2003 SUBARU Forester Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
191
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
26 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE DURING COLD WEATHER, AN ODOR OF FUEL WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE WOULD ONLY OCCUR IN TEMPERATURES BELOW 25 DEGREES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NEIL HUFFMAN SUBARU DEALER LOCATED AT 4916 DIXIE HWY, LOUISVILLE, KY 40216 WHO TIGHTEN AND RE-CLAMPED THE FUEL LINES BUT THE FAILURES CONTINUED TO OCCURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,000. *TT *TR
Dec 29, 2017
IN VERY COLD TEMPERATURES THE INTERIOR OF MY VEHICLE IS OVERCOME WITH FUEL FUMES. IT HAPPENS AT IDLE AND LOW SPEEDS, DOES GO AWAY ONCE WE ARE DRIVING FOR A FEW MINUTES OVER 30 MPH. IT IS SO BAD WE HAD TO DRIVE WITH WINDOWS OPEN IN 5 DEGREE WEATHER. DEFINITELY COMING IN THROUGH THE HEAT VENTS, HOWEVER, SHUTTING THE HEAT OFF DID NOT ELIMINATE THE PROBLEM. THIS IS MY FIRST WINTER WITH THE CAR AND DIDN'T HAVE THIS HAPPEN UNTIL THE LAST FEW DAYS, WHEN THE TEMPS HAVE BEEN CONSISTENTLY BELOW 30 DEGREES F. I'VE READ NUMEROUS OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THIS, NOT SURE WHY THERE IS NO RECALL/SERVICE BULLETIN BUT WOULD LIKE TO KNOW THE SOLUTION TO THE ISSUE. IT CAN'T BE SAFE TO BREATHE THESE FUMES! WOULD LIKE TO KNOW THE SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM, AS WE OTHERWISE LOVE THIS VEHICLE! *TR
Jan 09, 2015
NOTICED THE SAME PROBLEM LAST YEAR ALSO AT ABOUT 134000 MILES. WHEN THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE DROPS BELOW 20 DEGREES WOULD BE MY BEST GUESS, THE WHOLE CAB OF THE CAR FILLS WITH GASOLINE FUMES. PRETTY POWERFUL SMELL. I NOTICE ONLINE IN MANY, MANY PLACES THAT SUBARU IS HAVING THIS ISSUE. THEY ARE ONLY FIXING WRX MODELS UNDER A RECALL. THAT IS MY UNDERSTANDING. UNFORTUNATELY, I DO NOT HAVE A WRX. I WILL PAY TO HAVE THIS FIXED, THOUGH SUBARU SHOULD STEP UP TO ALL MODELS WITH THIS VERY DETRIMENTAL ISSUE. THE DEALER IS ACTING A LITTLE SUSPICIOUS DENYING THEY KNOW ABOUT THE PROBLEM. SEEMS LIKE THEY SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ALL ISSUES THAT ARE SO PROMINENT ON THE INTERNET. MOST ARTICLES POINT TO FUEL LINES AT INTAKE MANIFOLD ARE FAILING. FAILING WOULD DEMAND TSB. *TR
Feb 08, 2014
DURING COLD WEATHER, (LATEST INCIDENT OCCURRED AT 15 DEGREES F), THERE IS A STRONG FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING COMING FROM THE AIR VENTS INSIDE THE VEHICLE. AFTER STOPPING THE VEHICLE INSIDE OUR GARAGE THE STRONG FUEL ODOR CONTINUES UNTIL GRADUALLY LESSENING. A VISUAL INSPECTION DOES NOT REVEAL AN OBVIOUS FUEL LEAK. OTHER SUBARU MODELS WERE RECALLED FOR A SIMILAR PROBLEM AND AN ONLINE SEARCH SUGGESTS THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED EVENT TO MY PARTICULAR VEHICLE. *TR
Feb 07, 2014
WHEN THE OUTSIDE TEMP DROPS BELOW 15 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT THERE IS A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT UNTIL THE ENGINE WARMS UP. TURNS OUT ITS FROM LEAKING FUEL LINES UNDER THE HOOD. THIS IS A KNOWN COMMON PROBLEM BY SUBARU WITH SEVERAL OF THERE CARS. *TR
Jan 30, 2014
+ 21 more complaints for this component
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
20 complaints
FUEL LEAKS FROM THE FUEL LINES AROUND THE ENGINE WHEN IT'S COLD.
Jan 05, 2018
FUEL LINE LEAKING UNDER 20 DEGREE TEMPS, SMELLS STRONGLY OF GAS INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHILE IDOLING AS WELL AS DRIVING
Jan 04, 2018
WHEN THE WEATHER TURNS COLD THERE THE SMELL OF GASOLINE IN THE CABIN IT HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS IN IDLE MODE WHEN DRIVING THE SMELL DISSIPATES BUT YOU CAN STILL SMELL IT FAINTLY I NOTICED IT LAST YEAR I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP IN SEPTEMBER 2016 AND THEY NOTICED A POOLING OF GASOLINE BUT THEY NOTICE ANYTHING BECAUSE THE WEATHER WAS WARM SO THEY TIGHTENED THEY TIGHTENED THE ENGINE TO THE CHASSIS
Jan 07, 2017
THREE YEARS AGO, WE STARTED TO NOTICE A FUEL SMELL WHEN DRIVING OUR 2003 SUBARU FORESTER ON VERY COLD DAYS (BELOW 20 DEGREES). WE TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL SUBARU DEALER FOR SERVICE. THEY COULDN'T FIND A SPECIFIC LEAK, BUT THEY TIGHTENED THE CLAMPS AROUND THE FUEL LINES. WE CONTINUED TO NOTICE THE SMELL AND TOOK THE CAR TO OTHER SERVICE CENTERS TO SEE IF ANOTHER MECHANIC COULD FIND THE SOURCE OF THE ODOR. WE RECENTLY TOOK THE DARK BACK TO THE SUBARU DEALER AND WERE INFORMED THAT THE FUEL LINES NEED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $700. WE DID SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND FOUND MANY SUBARU OWNERS COMPLAINING OF SIMILAR ISSUES ON FORESTER AND OTHER SUBARU MODELS MANUFACTURED IN THE EARLY 2000S. OTHER OWNERS REPORTED THAT THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT WITH THE CAR. GIVEN THE SAFETY RISK OF LEAKING FUEL, WE URGE NHTSA TO INVESTIGATE. *TR
Jan 06, 2017
LAST WINTER ON COLD DAYS I NOTICED STRONG FUEL SMELL COMING INTO INTERIOR CABIN OF CAR, ATTRIBUTED IT TO DIRTY AIR FILTER, CHANGED IT AND WEATHER GOT NICE SO SMELL WAS GONE. NOW IT'S JANUARY AGAIN AND COLD TEMPS HAVE ARRIVED, NOTICED THE SMELL AGAIN WORSE THAN EVER. WHILE TAKING CAR FOR OIL CHANGE THE TECHNICIAN TOLD ME I HAVE A FUEL LEAK AND THAT IS WHY THE CAR SMELLS LIKE GAS. NOW I WON'T DRIVE MORE THAN 10 MILES FEARFUL THAT I MAY WIND UP IN A ROLLING FIREBALL. SINCE THERE A MULTITUDES OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE REGARDING THIS, I THINK SUBARU OF AMERICA NEEDS TO DO 1 THING..RECALL AND REPLACE AT NO CHARGE TO OWNERS. IT SMELLS WHEN IT IS STARTED, SMELLS DURING INITIAL DRIVE AND FOR QUITE SOME TIME -- DRIVING WITH WINDOWS DOWN AT 30 DEGREES AND BELOW IS DIFFICULT, I DID IT DURING OUR BLIZZARD TOO. AREA AROUND ENGINE REEKS OF FUEL AS WELL. I ALREADY HAD TO REPLACE HEAD GASKETS ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THOSE FOR THE PRIOR FEW YEARS WHICH MY MODEL WASN'T COVERED UNDER. INSTALLED NEW MUFFLER SO THAT'S NOT IT EITHER.
