and 30 amp fuses. …”
NHTSA complaint #10121565, filed 2005-05Related service bulletins
- 10241801Aug 1, 2023The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.
- 10240110Jul 11, 2023This bulletin announces the recommended cleaning procedures to followed when encountering vehicles with long time exposure to pollen on painted surfaces on vehicles imported from…
- 10219492Aug 23, 2022This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 10219491Aug 23, 2022This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
- 10198758Jun 17, 2021This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models
- 10198749Jun 7, 2021This bulletin is to advise of SOAâs revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
- 10187315Feb 1, 2021To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate Special…
- 10186364Jan 12, 2021This bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing.
- 10186348Jan 4, 2021The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information.
- 10179378Aug 4, 2020Special Service Tools Cross Reference List.
Equipment: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 2 | 0% |
| 2015 | 2 | 0% |
| 2014 | 4 | 1% |
| 2013 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 2 | 3% |
| 2004 | 1 | 0% |
| 2003 | 5 | 3% |
| 2001 | 1 | 1% |
| 2000 | 4 | 5% |
| 1999 | 3 | 2% |
| 1998 | 2 | 2% |
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 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
9 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsOther or unknown
6 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 29, 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