2003 Subaru Forester Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 10%of 189 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 131,678miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the body and structure of the 2003 Subaru Forester, 10% of the 189 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 131,678 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I had my vehicle serviced at ramsey Subaru and was told the front sub frame is rusted and needs to be repaired. It seems more like the thin cheap metal is the problem. This is a big safety problem and they told me the warranty is only good for 5 years.”
NHTSA complaint #10558036, filed 2013-12, 136,934 miles“I was getting new tires placed on my vehicle when my mechanic noticed that my control arms as well as the subframe was rusted out. I contacted Subaru who stated there was a recall on the control arms for rusting out but not on the subframe. When the vehicle was brought to Subaru dealership to get control arms place on a mechanic from the dealer ship contacted me. He stated that the subframe was in bad shape and that if they were inspecting the vehicle they could not pass the inspection per the level of rust and corrosion of the subframe. …”
NHTSA complaint #10825616, filed 2016-02, 162,000 miles“2003 - Subaru - Forester - body hardware, fender, structural components & rails, lower frame left is completely rotted through. There was a recall on the support strut beside it but none on this. This is a major crash protection component as it connects the bumper to the frame. I talked to the dealer about it and they said there is no recall so it is my problem. Clearly the steel that was used was subject to excessive corrosion in salty/humid road conditions and should have been included as part of the original recall on the strut. …”
NHTSA complaint #10672937, filed 2015-01, 96,000 miles“Upon changing the oil in my 2003 Subaru Forester I noticed that my sub frame is totally rotted out. I don't know how my car has even stayed together its so bad. I looked the problem up online and I found that it is a major issue with Subaru cars. I called Subaru to see if they could help to get it fixed and they said its a cosmetic issue and they will not help me. But they did say they will offer me $500 towards the purchase of a new Subaru. I asked if they will apply the $500 to fixing my current Subaru and he told me no. …”
NHTSA complaint #10632518, filed 2014-09, 157,000 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 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11022304Aug 11, 2025This bulletin provides information on paint codes for vehicles in the 2026 line up.
- 10130277Jan 11, 2018( 2017-2018MY Impreza - 5 Dr Only)
- 10015202Jan 19, 2005The damping structure for the rear gate stay has been changed from a single to a dual type damper style.
- 10016480Sep 1, 2003Creaking noise from door checker.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 9% |
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2024 | 2 | 6% |
| 2023 | 3 | 4% |
| 2022 | 2 | 2% |
| 2021 | 4 | 2% |
| 2020 | 15 | 2% |
| 2019 | 25 | 3% |
| 2018 | 14 | 3% |
| 2017 | 15 | 3% |
| 2016 | 11 | 3% |
| 2015 | 20 | 3% |
| 2014 | 27 | 7% |
| 2013 | 4 | 5% |
| 2012 | 5 | 5% |
| 2011 | 8 | 5% |
| 2010 | 7 | 3% |
| 2009 | 2 | 1% |
| 2008 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 1 | 1% |
| 2006 | 7 | 8% |
| 2005 | 4 | 4% |
| 2004 | 4 | 2% |
| 2003 | 19 | 10% |
| 2002 | 3 | 3% |
| 2001 | 4 | 3% |
| 1999 | 3 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2003 Subaru Forester
57 complaintsAir bags
25 complaintsSuspension
22 complaintsEngine cooling
19 complaintsVehicle speed control
15 complaintsEngine
12 complaintsBrakes
10 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 27, 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