Jan 30, 2016
+ 15 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
16 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE EXHIBITED A LOUD, UNUSUAL NOISE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS FIRST STARTED OR WHEN DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE ENGINE AND ADVISED THAT THE ENGINE MANUFACTURE WAS A FACTORY DEFECT AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED BUT THE HEAD GASKET THEN BEGAN LEAKING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE DEFECT AND DENIED ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,279 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 83,300. UPDATED 04/05/12*LJ UPDATED 06/13/2012 *JS
Mar 02, 2012
2003 SUBARU FORESTER ~114K MILES. DURING PASSING (~70 MPH)ENGINE HAS STALLED 2X IN PAST WEEK. AFTER COMING TO FULL STOP AND TURNING KEY IN IGNITION FULL "OFF", CAR RESTARTS WITH NO DIFFICULTY WILL TAKE TO DEALER THIS WEEK. HAD BATTER INSTALLED ~ 2 MONTHS AGO. *TR
Mar 09, 2011
MY 2003 SUBARU FORESTER - PURCHASED NEW - CURRENTLY HAS 55,000 MILES ON IT. IT WAS LAST SERVICED 3 MONTHS AGO. AT THAT TIME, NOTHING WAS MENTIONED ABOUT COOLANT PROBLEMS OR LEAKS. LAST WEEK, ON THE TURNPIKE, THE RPM NEEDLE STARTED SWINGING WILDLY AND I LOST POWER. I MANAGED TO GET TO THE SHOULDER OF THE TURNPIKE AND SHUT DOWN AND BY THAT TIME SMOKE WAS POURING OUT FROM THE ENGINE. THE PROBLEM DIAGNOSED IS THAT THE COOLANT HAD LEAKED AT THE HEAD GASKETS - A PROBLEM THAT I AM NOW LEARNING SUBARU HAS KNOWN ABOUT FOR SOME TIME. I HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENGINE AT A COST OF AT LEAST $2600. I WAS NEVER CONTACTED BY SUBARU OR THE DEALERSHIP TO INFORM ME THAT THIS MAY BE A PROBLEM ALTHOUGH I CONSISTENTLY HAVE RECEIVED NOTIFICATIONS ABOUT REPURCHASING AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. OBVIOUSLY, A 2003 VEHICLE WITH 55,000 MILES ON IT HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN EXCESSIVELY. COMMENTS I HAVE HEARD ARE THAT "YOU'RE STILL BREAKING IN THE ENGINE". *TR
Aug 26, 2009
I PURCHASED A NEW SUBARU FORESTER XS IN JULY 2003 AND HAD IT SERVICED REGULARLY AT NOW DEFUNCT SUBARU DEALERSHIPS. WHILE I WAS DRIVING ONE DAY, THE CAR SUDDENLY OVERHEATED. THE FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC AUTO SERVICE MECHANIC I WAS ABLE TO REACH SHOWED ME THAT THE ENGINE WAS LEAKING COOLANT IN 3 PLACES, REQUIRING A COSTLY REPAIR OF THE HEAD GASKET. I LEARNED FROM HIM THAT THIS HEAD GASKET FAILURE WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH SUBARUS. I HAD THE CAR UNDER WARRANTY WITH SUBARU FOR 60,000 MILES. AT NO TIME WAS I NOTIFIED BY THE DEALER FROM WHOM I PURCHASED THE CAR OR BY ANY SUBARU SERVICE CENTER, THAT SPECIAL COOLANT WAS REQUIRED TO MITIGATE THIS DEFECT. I HAD THE CAR REPAIRED AT A COST OF OVER $2,000. *TR
May 08, 2009
I HAD REGULAR SERVICE DONE TO MY CAR AT CLAY SUBARU OF NORWOOD MASSACHUSETTS. THE REPRESENTATIVE STATED THAT THE MECHANIC NOTICED SOME OIL SEEPAGE FROM THE HEAD GASKET. THEY RECOMMENDED THAT I GET THE HEAD GASKETS REPLACED WITHIN A YEAR. SINCE THAT TIME I HAVE MONITORED THE OIL LEVEL AND HAVE HAD TO REPLACE ABOUT A QUART IN BETWEEN REGULAR OIL CHANGE INTERVALS. I AM CONCERNED BECAUSE I KNOW THIS REPRESENTS MAJOR ENGINE WORK. THEY QUOTED THAT IT WOULD COST ABOUT $2,000.00 TO REPLACE THE HEAD GASKETS. THE CAR ONLY HAD ABOUT 115,000 MILES ON IT. IT IS A 2003 SUBARU FORESTER THAT I PURCHASED NEW IN DEC 2002. *TR
Jan 09, 2009
+ 11 more complaints for this component
SUSPENSION
14 complaints
The contact owns a 2003 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the front of the vehicle and the contact became aware that the power steering was not functioning properly. After a visual inspection of the exterior of the vehicle, the contact observed that the passenger’s side wheel appeared to have detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed failures with the frame rail, stabilizer, and lower control arm. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the lower control arm had fractured from the frame. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V464000 (Suspension). The VIN was included, and the vehicle was repaired in 2018. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 117,000.
Dec 07, 2023
The contact owns a 2003 Subaru Forester. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V464000 (Suspension). The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer where an inspection was performed but nothing was replaced. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speed, the lower control arm cracked. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the lower control arm was rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000.
Aug 18, 2022
The 2003 Subaru Forester Sub Frame is rusted. I live in Illinois.
Feb 11, 2022
TL* THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER OWNS A 2003 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SWAY FROM SIDE TO SIDE WITHOUT WARNING WHILE MAKING AN ABNORMAL METALLIC GRINDING SOUND. HIS DAUGHTER PULLED OVER AND CALLED HIM FOR ASSISTANCE UPON ARRIVAL, HE NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONT TIRE WAS NOT FACING FORWARD. THE CONTACT THEN INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE WAS DETACHED FROM THE CONTROL ARM. THE CONTACT ALSO DISCOVERED THAT THE CV SHAFT WAS ALSO DETACHED FROM THE TRANSMISSION, WHICH RESULTED IN OIL LEAKING ONTO THE CROSS MEMBER. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT SLOWLY DROVE THE VEHICLE TO HIS RESIDENCE. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V464000 (SUSPENSION) WHICH HE LINKED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE RECALL REMEDY WAS ALREADY PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO A LOCAL DEALER AND NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 190,000.*DT*JB*DT THE CONSUMER PROVIDED PHOTOS AND DOCUMENTS. *TR*DT
Nov 09, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE WHICH EMITTED FROM THE PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONT SUSPENSION OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE, GOING FROM THE RIGHT LANE TO THE EXTREME LEFT LANE, DOWN AN EMBANKMENT INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO OTHER VEHICLE INVOLVED. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE CONTACT STATED ON INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT BECAME AWARE THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM FRACTURED WHICH CAUSED THE SEPARATION OF THE WHEEL FROM THE SUSPENSION. THE FRACTURE CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE INSIDE WHEEL WELL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE. MILLER SUBARU (1592 NJ-38, LUMBERTON, NJ 08048, (609) 267-4000) WAS CONTACTED AND NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V464000 (SUSPENSION). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT WAS NOT GIVEN PROOF THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,000.
Nov 01, 2018
+ 9 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
14 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO AVOID HITTING AN ANIMAL HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND IT ROLLED OVER THREE TIMES AND CRASHED. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSPORTED TO A HOSPITAL. THE DETAILS OF THE INJURIES WERE UNKNOWN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE 126.000.
Jun 16, 2014
THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ON MY SUBARU FORESTER IS ON YET AGAIN. IT HAS DONE THIS SEVERAL TIMES. IN READING ONLINE THERE ARE WIRED BROUGHT TOGETHER AT A CONNECTOR THAT WHEN BOTH ENDS ARE PUSHED TOGETHER THEN THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT WILL GO OUT. JUST USING GOOGLE ONLINE TO SEARCH I HAVE COME ACROSS DOZENS OF COMPLAINTS. AS THIS IS A VEHICLE SAFETY COMPONENT, SUBARU SHOULD REPAIR THIS AT NO COST. WHY SUBARU COULD NOT HAVE IMPLEMENTED A MUCH MORE SECURE, RELIABLE CONNECTOR FOR SUCH A CRITICAL SAFETY SUBSYSTEM IS BAFFLING AS A MORE RELIABLE CONNECTOR SHOULD NOT COST BUT A COUPLE OF DOLLARS MORE. SUBARU SHOULD BE REPAIRING THIS AT NO CHARGE TO VEHICLE OWNERS. *TR
Dec 08, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THE OCCUPANCY SENSORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
Jan 04, 2013
AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINS ON. AFTER 3 ATTEMPTS TO REPAIR IN THE SHOP, STILL REMAINS ON. *TR
Jul 19, 2012
2003 SUBARU FORESTER. PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG LIGHT ON. DEALER STATED THAT AIRBAG ON PASSENGER SIDE HARNESS WIRES WERE CORRODED AND REQUIRED HARNESS REPAIR. SUBARU PARENT COMPANY SAID THERE IS ONLY A 30000 MILE WARRANTY ON THE AIRBAG WIRES.... THIS IS A DESIGN DEFECT AND SAFETY ISSUE. SHOULD BE COVERED U DER 100,000 WARRANTY. *TT
Jun 21, 2012
+ 9 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
12 complaints
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, GOING STRAIGHT, WHEN SUDDENLY MY CAR STARTED ACCELERATING AT FULL SPEED. I CHECKED AND MADE SURE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BREAK INSTEAD OF THE GAS, WHICH IT WAS. THE CAR PROCEEDED TO MOVE FORWARD EVEN WITH BOTH OF MY FEET AND ALL OF MY WEIGHT ON THE BREAK, AND IT STARTED ACCELERATING AGAIN BECAUSE THE BREAK COULD NOT STOP IT OR HOLD ON. I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THREW THE CAR IN PARK EVEN THOUGH IT WAS STILL GOING 15 MPH AND CLIMBING. EVEN IN PARK, THE ENGINE WAS GOING AS HARD AS IT COULD GO. I HAVE NOT DRIVEN THE CAR SINCE.
May 05, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED INTO PARK AND SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKES UNTIL HE WAS ABLE TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL AND STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER HOWEVER, THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHAT CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 89,500. *TR
Jul 12, 2013
WHILE PARKING AT THE OFFICE, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. I WAS ABLE TO STOP IT BY BRAKING HARD. THERE WAS NO RUG OBSTRUCTING THE ACCELERATOR OR BRAKES. I WARE A SIZE 7 SHOE, THEREFORE THERE IS NO POSSIBILITY OF PRESSING BOTH PEDALS AT THE SAME TIME. IT WAS SCARY. *TR
Aug 15, 2012
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE PULLING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BEGAN TO ACCELERATE UP TO 35 MPH AFTER THE CONTACT RELEASED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE AND WAS TOTALED. THE CONTACT WAS INJURED AS A RESULT OF THE CRASH. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 71,000.
Apr 21, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF LESS THAN 20 MPH AND ENTERING HER DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED AT A RAPID SPEED. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO HER HOME CAUSING CONSIDERABLE DAMAGES TO THE VEHICLE AND HER HOME. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AT THE TIME OF IMPACT, HOWEVER SHE DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND REPAIRS WERE PAID BY HER INSURANCE COMPANY. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF LESS THAN 15 MPH AND ENTERING HER DRIVEWAY FROM THE MAIN STREET, THE VEHICLE AGAIN ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED AT A RAPID RATE OF SPEED, CRASHING INTO THE REAR WALL OF HER HOME. THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP AND PROCEEDED TO CRASH INTO HER GARAGE AND INTO THE REAR WALL OF A NEIGHBORING HOME. SHE DID NOT RECALL IF SHE ATTEMPTED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL AT THE TIME BECAUSE THE INCIDENT HAPPENED WITHIN A MATTER OF SECONDS. THE POLICE WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS FILED ACCORDINGLY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE NIGHT BEFORE THE INCIDENT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR REGULAR SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE. SHE WAS NOT ADVISED THAT THERE WERE ANY ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE. THE INITIAL FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN, HOWEVER THE MILEAGE WAS 49,000 WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Mar 08, 2010
+ 7 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
10 complaints
FRONT SUBFRAME ON THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE RUSTS AWAY CAUSING FAILURE. COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND COULD INJURE PASSENGERS. TURNING OR HITTING BUMPS COULD CAUSE IT TO SNAP DUE TO EXTRA FORCE.
