2003 Subaru Forester recalls
Suspension · NHTSA 11V464000 · Sep 6, 2011
Problem: 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…
Risk: A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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…
318,215 units potentially affected · Full recall details →
Seat Belts · NHTSA 03V047000 · Feb 20, 2003
Problem: 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.
Risk: In the event of a crash, the front seat belts could unlatch, which could result in personal injury to the seat occupant.
Fix: 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…
326 units potentially affected · Full recall details →
Power Train · NHTSA 02V282000 · Oct 30, 2002
Problem: 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.
Risk: The vehicle could then move/roll without prior warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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…
172,564 units potentially affected · Full recall details →
Latest owner complaints
Unknown or Other · Aug 23, 2025 · ID
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…
Electrical System · May 23, 2025 · 220,251 miles · MO
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…
Suspension · Dec 7, 2023 · 117,000 miles · MN
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 passengerâs side wheel appeared to…
Suspension · Aug 18, 2022 · 105,000 miles · IL
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…
Suspension · Feb 11, 2022 · IL
The 2003 Subaru Forester Sub Frame is rusted. I live in Illinois.
Suspension · Dec 31, 2021 · MI
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…
Steering · Dec 31, 2021 · MI
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…
Fuel/Propulsion System · May 17, 2021 · WA · 1 injured
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.…
Steering · May 17, 2021 · WA · 1 injured
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.…
Fuel/Propulsion System · Feb 8, 2021 · 133,000 miles · MN
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.
Engine · Feb 8, 2021 · 133,000 miles · MN
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.
Unknown or Other · Feb 8, 2021 · 133,000 miles · MN
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.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Subaru Forester have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls covering the 2003 Subaru Forester, the most recent one (11V464000) for suspension. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Subaru Forester?
Based on 189 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most reported areas are fuel system, gasoline (31), air bags (26), fuel/propulsion system (26).
Have there been crashes or injuries linked to the 2003 Subaru Forester?
Owners reported 17 crashes, 0 fires, 19 injuries and 4 deaths in complaints to NHTSA. These are unverified owner reports, not findings of fault.
Is NHTSA investigating the 2003 Subaru Forester?
NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation that include this vehicle, most recently PE11011: Front suspension control arm failure.