2003 Subaru Forester Recalls
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2003 Subaru Forester. A recall applies only to vehicles built within the affected range, so check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for recalls are free at a franchised dealer.
- Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower armCovers: Subaru Forester 2003–2008, Impreza 2002–2007, Saab 9-2X 2005–2006
Reported issue: Subaru is recalling certain model year 2002-2007 impreza, model year 2003-2008 forester, and model year 2005-2006 saab 9-2x vehicles manufactured from september 5, 2000 through november 26, 2007 originally sold, or currently registered in, massachusetts, maryland, michigan, new hampshire, new york, pennsylvania, vermont, wisconsin, connecticut, delaware, iowa, illinois, indiana, maine, minnesota, missouri, new…
Possible consequence: A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will handle their vehicles and saab will handle theirs. Dealers will inspect the degree of corrosion of the front lower control arms, and will either rustproof or replace them. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during december 2011. Owners may contact subaru…
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assemblyCovers: Subaru Forester 2003
Reported issue: Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 209, "seat belt assemblies." the left and right front seat belt buckle/latch assemblies were improperly manufactured.
Possible consequence: In the event of a crash, the front seat belts could unlatch, which could result in personal injury to the seat occupant.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the left and right front seat belt buckle/latch assemblies. Owner notification began february 19, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
- Power train › Automatic transmissionCovers: Subaru Forester 2002–2003, Legacy 2001–2003, Outback 2001–2003 +2 more
Reported issue: Certain sport utility and passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions were produced with an improperly manufactured transmission parking rod. When the transmission selector lever is placed in the "p" (park) position, the transmission park mechanism, that is intended to hold your vehicle, may not engage.
Possible consequence: The vehicle could then move/roll without prior warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the automatic transmission parking rod assembly. Owner notification january 8, 2003. An interim owner notification will be sent during november 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time…
NHTSA investigations
- PE11011Front suspension control arm failureClosed · Apr 7, 2011
← All problems reported for the 2003 Subaru Forester
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.