Jun 15, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000.
Nov 17, 2016
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. THEY STATED THAT BOTH THE FRONT AND REAR SUBFRAME WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED/FIXED. MY MECHANIC HAS NEVER SEEN A SUBFRAME CORRODE SO BADLY IN SUCH A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. THE LAST THING ON A CAR TO GO SHOULD BE THE SUBFRAME AND FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THERE IS OBVIOUSLY A SAFETY ISSUE WITH THIS AND I AM REALLY SURPRISED THERE IS NO RECALL IN REF TO THIS. I AM NOT SURE HOW THEY DON'T KNOW THIS IS AN ISSUE WHEN THEY KNOW THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE CONTROL ARMS.
Feb 11, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND A GRINDING NOISE EMITTED OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO INFORMED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SUBFRAME COMPLETELY RUSTED. IN 2012, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V464000 (SUSPENSION) AND A RUSTPROOF SOLUTION WAS APPLIED TO THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR THE MOST RECENT FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Apr 23, 2015
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. THE OTHER SIDE (RIGHT) IS IN GOOD CONDITION, INDICATING DEFECTIVE MATERIALS IN THIS PART. *TR
Jan 16, 2015
+ 5 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
8 complaints
WHEN AT A STOP BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT AXLES BROKE. THIS HAPPENED TWICE. WHEN TAKEN TO GET SERVICED CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS DUE TO THE SNAP RINGS.*AK CONSUMER HAS BOTH AXLE ASSEMBLIES. *TT
Mar 02, 2005
2002 SUBARU FORESTER - MANUAL TRANSMISSION. PERIODIC CLUTCH SHUDDER WHEN DRIVING.*AK
Jul 09, 2004
WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN NEUTRAL IT SHUT DOWN, THEN VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS. *AK
Sep 24, 2003
MANUAL TRANSMISSION. CLUTCH SHUDDERS (CHATTERS) IN 1ST AND SOMETIMES 2ND GEAR. PROBLEM OCCURS AFTER CAR HAS NOT BEEN USED FOR A WHILE (SUCH AS OVERNIGHT), AND ESPECIALLY IN THE MORNING. CAR WAS BOUGHT USED WITH 14,000 MILES, AND HAD THIS PROBLEM FROM WHEN IT WAS BOUGHT. DEALER REPLACED CLUTCH ASSEMBLY WHICH APPEARS TO HAVE REMEDIED THE PROBLEM.*AK
Aug 21, 2003
CLUTCH CHATTER, 1ST AND 2ND GEAR. 18000 MILES ON VEHICLE. *AK
Jul 30, 2003
+ 3 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
6 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE PERFORMING A ROUTINE INSPECTION AND OIL CHANGE, THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE ROTORS WERE CRACKED. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE ROTORS. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED AND THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY WEAR. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 40,000. UPDATED 11/07/07 *TR
Sep 24, 2007
2003 SUBARU FORESTER PURCHASED MAY 2003 1. BRAKES DID NOT FEEL CORRECT - LOW BRAKE PEDAL 2. MADE APPOINTMENT AT AAA AUTO MARK CAR CARE CENTER FOR BRAKES TO BE CHECKED 3. AAA AUTO MARK CAR CARE CENTER PERSON SAID THAT OUR MASTER CYLINDER WAS LEAKING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. OUR VEHICLE MILEAGE - 18046 - AND EVEN THAT THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY (36 MONTHS MAXIMUM), THEY CONTACTED THE LOCAL SUBARU BUT SUBARU SAID SEEING THE CAR WAS OUT OF THE 36 MONTH WARRANTY PERIOD, SUBARU WOULD NOT PAY FOR THE PART OR REPAIR. 4. WE HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED SO AAA AUTO MARK CAR CARE CENTER PURCHASED THE PARTS NEEDED (1- MASTER CYLINDER, 2 WHEEL CYLINDERS) AND REPLACED THEM. WE ASKED FOR AND RECEIVED THE OLD PARTS. 5. MY HUSBAND AND I HAVE HAD MANY CARS OVER MANY YEARS AND NEVER HAVE HAD TO REPLACE A MASTER CYLINDER EVEN THOUGH THE MILEAGE DRIVEN ON THE CARS WAS MUCH HIGHER THAN 18046 ON THE SUBARU. *NM
Jul 11, 2006
ROTOR PREMATURELY WORN. CAR WAS PURCHASED 10/03. ROTORS HAVE HAD TO BE TURNED TWICE SINCE PURCHASE DATE. *JB
Nov 23, 2004
BRAKE ROTORS FAILED AT 15,000 MILES. CONSUMER STATED THAT 2,000 MILES LATER THE ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. *AK
Apr 21, 2004
HAD STARTED TO BRAKE IN ORDER SLOW DOWN VEHICLE AND FELT THE BRAKE PEDAL GOING TO THE FLOOR. VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP RIGHT AWAY. HAD BEEN IN CONTACT WITH DEALERSHIP CONCERNING BRAKES. PROBLEM HAD NOT BEEN RESOLVED.*AK
Sep 29, 2003
+ 1 more complaint for this component
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
5 complaints
WHEN AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE IS COLD (BELOW ABOUT 20-30 F), THE VEHICLE GIVES OFF A STRONG GASOLINE SMELL. THIS IS CAUSED BY THE FUEL RAIL CONTRACTING TO THE POINT THAT SOME FUEL IS SPRAYED ONTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. OBVIOUSLY, THIS IS A FIRE RISK.
Feb 08, 2021
ON WINTER DAYS, WHERE TEMPERATURES ARE NOT UNUSUALLY LOW FOR A NORTHERN STATE, THE FUEL LINES ON THE FORESTER WILL SHRINK AND CONTRACT. THE RESULT IS THAT FUEL WILL LEAK OUT OF THE LINE RESULTING IN TWO THINGS, FUEL VAPORS IN THE CABIN AND FUEL PUDDLING ON THE ENGINE. FUEL PUDDLING ON THE ENGINE REPRESENTS ON OBVIOUS SAFETY HAZARD IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE. THE HEAVY FUEL VAPORS AND ODOR IN THE CABIN CAUSED ME TO BECOME NAUSEOUS AND LIGHT HEADED. IN ORDER TO DRIVE HOME SAFELY, THE WINDOWS HAD TO BE OPENED ALMOST COMPLETELY. LUCKILY THEY WERE NOT FROZEN UP, WHICH IS ALSO COMMON IN WINTER MONTHS. THERE HAVE ALSO BEEN SEVERAL DAYS WHERE WIND CHILL ALONE COULD RESULT IN FROST BITE IN ONLY A FEW MINUTES. I COULD NOT HAVE ROLLED DOWN MY WINDOWS SAFELY ON THOSE DAYS OR IN SIMILAR TEMPS BECAUSE OF THE ADDED VEHICLE SPEED. SOA IS AWARE THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM, BUT REFUSES TO CORRECT THE ISSUE OR ADMIT THAT IT APPLIES TO MOST OF ITS MODELS. THE PROBLEM EVEN CONTINUES ON LATER MODELS. THIS IS A WELL KNOWN ISSUE, SEE THIS THREAD THAT SPANS SEVERAL YEARS (CONTINUING TODAY): HTTP://WWW.SUBARUFORESTER.ORG/VBULLETIN/F87/SMELL-GAS-COLD-STARTS-41319/ THE LINES AND PROBLEM ARE ALMOST IDENTICAL TO THE IMPREZA ISSUE, WHICH RESULTED IN SUBARU SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER 09-36-03. *TR
Feb 22, 2015
A RUBBER HOSE CONNECTING TWO METAL GAS LINES HAS STARTED TO LEAK. THIS IS DUE TO THE COLD WEATHER. SUBARU ISSUED A RECALL FOR THIS ON THE WRX MODELS OF THE SAME YEAR. THIS ENGINE IS THE SAME ENGINE AS IN THE WRX. IT IS THE 2.5 N/A. WHY ARE OUR MOTORS NOT BEING FIXED AS WELL? THIS IS A MAJOR FIRE HAZARD. IT IS NEAR THE IGNITION SYSTEM AND ABOVE THE EXHAUST PIPE. *JS
Dec 30, 2014
AT COLD TEMPERATURES, FUEL LEAKING SOMEWHERE FROM VEHICLE, CAUSING STRONG ODOR INSIDE AND OUT OF CABIN. CONCERNED THAT THIS AMOUNT OF FUEL COULD BE HAZARDOUS TO BREATHE AND/OR CAUSE RISK FOR FIRE. NEED MORE PROACTIVE RESPONSE FROM SUBARU ON THIS MATTER, AT THIS POINT 26 OF 115 COMPLAINTS FOR THIS MAKE/MODEL/YEAR ARE FOR THIS ISSUE. *TR
Jan 09, 2014
STARTED AND DROVE VEHICLE APPROX. 1 MILE IN 20 DEGREE WEATHER WHEN I BEGAN TO SMELL AN EXTREMELY STRONG RAW GASOLINE ODOR. THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT WAS INUNDATED WITH THE ODOR. I CHECKED FOR LEAKS BUT DID NOT SEE ANY(IT WAS AT NIGHT). I SLOWLY DROVE HOME WITH MY PASSENGER-SIDE WINDOWS OPEN. HAVEN'T DRIVEN THE VEHICLE SINCE.... *TR
Jan 24, 2013
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
5 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT NOTICED EXTENSIVE RUST, CORROSION, AND HOLES AROUND THE FRONT FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC REPLACED THE FRONT FRAME, AND THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE CONTROL ARMS. IN ADDITION, THE REAR FRAME AND DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARMS WERE ALSO INSPECTED WITH THE EXPECTATION THAT THOSE PARTS HAD ALSO DETERIORATED AND MAY NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED OR EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V464000 (SUSPENSION) AND WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE11011 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
Aug 17, 2018
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. I AM A SINGLE MOTHER THAT DEPENDS ON MY CAR 100% AND I CAN'T AFFORD THE REPAIR IN THE FIRST PLACE, BUT SUBARU WILL GIVE ME $500 TOWARD THE PURCHASE OF A NEW CAR. *TR
Sep 11, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING INSPECTED, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL ASSEMBLY WAS FOUND SEVERELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FRONT WHEEL ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 183,000. UPDATED 7/9/12 *CN THE RIGHT SIDE FRAME ASSEMBLY WAS RUSTED AND CORRODED. UPDATED 07/10/12
Jun 18, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU FORESTER.THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V464000 (SUSPENSION: FRONT: CONTROL ARM: LOWER ARM) WHEN THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE FRONT END OF THE SUB-FRAME WAS CORRODED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR THE FRAME ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 157,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 160,000. UPDATED 05/08/12*LJ
Apr 06, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU FORESTER . THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V464000. (SUSPENSION: FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM) AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE REPAIR COULD NOT BE PERFORMED BECAUSE THE SUB FRAME WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 69,000. UPDATED 03/28/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER CONTACTING SUBARU OF AMERICA, THEY AGREED TO COVER ALL COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE REPAIR, INCLUDING THE REPLACEMENT OF THE SUBFRAME. UPDATED 03/30/12*JB
Mar 01, 2012
EQUIPMENT
4 complaints
I HAVE A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE PROPOSED RECALL REMEDY FOR NHTSA ID: 21E002000 . THE NOTICE SAYS, "NINGBO WILL NOTIFY DISTRIBUTORS, AND OWNERS, AND WILL REPLACE THE BULB WITH HALOGEN BULBS, FREE OF CHARGE." THIS OFFERED REPLACEMENT OF THEIR DEFECTIVE LED BULB WITH A HALOGEN BULB IS NOT AN ACCEPTABLE RECALL REMEDY BECAUSE LED BULBS ARE FAR SUPERIOR TO HALOGEN BULBS. ESPECIALLY LED BULBS LAST MUCH LONGER AND DRAIN MUCH LESS POWER FROM THE CAR'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM THAN HALOGEN BULBS. I ORIGINALLY BOUGHT THEIR LED BULBS BECAUSE OF THESE ADVANTAGES AND REPLACING THEM WITH INFERIOR HALOGEN BULBS DEFEATS THE PURPOSE OF HAVING BOUGHT LED BULBS TO BEGIN WITH.
