2003 Subaru Forester Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 2%of 189 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 27,800miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 2003 Subaru Forester, 2% of the 189 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 27,800 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.
“Electric locks--the tailgate--even though I had the extra warranty I still had to pay 182.00 to replace the lock because it was not the lock it was the latch inside the lock that did not work. What a rip off. I also had dogs in the car and it was hot when the lock would not work. Because there is no key to open the tailgate when dogs are in crates you cannot open the door! Subaru would not cover the lock, even though the warranty said it covers locks. This is dangerous for those of us who use a crate to safely transport our dog. …”
NHTSA complaint #10248588, filed 2008-11, 78,000 miles“This vehicle posed a serious safety problem because the vehicle only had one key hole, but had five doors, the consumer was able to access the vehicle through the drivers side door/key hole. Once the consumer was in the vehicle a lock pad on the door allowed for entry through the other doors, or a key remote. The consumer's lock pad also didn't work temporarily so the consumer couldn't open the hatch. The manufacturer and the dealer had not been notified of the problems. …”
NHTSA complaint #10044678, filed 2003-12, 27,800 miles“Latches on the forrester cannot be opened unless you have a key fob. There is no way to access the tailgate without the battery operated fob. If you have a child that gets into the car without your knowledge, or if there is an accident and the doors will not open from the side. How will you get out the back--there is no way to even access with a key from the outside. If you are in an accident and you loose track of your fob too bad, you can't get out from the back. I myself carry dogs in crates in the back of the forrester. …”
NHTSA complaint #10195139, filed 2007-07Related 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.
- 10014457Sep 1, 20042003my keyless entry control module interchangeability. This includes 2003 subaru models.
Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 3% |
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2020 | 2 | 0% |
| 2017 | 1 | 0% |
| 2015 | 1 | 0% |
| 2014 | 2 | 1% |
| 2011 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 2 | 4% |
| 2007 | 1 | 1% |
| 2006 | 1 | 1% |
| 2004 | 1 | 0% |
| 2003 | 4 | 2% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
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 complaintsEquipment
5 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