2003 Subaru Forester Other or unknown Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 3%of 189 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 118,410miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the other or unknown of the 2003 Subaru Forester, 3% of the 189 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 118,410 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.
“Inspection of vehicle in july 18,2003 required replacement od both subframe bars due to severe rust. Second incident involved severe loss of control of vehicle while driving in heavy traffic. Lower control arm, and drivers side axle broke, and bent which caused vehicle to hop, jump, loss of steering. Stopped by running along side of curb. Had to replace axle and lower control arm due to severe rust. Mechanic said parts were back order for months. Was not able to replace so he reshaped a 2002 Subaru assembly to return my vehicle, after 11 days on his lift. I am 73 yrs. …”
NHTSA complaint #10777985, filed 2015-09, 104,000 miles“Today I was at my mechanics to replace a muffler. After raising the car up on the rack he noticed destructive rust that was covering and inundating the k frame and front lower control arms (transverse links). In september of 2012 I was at gary lang Subaru (illinois) for an unrelated issue. The safety recall for my vehicle , wvx-34, required an inspection and repairs, and if necessary, replacement or corrosion treatment of the lower control arms (transverse link). According to Subaru of america, that recall was completed . The Subaru operator (kayla) could not elaborate on the term complete . …”
NHTSA complaint #10760826, filed 2015-09, 132,819 miles“The head gasket failed in a manner which caused engine oil to leak onto the hot exhaust manifold. A strong burning odor is present after the engine warms up completely.”
NHTSA complaint #11395140, filed 2021-02, 133,000 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 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11037943Oct 5, 2026This announcement provides information on a new software update for the Midtronics Dss and DCA machines.
- 11037940Sep 18, 2026This bulletin provides paint code information for 2027 model year vehicles.
- 11037930Sep 15, 2026This announcement provides an update to all 2027 model year Subaru warranty coverages for wear items and adjustments.
- 11037929Sep 14, 2026This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the…
- 11034249Jun 12, 2026This announcement is requesting retailer staff to retain the EyeSight protective hood covers from Generation 4 EyeSight cameras.
- 11033069May 18, 2026This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 11032034Apr 30, 2026This Service Information Bulletin was developed to provide interim guidance for vehicles exhibiting DTC B2A20.
- 11032039Apr 24, 2026This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 11030557Mar 26, 2026This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 11027981Jan 12, 2026This announcement has been created to address difficulties with software updates on Subaru Select Monitors with DST-010 interface firmware has been updated.
Other or unknown: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 21% |
| 2025 | 21 | 21% |
| 2024 | 9 | 29% |
| 2023 | 20 | 27% |
| 2022 | 18 | 18% |
| 2021 | 43 | 20% |
| 2020 | 108 | 18% |
| 2019 | 145 | 17% |
| 2018 | 85 | 17% |
| 2017 | 97 | 16% |
| 2016 | 70 | 17% |
| 2015 | 74 | 12% |
| 2014 | 46 | 11% |
| 2013 | 7 | 9% |
| 2012 | 9 | 8% |
| 2011 | 13 | 9% |
| 2010 | 12 | 5% |
| 2009 | 11 | 6% |
| 2008 | 8 | 16% |
| 2007 | 2 | 3% |
| 2006 | 2 | 2% |
| 2005 | 3 | 3% |
| 2004 | 9 | 4% |
| 2003 | 6 | 3% |
| 2002 | 5 | 6% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
| 2000 | 3 | 4% |
| 1999 | 1 | 1% |
| 1998 | 3 | 3% |
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 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 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