Feb 02, 2021
SUBMISSION FROM CONSTITUENT RE DEFECTIVE CROSSBAR. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAD TO REPLACE, THE LUGGAGE RACK, BECAUSE THE CROSSBAR WAS BENT AND BOWED. THE FIRST TIME, HE USED THE CROSSBAR WAS MAY 24, 2014. THE PLASTIC CLAMP THAT HELD THE LUGGAGE RACK TO THE TOP OF THE VEHICLE BROKE OFF WHILE DRIVING, WHICH CAUSED THE LOAD HE WAS CARRYING TO FALL OFF ON THE INTERSTATE. FORTUNATELY, THE WIND BLEW EVERYTHING TOWARD THE EMERGENCY SHOULDER. THE VEHICLE, LUGGAGE RACK CROSSBARS AND OTHER PERSONAL BELONGINGS WERE SEVERELY DAMAGED. *JB
Jun 16, 2014
PROBLEMS WITH FUSES ON THE 2003 SUBARU FORESTER. *MR 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. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED CLARIFICATION IN WRITING FROM SUBARU ABOUT THE PROPER AMPERAGE AND OFFICIAL NOTIFICATION TO OWNERS WHO HAVE THE SAME MANUAL. *SC
May 13, 2005
KEYLESS ENTRY REMOTE BECAME INOPERATIVE.*MR 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. *JB *SC
Jul 06, 2004
ENGINE
4 complaints
WE PURCHASED THIS CAR NEW AND MAINTAINED IT ACCORDING TO THE MANUFACTURER'S MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE. HOWEVER, AROUND 75,000 MILES THE HEAD GASKETS STARTED LEAKING. AFTER EACH USE OF THE CAR, OIL WOULD LEAK ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND PRODUCE A BURNT OIL SMELL IN THE GARAGE; NOT GOOD. THE LEAK REMAINED LIMITED AND OUR SERVICE TECHNICIAN (AAA-APPROVED), ADVISED US TO NOT MAKE ANY REPAIRS RIGHT AWAY, BUT TO MONITOR THE LEAK. THE LEAKING BECAME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE AND AFFECTED BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE OF THE BOXER CYLINDER HEADS. AT 90,000 MILES, THE LEAKS REQUIRED A FULL HEAD GASKET REPAIR, NECESSITATING EXTRACTION OF THE ENTIRE ENGINE. WHILE THIS WORK WAS DONE, TIMING BELT, WATER PUMP AND OTHER UNRELATED MAINTENANCE ISSUES WERE PERFORMED. THE MAIN COMPLAINT WE HAVE IS WITH THE PREMATURE FAILURE OF THIS BOXER ENGINE'S HEAD GASKETS. SUBARU *KNOWS* THERE IS A PROBLEM AS IT RECOMMENDS AN COOLANT ADDITIVE FOR OLDER ENGINES IN AN ATTEMPT TO POSTPONE THE HEAD GASKET PROBLEMS. AND A QUICK GOOGLE SEARCH REVEALS THAT MANY THOUSANDS OF SUBARU OWNERS HAVE HAD HEAD GASKET PROBLEMS, YET SUBARU OF AMERICA (SOA) HAS NEVER ISSUED A RECALL. IF THE BOXER ENGINE DESIGN IS PRONE TO HEAD GASKET PROBLEMS, AS IT APPEARS TO BE IN SUBARUS, AND FAILURES HAPPEN WELL BEFORE 100,000 MILES, SUBARU SHOULD STAND BEHIND ITS DESIGN AND COMPENSATE OWNERS FOR THESE EXPENSIVE FAILURES. OUR REPAIR COST NEARLY $4,000, WITH NO GUARANTEE THAT IT WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN. WE BELIEVE SOA SHOULD ISSUE RECALL FOR A FAULTY ENGINE DESIGN, AND DEVELOP A HEAD GASKET THAT WILL STAND THE TEST OF TIME! SOA CONTINUES TO BUILD THIS SAME ENGINE INTO ITS CURRENT MODELS, AND THE PURCHASERS OF THESE VEHICLES WILL EACH DISCOVER THE HEAD GASKET PROBLEM, WHEN WARRANTIES HAVE EXPIRED AND REQUIRE EXPENSIVE REPAIRS. IF THESE PROBLEMS HAD LED TO CRASHES SOA BE FORCED TO ISSUE A RECALL.
Jun 05, 2015
WE WERE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE TRAVELING ABOUT 70 MPH WHEN MY HUSBAND NOTICED THE BACK WINDOW HAD A GREASY FILM THAT THE WIPER ONLY MADE WORSE. WE PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY TO A GAS STATION TO TAKE A LOOK AND NOTICED SMOKE BILLOWING FROM THE HOOD. AFTER WAITING A FEW MINUTES HE RAISED THE HOOD TO MORE SMOKE. HAVING JUST HAD AN OIL CHANGE TWO DAYS PRIOR, I RECALLED THAT THE SERVICE PERSON MENTIONED SLIGHT TRANSMISSION AND OIL LEAKS THAT WERE NOT MAJOR CONCERNS AND THE CAR WAS SAFE TO DRIVE AND COULD BE ADDRESSED LATER. TURNS OUT THERE WAS A HOLE IN THE PIPING DIRECTLY UNDERNEATH THE BATTERY, WHICH WAS CAUSED BY BATTERY ACID DRIPPING DIRECTLY ONTO THE METAL PIPING CAUSING THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID TO LEAK OUT. AFTER REMOVING THE BOLTS FROM THE PLASTIC APRON UNDERNEATH THE CAR TO TAKE A BETTER LOOK, IT APPEARED TRANSMISSION FLUID HAD BEEN LEAKING FOR A WHILE. AFTER POURING SEVERAL QUARTS OF TRANSMISSION FLUID INTO THE CAR WE WERE ABLE TO SLOWLY DRIVE IT TO THE NEAREST SERVICE GARAGE (ABOUT 5 MILES), WHERE WE GOT A DIAGNOSTIC DONE. APPARENTLY THIS PROBLEM IS NOT A NEW ONE TO SUBARU AS A SERVICE BULLETIN WAS RELEASED FOR THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE (THOUGH THEY STATED IT COULD BE FROM CORROSION DUE TO ROAD SALT OR SALT WATER, NOT BATTERY ACID). A REPLACEMENT AT OIL COOLER PIPING KIT AND FOAM PACKING MUST BE INSTALLED TO PREVENT CORROSION DAMAGE. THE BATTERY PLACEMENT DIRECTLY OVER THE PIPING IS WHAT CONTRIBUTED TO THE HOLE IN THE PIPING, CAUSING A DANGEROUS SITUATION THAT COULD HAVE LED TO A FIRE UNDERNEATH THE CAR. APPARENTLY SUBARU HAS REDESIGNED THE LOCATION OF THE BATTERY IN RELATION TO THE AT FLUID PIPING IN THEIR LATER MODEL CARS SO IT WAS A CONCERNING ISSUE THAT WARRANTED THIS CHANGE. THE GARAGE MANAGER FELT IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL ISSUE AS IT COULD HAVE LED TO THE VEHICLE CATCHING FIRE. *TR
Sep 30, 2014
AS I WAS DRIVING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON FOR THE FIRST TIME - IT IS NOW ON CONTINUOUSLY DUE TO FUEL CAP. I PULLED OVER AT A SERVICE STATION ONLY TO REALIZE MY OIL WAS NEXT TO EMPTY. I PROMPTLY FILLED AND CONTINUED THE FINAL HALF HOUR TO MY DESTINATION. UPON ARRIVAL I INSPECTED THE ENGINE FROM UNDER THE HOOD & BELOW THE CAR. IT WAS AT THIS TIME I NOTICED BUILD UP AND FLUID AROUND BOTH HEAD GASKETS. INITIALLY THERE WAS OIL RESIDUE ONLY, NOW, 18 MONTHS LATER I HAVE COOLANT AND OIL LEAKAGE & CANNOT AFFORD TO SPEND THE $1800 I HAVE BEEN QUOTED TO REPLACE THE HEAD GASKETS. VERY DISAPPOINTED IN SUBARU FOR NOT HANDLING THIS IN A BETTER WAY. MY BROTHER HAS THE SAME CAR (YEAR MAKE & MODEL) AND HAS SIMILAR ISSUES AT FEWER MILES. MY PARENTS HAVE A 2008 OUTBACK AND HAD THEIR HEAD GASKETS FAIL AT 54,000 MILES. UNACCEPTABLE. I ENJOY EVERYTHING ABOUT MY SUBARU EXCEPT FOR THE EXCESSIVE AMOUNT IT WILL COST TO FIX SUCH A COMMON DESIGN FLAW. *TR
May 11, 2014
UPON STARTING AND RUNNING THE VEHICLE IN TEMPERATURES BELOW FREEZING (32 DEGREES F), THE FUEL LINES NEAR THE INTAKE MANIFOLD IN THE ENGINE BAY LEAK GASOLINE, TRANSMITTING AN UNBURNT FUEL SMELL TO THE CABIN VIA THE HVAC SYSTEM AND BLOWER FAN. THESE FUMES ARE TOXIC AND THEREFORE HAZARDOUS TO MOTORIST AND PASSENGER HEALTH. ALSO, FUEL DRIPPING NEAR A HOT INTAKE MANIFOLD IS A FIRE HAZARD. THE LINES APPEAR CORRODED IN SPOTS AND THE FUEL LEAK IS VISIBLE AND APPARENT. THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE. HOWEVER, BASED UPON THE INSPECTION, THE APPARENT FUEL LEAK IN SUCH CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE HOT ENGINE IS A MAJOR HAZARD FOR THE MOTORIST OF THE FORESTER AND OTHER MOTORISTS ON THE ROAD - THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE RESOLVED AND SUBARU SHOULD ANNOUNCE A RECALL ON ALL (2003) FORESTER MODELS. *TR
Nov 27, 2013
VISIBILITY
4 complaints
THE WINDSHIELD HAS REQUIRED THREE REPLACEMENT SINCE THE PURCHASE OF THE CAR. THE FIRST TWO REPLACEMENTS RESULTED IN NOISE EMANATING FROM THE TOP-CENTER OF THE WINDSHIELD BY THE REAR VIEW MIRROR. THE THIRD REPLACEMENT OF THE WINDSHIELD INVOLVED THE DEALERSHIP, AND THE RESULT SO FAR HAS BEEN POSITIVE. ALTHOUGH, IN ORDER FOR THE INSTALLER TO INSURE THAT THE NOISE WAS HALTED, HE HAD TO APPLY MORE PRESSURE WHEN SETTING THE WINDSHIELD AS WELL AS USE A HIGH PERFORMANCE SEALANT. THE RESULT OF THESE PROCEDURES WILL RESULT IN THE NEXT WINDSHIELD REPLACEMENT, WHEN IT BECOMES NECESSARY, TO BE A DIFFICULT ONE AND WITH NO GUARANTEE THAT THE NOISE WILL NOT COME BACK! *AK
Jan 09, 2005
THE CONSUMER HIT HER GARAGE DOOR WITH THE VEHICLE BREAKING THE REAR HATCH WINDOW. HOWEVER, WHEN THE GLASS BROKE, IT BROKE INTO PIECES AND DID NOT DISINTEGRATE. THE GLASS COMPANY CAME OUT AND EXPLAINED TO HER THAT THE GLASS HAD NOT GONE THROUGH THE PROPER PROCESSING, AND THAT IT WAS NOT SAFE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *JB
Oct 08, 2004
DEALERSHIP REPLACED THREE TIMES THE WINDSHIELD DUE TO CRACKS. *AK
Sep 13, 2004
HEATER AND DEFROSTER FAILURE
Feb 12, 2003
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3 complaints
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2003 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while investigating the vehicle mileage at [XXX] , it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 21,084; however, the contact later discovered that on July 20, 2022, the mileage was 220,251. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
May 23, 2025
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME WIRING HARNESS FAILURE AS STATED IN THE RECALL FOR THE 2006 MODELS. THE DEALER OFFERED TO REPAIR IT AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 72,000.
Oct 28, 2008
THE SPEEDOMETER DOESN'T WORK. *TR
Apr 07, 2008
TIRES
3 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU FORESTER EQUIPPED WITH FIRESTONE TIRE FR380, SIZE P215-60-R16. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRES BECAME PREMATURELY WORN, OUT-OF-ROUND AND EXHIBITED TREAD AND BELT SEPARATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE OF THE TIRES WAS 53,000 AND THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
Feb 05, 2014
I PURCHASED AND HAD INSTALLED 8 NEW HANKOOK TIRES FOR TWO VEHICLES AT L&M TIRE & WHEEL 185 W. KING ST. ABBOTTSTOWN, PA. 17301, 7172590567. THEY DID NOT RECORD THE TYPE OF VEHICLES, MILEAGE OF THE VEHICLES OR MY ADDRESS. ALL THAT WAS WRITTEN ON THE RECEIPT WAS MY NAME AND PHONE NUMBER. THIS INFORMATION WOULD NOT BE SUFFICIENT FOR ME TO BE NOTIFIED IF THERE WERE A RECALL OF THESE TIRES. THIS SHOULD BE A REQUIREMENT TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC. IF IT IS A REQUIREMENT WHAT AGENCY IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ENFORCING THE RETENTION OF THIS INFORMATION? *TR
Dec 25, 2010
TIRE EXPLOSION WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY. NO ACCIDENT ENTAILED. TIRE SHOWS GOOD TREAD LEFT, AND NO APPARENT SOURCE OF PUNCTURE, HITTING ROAD HAZARD OR ANY OTHER DAMAGE. TIRE WILL BE REPLACED . TIRE WAS STOCK ON NEW (2003 SUBARU FORESTER) VEHICLE WITH APPROX 20,000 MILES. TIRE IS A YOKOHAMA GEOLANDER 900, P215/60R 94H WITH SERIAL NUMBER ON IT: C6288U-16. I AM CONCERNED BECAUSE THE OTHER THREE TIRES ARE SAME TYPE. WONDERING IF ANY DEFECTS LED TO FAILURE?*AK
Jun 30, 2004
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaints
I bought a used vehicle and looked at it and they erased the codes I saw then erased it then I confronted them and was told nothing is wrong with the vehicle after telling them there is a recall on the suspension. Went to go get a alignment and was told it's severely unsafe to drive and the subframe is about to snap! The mechanic gave me photos and a report to return it imatelt but the used car lot said well u had every chance and I did it the mechanical stuff checked but the car place said everything is in good condition!
Aug 23, 2025
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. OLD AND HAVE CHRONIC ANXIETY ISSUES. AM STILL AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE PASSENGER SIDE ALSO LOOKS RUSTY.
Sep 28, 2015
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
2 complaints
(ALL) THE AIR BAGS FAILED. THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR, (FELL) OUT OF THE CARRIER. THE DRIVERS AUTO LOCK ON THE SEATBELT FAILED, THE REAR STORAGE COVER POPPED (OUT) OF ITS HOLDERS, FLEW TO THE FRONT (V'ED), HITTING HER IN THE RT TEMPLE, AS SHE (BOUNCED) BACKED AND FORTH HITTING THE DASH AND CENTER POST DRIVERS DOORS. GEICO (GAVE) ME THE CAR INCASE SUBARU WANTED TO SEND AN INVESTOR. CALLED THEM AT THEIR CORP. #. THREATENED TO SUE ME IF I WENT PUBLIC. HAD TO HIRE A LAWYER IN FAIRBANK. TWO RIVERS WOMAN KILLED IN COLLISION PUBLISHED MARCH 17, 2005 BY [XXX] , STAFF WRITER A VEHICLE COLLISION CLAIMED A WOMAN'S LIFE NEAR 10 MILE CHENA HOT SPRINGS ROAD ABOUT 5 P.M. WEDNESDAY. [XXX], OF TWO RIVERS DIED AFTER SHE LOST CONTROL OF HER SUBARU ON THE SLIPPERY ROAD, VEERED INTO THE ONCOMING LANE AND WAS STRUCK BY A COMMERCIAL VAN. "HER VEHICLE WAS SPINNING OUT OF CONTROL," SAID ALASKA STATE TROOPER [XXX]. [XXX], WHO WAS DRIVING EAST, STARTED FISHTAILING AND VEERED INTO THE WESTBOUND LANE. THE VAN DRIVER, 51-YEAR-OLD [XXX], WAS DRIVING WEST. [XXX] DIED FROM HEAD INJURIES. THE CRASH IS STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION. [XXX]WITH HIS THREE GRANDDAUGHTERS WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED IN FRONT OF HIS HOUSE. "I JUST HEARD THIS GOD-AWFUL COMMOTION,"[XXX] SAID. "I HEARD IT, BUT I DIDN'T SEE IT." HE USHERED THE THREE CHILDREN, WHO HAD BEEN SLEDDING ON A SNOW BERM, INTO THE HOUSE AND RAN OUT TO THE ROAD. [XXX] PINNED IN VEHICLE. NO PULSE, WASN'T BREATHING. EMERGENCY RESPONDERS HAD TO PRY OFF THE SUBARU'S PASSENGER SIDE DOOR AND CUT THE SEAT BELT TO FREE. THE COLLISION INFLATED THE VAN'S AIR BAGS AND[XXX] SUSTAINED ONLY MINOR INJURIES, OFFICIALS SAID. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Sep 20, 2013
MARCH 16TH 2006. 5:00 PM. IT HAD SNOWED EARLIER THAT DAY. WITNESS CLAIMS THE 2003 SUBARU FORESTER SLID IN A CURVE INTO AN ON COMING LANE. UNIT SPUN AROUND AND WAS HIT IN THE LEFT REAR CORNER(TAIL LIGHT SECTION) SHOVING THE REAR BODY PANEL AND QUARTER PANEL INSIDE THE UNIT BEHIND THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT. LEFT REAR TIRE WAS TORN FROM THE UNIT. THE REAR SHADE COVER (CARGO AREA) FLEW OUT OF IT'S HOLDERS NOW BENT IS A (V-SHAPE) AND HIT MY WIFE IN HER RIGHT TEMPLE, ADDING TO THE HEAD TRAUMA SHE RECEIVED WHEN THE SEAT BELTS FAILED AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED. HER FOREHEAD HIT THE STEERING WHEEL, THE LEFT BACK PART OF THE HEAD WAS CRUSHED HITTING THE HINGE PILLAR AND RIGHT TEMPLE WAS BRUISED FROM THE REAR CARGO COVER. IN SECONDS, LEFT HER BLEEDING TO DEATH IN THIS UNIT. I CALLED SUBARU CORP. IN MARCH TO INFORM THEM OF THE ACCIDENT (JUST) IN CASE THEY WANTED TO INVESTIGATE. (NOT INTERESTED) (VERY RUDE) I STILL HAVE THE UNIT HERE IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO CHECK IT OUT. IT'S (SUPPOSE) TO BE THE SAFEST UNIT ON THE ROAD? *JB
Jul 11, 2006
WHEELS
2 complaints
HAVE HAD TO REPLACE LEFT FRONT WHEEL BEARING FOUR TIMES IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS. EACH TIME, IT WAS STATED BY THE MECHANIC TO BE A FAULTY WHEEL BEARING, BUT BECAUSE OF THE NUMBER OF INSTANCES, A QUESTION HAS BEEN RAISED OF POSSIBLE OTHER SOURCE. *TR
Mar 10, 2013
I PURCHASED A SUBARU FORRESTER WITH 38 K MILES IN AUGUST. DURING THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY, I NOTICED A RUBBING NOISE, CONSISTENT AND LOUDER WHILE TURNING IN THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. WARRANTY FROM THE DEALERSHIP ONLY LASTED ONE THOUSAND MILES AND THEY TOLD ME TOUGH LUCK. A FRIEND WHO IS A "SUBARU GUY" TOLD ME I HAD A BAD BEARING, AND TO BE CAREFUL, IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT COULD GET WORSE QUICK. IT DID, AND I HAVE HAD MY VEHICLE PARKED FOR THE PAST FEW WEEKS AS THE NOISE LOUD ONE DAY AND THE WHEEL WAS ACTUALLY LOOSE. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY IN THE SHOP, HAVING THE REAR WHEEL BEARING REPLACED. THE COST OF THE REPAIR IS 390 DOLLARS, POSSIBLY 150 MORE IF THE MECHANIC FINDS OUT THAT A CAP OR SEAL FOR THE AXLE IS PITTED AND NEEDS REPLACEMENT. I HAVE NEVER DRIVEN THE CAR IN ANY EXTREME CIRCUMSTANCES, MOSTLY FOR A THIRTY MILE HIGHWAY COMMUTE TO WORK, NO STOP AND GO OR ANY SORT OF EXTRAORDINARY DRIVING. I HAD HEARD NOTHING BUT GOOD THINGS ABOUT SUBARU, BUT THIS IS NO GOOD AS THE WHEEL SEEMED TO HAVE LOOSENED TO A POINT OF DANGER AND I HAD IT TOWED IN TO THE SHOP. *TR
Jan 03, 2010
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
2 complaints
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. THE CAR WAS SCRATCHED IN ORDER TO REMOVE DOGS FROM THE BACK DOORS GETTING CRATES IN A POSITION TO ALLOW DOORS TO BE OPENED. *TR
Nov 12, 2008
2002 SUBARU FORESTER FRONT DOOR LOCK MECHANISMS ARE DEFECTIVE. JANUARY, 2003 - PASSENGER DOOR WOULD NOT LATCH AND HAD TO TIE IT SHUT. DEALER REPAIRED IT PROMPTLY. MARCH 2003 - DRIVERS DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN - HAD TO CRAWL ACROSS THE SHIFTER TO GET OUT. MANIPULATED INSIDE LOCK LEVER AND EVENTUALLY FREED UP MECHANISM. THIS WOULD NOT BE SAFE IN AN EMERGENCY.*JB
Mar 20, 2003
SEATS
2 complaints
WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT PRIOR THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT INTERMITTENTLY GO FORWARD AND BACKWARDS. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM.
Jul 22, 2003
FRONT PASSENGER SEAT LOOSE WHEN BRAKING, SEAT MOVES FORWARD. WHEN STEPPING ON GAS PEDAL SEAT TRAVELS BACKWARD. *JB
May 03, 2003
STEERING,SUSPENSION
1 complaint
Safety Recall: WVX34 NHTSA Campaign: 11V464000 The front lower passenger side control arm completely rusted in half. It occurred while parking vehicle, fortunately not driving at high speed. The recall was previously completed by Subaru dealership in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 2011. According to service records, they had been treated with anti-corrosion coating... I purchased the vehicle from a family member of the original owner, weeks ago, December 2021. It had been serviced regularly by the dealership and now has 162,000 miles. This structural failure of the lower control arm could have been extremely disastrous if driving at speed on the road or highway! I contacted my local dealership in Traverse City, MI, and was told by the service advisor the recall had been completed and would not be covered again for subsequent replacement. My vehicle is undrivable and Subaru is not standing behind their parts or workmanship.
Dec 31, 2021
STEERING,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
I bought the 2003 Forrester off Craig's list While driving the car the steering is very loose and sways on the road . I noticed a small it was funny I could not identify it. I woke latter that night with a headache at the base of my skull and was extremely dizzy and nausea. I felt that way. Through out. The day. I drove it a short. distance the next day with the windows down. I begin hearing a grinding. Thumping noise in the rear . tites or brakes .bur it sounded like it was going to fall apart. The inside of the car had a oily dust all over it. And the funny smell. I looked. At exhaust. Pipe to see. How it looked and I put my finger in what was coming. Our. And it was dark oil. I have not driven the car since. I found out the name on the tittle is not who sold me the car. He lied to me about every thing. He said buyers remorse. I believe the car unsafe to drive I could have bern killed.
May 17, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
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.
Feb 08, 2021
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
MY MOTHER WAS PULLING HER CAR OUT OF THE GARAGE WHEN IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED & SHOT DOWN THE DRIVEWAY, ACROSS THE STREET, THRU THE NEIGHBOR'S HOUSE AND LANDED IN THEIR BACKYARD. THE CAR JUST MISSED MY FATHER IN THE DRIVEWAY AND THE NEIGHBORS IN THEIR HOUSE. THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER SAID THE CAR WAS AIRBORNE WHEN IT WENT THRU THE FRONT DOOR BASED ON THE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT DOOR & THE SKID MARKS ON THE TILE IN THE HALLWAY. THE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. A FEW MONTHS PRIOR TO THIS MY MOTHER WAS PARKING THE CAR WHEN IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. IT CROSSED THE SIDEWALK AT THE STORE & HIT ANOTHER CAR. AT THE TIME SHE THOUGHT THAT HER FOOT MUST HAVE SLIPPED OFF THE BRAKE. MY FATHER DROVE IT A FEW WEEKS AFTER THAT & SAID IT WANTED TO ACCELERATE WHILE HE WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT WITH HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROX. 72,000.
Aug 28, 2019
STEERING
1 complaint
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND LEFT FRONT WHEEL LOCKED UP CAR WENT OUT OF CONTROL AND ENDED UP IN A DITCH. LUCKY WAS ONLY DRIVING 35 MPH AND NOT OUT ON THE FREEWAY. THIS HAPPENED ON A RURAL ROAD WITH LIMITED TRAFFIC. LEFT FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE AND WHEEL CAME UP AGAINST THE INNER FENDER AND CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL. THIS BROKE THE CV AXLE IN HALF AND ALSO BROKE THE TIE ROD ENDS. BOTH WHEELS POINTED OUTWARD FOUND A RECALL 11464000 AND IT WAS NEVER COMPLETED ON THE CAR. JUST BOUGHT THE CAR IN PA 2 WEEKS AGO.
May 01, 2017
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
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". NO MENTION OF ANY SPECIFIC ACTION WAS REPORTED. TODAY, DURING THE INSPECTION OF SAID AREA, MY MECHANIC INDICATED THAT NO PROOF EXISTED OF EITHER CORRECTIVE ACTION, EITHER UNDERCOATING OR MECHANICAL REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN, AND AT SOME POINT IT IS POSSIBLE THAT LOSS OF CONTROL WILL FOLLOW IF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BREAKS. I WILL PURSUE THE SUBARU DEALER FOR REPAIRS BUT HAVE NO IDEA IF THEY WILL ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY.
Sep 01, 2015
STRUCTURE,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
MY SON WAS DRIVING FROM NEW JERSEY. SUDDENLY THE FRONT HOOD OPENED AND CRASHED INTO THE WINDSHIELD. HE WAS ABLE TO MOVE OVER THREE LANES TO STOP THE CAR. THE WINDSHIELD WAS CRACKED. THIS WAS A HOOD REPLACEMENT DONE LAST SPRING AFTER A DEER RAN ACROSS THE VEHICLE. THE LATCH HAS NOT BEEN A PROBLEM UNTIL THIS TRIP. ON THE WAY TO NEW JERSEY, MY SON NOTICED THAT THE HOOD PARTIALLY OPENED. HE STOPPED THE CAR AND MADE SURE THAT THE HOOD WAS TIGHTLY SHUT. THE SAME REPAIR SHOP IS INSTALLING ANOTHER HOOD AND REPLACING THE WINDSHIELD. THERE IS NO COLLISION INSURANCE ON THE VEHICLE (SUBARU FORESTER 2003). MY TWO GRANDSONS WERE PASSENGERS IN THE BACK SEAT. MY SON'S FIANCEE WAS A PASSENGER IN THE FRONT SEAT. THE ONLY CRASH WAS THE BREAKING OF THE WINDSHIELD FROM THE HOOD. *TR
Jan 05, 2015
STEERING,SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
I WAS DRIVING AT 55 MPH WHEN MY RIGHT FRONT CONTROL ARM SNAPPED. I LOOKED TO ENSURE NO VEHICLES WERE COMING, AND MADE THE DECISION TO TURN LEFT TO GET BACK ON THE ROAD WITH ALL FOUR TIRES AS I COULD ONLY TURN LEFT. I COULD NOT CONTROL THE VEHICLE, AND THE VEHICLE TURNED SIDE WAYS AND THEN ROLLED THREE CONSECUTIVE TIMES LANDING ON ITS WHEELS FACING SOUTH. I WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL . ON THE WAY TO THE HOSPITAL IN THE AMBULANCE THE DRIVER HAD TO STOP, BECAUSE I WAS THROWING UP CONVULSIVELY WHILE BEING STRAPPED TO A BACKBOARD AND I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO DIE OF NOT BEING ABLE TO BREATH DUE TO MY AIRWAY BEING FILLED WITH VOMIT. I SUSTAINED THE FOLLOWING INJURIES: 2 FORMS OF VERTIGO WHICH I STILL HAVE, A SHOULDER INJURY WHICH I WAS IN A SLING FOR SIX WEEKS, SEVERE MUSCLE INJURIES IN MY BACK AND NECK, I NOW HAVE SEVERE MUSCLE SPASMS AND CRAMPS THROUGHOUT MY WHOLE BODY, LOSS OF MEMORY, AND SEVERE CONTUSIONS THROUGHOUT MY WHOLE BODY, AND ALSO A RIGHT LEG INJURY WHICH AFFECTS MY WALKING CAPABILITY, PTSD AND SEVERE FLASHBACKS OF MY ACCIDENT WITH ME ROLLING OVER AND OVER AGAIN, BECAUSE I WAS CONSCIOUS THROUGH THE WHOLE ACCIDENT. THERE WAS AN OPEN RECALL ON THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS ON MY VEHICLE WHICH WAS NEVER REPAIRED. THE SUBURU RECALL CAMPAIGN # IS WVX-34, AND THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS 11V-464. THE NECESSARY REPAIRS WERE NEVER PERFORMED. THE AIRBAG NHTSA COMPLAINT NUMBER I FILED FOR THE AIRBAGS NOT DEPLOYING IS 10598597. THERE WERE 22 OTHER REPORTS TO THE NHTSA REGARDING THE AIRBAGS NOT DEPLOYING DUE TO THE WIRING HARNESS ATTACHED TO THE DRIVERS SEAT BEING NOT LONG ENOUGH, THERE ARE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS TO THE NHTSA. THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION IS IN THE PROCESS OF INVESTIGATING MY ACCIDENT ALSO. THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION REFERENCE NUMBER IS [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR...UPDATED 08/12/15 *BF
Jul 31, 2014
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 complaint
VERY STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE IN THE CABIN RIGHT AFTER STARTUP AND THROUGHOUT SHORT TRIPS, ESPECIALLY WITH HEATER ON. SEEMS TO HAPPEN MOST OFTEN WHEN OUTSIDE TEMPERATURES ARE NEAR OR BELOW THE FREEZING MARK. DID NOT EXPERIENCE BEFORE THIS WINTER, NOW OCCURS DAILY. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT OR KILLED! IF SUBARU KNOWS THAT THERE IS A SAFETY PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM, OWNERS SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR REPAIRS. *TR
Jan 30, 2014
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ENGINE
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE IN EXTREMELY COLD WEATHER NOTICE STRONG FUEL SMELL COMING IN CAR. *TR
Jan 25, 2014
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
MY 2003 FORESTER HAS RECENTLY BEEN EXPERIENCING EXTREMELY STRONG SMELLS OF FUEL WHEN DRIVING IN THE COLD WEATHER. INHALING FUEL VAPORS ARE VERY DANGEROUS, HERE ARE SIDE EFFECTS ASSOCIATED WITH INHALATION OF FUMES: INHALING GASOLINE FUMES BRINGS CONCENTRATED HYDROCARBONS INTO YOUR LUNGS AND BLOODSTREAM. SOME OF THE INGREDIENTS IN GASOLINE ARE EXTREMELY TOXIC AND ARE MUTAGENS. LIVER DAMAGE AND PERMANENT BRAIN DAMAGE ARE POSSIBILITIES. THE SIDE EFFECTS CAUSED BY THE INHALATION OF GASOLINE CAN RANGE FROM CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (CNS) DEPRESSION, WHICH CAN INCLUDE: EYE AND THROAT IRRITATION, MILD OR PRONOUNCED DIZZINESS, HEADACHE, LACK OF APPETITE, DROWSINESS AND IN-COORDINATION. IN MORE SERIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES, IT CAN CAUSE UNCONSCIOUSNESS, PULMONARY EDEMA, AND DEATH. SUBARU SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL AND ADDRESS THE ISSUE!! *TR
Jan 07, 2014
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,STRUCTURE,ENGINE
1 complaint
2003 FORESTER HAS EXTREMELY STRONG AROMAS OF FUEL WHEN STARTING & DRIVING IN COLD WEATHER. FUEL VAPORS ARE VERY DANGEROUS, HERE ARE SIDE EFFECTS OF INHALATION: INHALING GASOLINE FUMES BRINGS CONCENTRATED HYDROCARBONS INTO YOUR LUNGS AND BLOODSTREAM. SOME OF THE INGREDIENTS IN GASOLINE ARE EXTREMELY TOXIC AND ARE MUTAGENS. LIVER DAMAGE AND PERMANENT BRAIN DAMAGE ARE POSSIBILITIES. THE SIDE EFFECTS CAUSED BY THE INHALATION OF GASOLINE CAN RANGE FROM CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (CNS) DEPRESSION, WHICH CAN INCLUDE: EYE AND THROAT IRRITATION, MILD OR PRONOUNCED DIZZINESS, HEADACHE, LACK OF APPETITE, DROWSINESS AND IN-COORDINATION. IN MORE SERIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES, IT CAN CAUSE UNCONSCIOUSNESS, PULMONARY EDEMA, AND DEATH. SUBARU SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL AND ADDRESS THE ISSUE, BECAUSE THEY INSTALLED A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT! *TR
Jan 07, 2014
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
2013 SUBARU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BRAKE PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED ALMOST FROM THE MOMENT, HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, HE AND HIS WIFE EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES. THE CONSUMER STATED ON TWO OCCASIONS, HIS WIFE EXPERIENCED A SLOW BRAKE RESPONSE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE FIRST TIME THE INCIDENT HAPPENED, HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING DOWNHILL AND WHEN SHE ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKE, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP, WHICH RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. HIS WIFE SUFFERED A BACK INJURY. THE SECOND TIME THE INCIDENT HAPPENED, HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING AGAIN, AND THE BRAKES DID NOT RESPOND. CONSEQUENTLY, HIS WIFE HAD ANOTHER ACCIDENT. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN EITHER ACCIDENT. UPDATED 04/04/14*LJ
Sep 03, 2013
VISIBILITY,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
REAR VIEW MIRROR (SELF-DIMMING WITH COMPASS) BECAME CLOUDY AND DISCOLORED. UNABLE TO CLEARLY VIEW ACTIVITY BEHIND VEHICLE. THIS IS, ACCORDING TO INTERNET RESEARCH, A COMMON DEFECT IN THE SUBARU REAR VIEW MIRRORS IN THE ERA OF (APPROXIMATELY) 2003-2008. NO RECALL HAS BEEN RECEIVED. AN E-MAIL TO SUBARU LAST EVENING EXPLAINING THIS PROBLEM WAS ANSWERED BY TELLING ME TO ORDER A NEW MIRROR FROM A LOCAL DEALER. THEY NEED TO INVESTIGATE THE DEFECT AND PROVIDE NEW MIRRORS. IT'S AN IMPORTANT SAFETY ISSUE AND MUST BE CORRECTED BY SUBARU IMMEDIATELY. *TR
Jul 18, 2013
AIR BAGS,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
AIR BAG LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR ABOUT A MONTH. IT WENT OUT ONCE FOR A BIT BUT HAS BEEN ON SINCE. I HAD ONE SERVICE DEPT. SAY THE PROBLEM WAS IN THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG SENSOR. THS SUBARU DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS THE AIR BAG SENSORS UNDER FRONT SEATS.- CAUSED BY CHANGING THE POSITION OF THE SEATS FREQENTLY AND MADE THE WIRES BREAK. I HAVE 88.000 MILES ON MY CAR. I AM THE ONLY DRIVER SO I DO NOT CHANGE MY SEAT POSITION OFTEN. THERE WAS NOTHING NOTED AT TIME OF PURCHASE ABOUT LIMITING CHANGE OF SEAT POSITION. THIS IS ACTUALLY REDICULOS. THEY STATED IT WOULD COST $370 TO FIX AND THEY HAD PACKET PARS AVAILABLE AND COULD EASILY REPLACE THEM. THEY STATED THIS IS AN UNCOMMON PROBLEM - IF SO UNCOMMON PROBLEM WHY DID THEY HAVE TO COME UP WITH THESE REPLACEMENT PACKETS? I READ THEY REENGINEERED THIS PART FOR THE NEXT YEAR MODEL. I DID SOME CHECKING AND FOUND SERVERAL COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER OWNERS OF 2003 FORESTERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM BUT NOT ENOUGHT COMPLAINTS TO FORCE A RECALL. . IT IS A DEFINITE "COMMON" PROBLEM. IN THE END THE DEALERSHIP CHARGED ME $150 AND REPLACED ONLY ONE SENSOR WHICH RESOLVED THE PROBLEM. I'VE READ THAT SUCH "SAFETY PARTS" SHOULD BE REPLACED AT NO COST? IS THIS TRUE? THEN I THINK I AM OWED A REFUND I AM PRINTING OUT A FEW OF THE SAME COMPLAINTS AND ALSO THE STATEMENT THAT THIS REPAIR SHOULD COST NOTHING AS IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. COULD YOU PLEASE ADVISE. *TR
Jun 08, 2011
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
FRONTAL IMPACT WHILE STRIKING A DEER AT THIS SPEED SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED BOTH AIR BAGS. THE AIR BAG LIGHT SOMETIMES WOULD REMAIN ON, BUT MOSTLY IT WAS OFF. FROM WHAT I HAVE FOUND THROUGH OTHER COMPLAINTS IS THAT THIS YEAR VEHICLE IS KNOWN FOR THIS ISSUE, BUT A RECALL HAS NOT BEEN ISSUED. IS IT GOING TO TAKE A DEATH TO FORCE SUBARU TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE? THE OTHER ISSUE FOUND WHILE REPAIRING THE VEHICLE IS THAT BOTH HEAD GASKETS ARE SEEPING COOLANT, THE DRIVERS SIDE IS SEEPING MORE JUST LIKE THE RECALL DESCRIBES ON 1999-2002 MODELS. EVEN THOUGH THIS A 2003 IT WAS PURCHASED IN THE FALL OF 2002, SUBARU FAILED TO CONTACT ME AND ADVISE ME TO ADD THE $1.44 COOLANT ADDITIVE TO SAVE THE HEAD GASKETS. HOW IS A CONSUMER SUPPOSED TO KNOW THESE LITTLE DETAILS? NOW THE VEHICLE HAS TOO MANY MILES FOR THEM TO CARE, STICKING ME WITH THE ESTIMATED $2000 REPAIR.
Dec 15, 2010
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
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. HAD I REALIZED THAT WHEN I HAVE CRATES, OR ANY OTHER LARGE ITEM IN BACK YOU DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO THE BACK, I WOULD HAVE NEVER PURCHASED THE CAR. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I CALLED THE DEALER AND ASKED HOW TO OPEN THE BACK OF THE CAR AND THEY SAID YOU HAVE TO REMOVE A PANEL. IF YOU ARE ON FIRE--YOU HAVE TO WAIT TO GET THE PANEL OFF TO GET THE DOOR OPEN, BUT IF YOU CAN'T GET TO THE BACK BECAUSE OF DOG CRATES, BABY CARRIAGES, CRIBS, PLAYPENS ETC. HOW WOULD YOU GET OUT. I WOULD LIKE TO GIVE A WRITTEN HARD COPY REPORT. 2. SUBARU KNOWS THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE HEADGASKET? MANIFOLD GASKET THAT THERE IS A DEFECT. WHEN IT GOES BAD, YOU MAKE THE FIX IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN--WHY DOES THE OWNER HAVE TO FOOT THE BILL WHEN I WAS TOLD, BY THE MECHANIC, THAT IN FACT SUBARU KNOWS THIS AND IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THE GASKET WILL GO, BUT ONCE YOU MAKE THE CORRECTION IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN. *TR
Jul 02, 2007
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
I RECENTLY HAD AN UNCOMFORTABLE AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS INCIDENT WITH MY 2003 FORESTER, AT, OF ALL PLACES, THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. I HAD STOPPED TO DISCUSS A SERVICE APPOINTMENT. UPON LEAVING, MY FORESTER WOULD NOT START, BUT EXHIBITED SYMPTOMS OF INITIALLY FUEL STARVATION, AND THEN POOR IGNITION; IT RAN FOR 1/2-1 MINUTE, MISSING FREQUENTLY AND THEN WOULD DIE; WITHIN A FEW MINUTES, IT WOULD NOT RUN AT ALL, SUGGESTING EITHER COMPLETE FUEL OR IGNITION FAILURE. THE TOYOTA SERVICE DEPARTMENT CLOSED AT 6, AND THEIR SUGGESTION WAS TO TOW THE FORESTER TO THE NEARLY SUBARU DEALERSHIP, ONE BLOCK AWAY. AND SUGGEST THAT NEXT TIME I GET A RAV4. THE SUBARU SERVICE DEPARTMENT CLOSED AT 5:30, OF COURSE, AND THERE WERE ONLY SALESPEOPLE PRESENT. THEIR SUGGESTION WAS TO ALSO TOW THE CAR TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT. FINALLY, THE SALES MANAGER SUGGESTED THAT IT MIGHT BE THE SECURITY SYSTEM. OF COURSE, MY FORESTER DID NOT HAVE THAT OPTION, BUT HE SAID THAT HE UNDERSTOOD MOST OF THE CIRCUITRY EXISTED, AND THAT CERTAIN COMBINATIONS OF LOCKING/UNLOCKING THE DOOR WITH THE KEY, OR THE DOOR SWITCH, COULD ACTIVATE THE IGNITION CUTOFF. HE TOLD ME TO SHUT ALL THE DOORS AND THEN LOCK/UNLOCK THE DOORS TWICE WITH THE REMOTE. I WALKED BACK, DID THAT, AND THE FORESTER STARTED. AFTER DRIVING BACK AND THANKING HIM, I CAREFULLY READ BOTH THE OWNER'S MANUAL AND THE SEPARATE MANUAL FOR THE REMOTE/SECURITY SYSTEM. THERE IS NO MENTION OF THIS POTENTIAL PROBLEM. LUCKILY, THIS HAPPENED IN DAYLIGHT, WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF THE SUBARU DEALER, AND THERE ALSO HAPPENED TO BE SOMEONE THERE WHO COULD SUGGEST A CURE. 1) IS THIS A KNOWN FAULT IN THE SYSTEM? 2) IF KNOWN (AND THE MANAGER SAID HE HAD HEARD OF SEVERAL CASES) WHY IS THERE NOT SOME DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBLEM AND THE SIMPLE SOLUTION. *JB
Oct 07, 2006
AIR BAGS,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE HARNESS ASSEMBLY UNDERNEATH THE FLOOR BOARD WAS NOT LONG ENOUGH TO MAINTAIN A CONNECTION AND RECOMMENDED A KIT BE INSTALLED. AFTER THE KIT WAS INSTALLED, THE AIR BAG LIGHT WENT OFF.
Sep 14, 2006
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH ON A GRAVEL ROAD A DEER RAN OUT IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TAPPED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO MISS THE DEER; THIS IN TURN CAUSED THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL. THE VEHICLE HIT A DOUBLE POST HEAD ON, THEN SLID DOWN AN EMBANKMENT AND STOOD ON ITS NOSE. IT THEN FLIPPED ONTO THE DRIVER'S SIDE, ROLLED ONTO ITS TOP AND THEN RESTED ON ITS WHEELS. SEAT BELTS WERE IN USE, BUT DID NOT RESTRAIN THE OCCUPANT. FRONTAL AND SIDE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, BUT THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE WHY THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED, THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN CONSULTED. *AK
Feb 28, 2006
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
WHILE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. NO IMPACT REPORTED. *AK THE PROBLEM HAD NOT BEEN COMPLETELY CORRECTED. THE CONSUMER ALMOST HIT A PEDESTRIAN IN A PARKING LOT DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. WHEN BACKING OUT, THE VEHICLE STARTED OUT SLOW BUT WOULD THEN SURGE IN REVERSE. THE BRAKES FELT SPONGY. THE FRONT BRAKE PADS WERE STICKING TO THE SLIDERS. THE PADS WERE REMOVED AND THE CORROSION WAS CLEANED. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED LIKE IT WAS IN CRUISE AND WHEN THE CONSUMERS FOOT WAS TAKEN OFF OF THE GAS, THE SPEED WOULD REMAIN THE SAME. *SC *JB
May 13, 2005
CHILD SEAT
1 complaint
UPON CONTACTING THE MANUFACTURER ON SEPTEMBER 7, 2004 CONSUMER WAS TOLD THERE WAS A RECALL, AND THAT SHE WOULD RECEIVE THE REPLACEMENT ADJUSTOR STRAP. HOWEVER, BRITAX DID NOT SEND THE REPLACEMENT. CONSUMER MADE ANOTHER CALL TO BRITAX, AND THERE WAS NO INDICATION THAT SHE EVER CALLED. SAFETY SEAT INFORMATION: MARATHON, SERIAL# E9L06057760, BATCH#503780, MANUFACTURED IN 03-17-03. *AK
Oct 06, 2004
VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
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 . *AK
Jun 14, 2004
VISIBILITY,AIR BAGS,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
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. *JB THE REMOTE ENTRY DEVICE DID NOT WORK TEMPORARILY SO THE CONSUMER HAD TO GAIN ACCESS WITH THE KEY TO THE ONLY HOLE ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR, BUT THEN THE POWER LOCKS FAILED SO THE CONSUMER HAD NO WAY TO OPEN THE HATCHBACK. THERE WAS NO RELEASE FOR THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS ON AND NEEDED A NEW HARNESS TO RE-FIX THE PROBLEM AND THE ODOMETER ALONG WITH THE SPEEDOMETER FAILED IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CONSUMER HAD TAKEN OWNERSHIP. *SCC THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE POWER WINDOWS *JB
Dec 10, 2003
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
CLUTCH JITTER; STARTED IMMEDIATELY: CLUTCH WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY AT 11,900 MILES. SPOKE WITH COUSIN IN CANADA WHO BOUGHT THE SAME CAR THE SAME DAY. ALREADY HAS REPLACED CLUTCH ONCE AND IS HAVING TROUBLE AGAIN WITH JITTER. VEHICLE STALLS FREQUENTLY UPON COLD START. COMPUTER WAS REMOVED FROM VEHICLE AND SENT BACK TO FACTORY TO BE RECALIBRATED AT 11,900. *LA
Nov 24, 2003
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,PARKING BRAKE
1 complaint
THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ENGAGED, CONSUMER DROVE THE VEHICLE, AND BURNED OTHER PART OF THE REAR BRAKE SYSTEM. DEALER REPLACED DRUM AND WHEEL CYLINDER. *AK
Jun 11, 2003
AIR BAGS,SEATS
1 complaint
SUBARU REPLACED REGULAR SEATS WITH LEATHER AFTER MARKET SEATS. ALSO, SUBARU STATED THAT SIDE IMPACT AIR BAGS IN REAR MAY NOT DEPLOY PROPERLY. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS.*AK
Jun 26, 2002
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2003 SUBARU Forester have?
The 2003 SUBARU Forester currently has 191 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 2003 SUBARU Forester?
The most common problems reported for the 2003 SUBARU Forester are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 2003 SUBARU Forester problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2003 SUBARU Forester comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
Other Years - SUBARU Forester
2025 Problems
2024 Problems
2023 Problems
2022 Problems
2021 Problems
2020 Problems
2019 Problems
2018 Problems
2017 Problems
2016 Problems
2015 Problems
2014 Problems
2013 Problems
2012 Problems
2011 Problems
2010 Problems
2009 Problems
2008 Problems
2007 Problems
2006 Problems
2005 Problems
2004 Problems
2002 Problems
2001 Problems
2000 Problems
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