2003 Subaru Forester: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 Subaru Forester: 3 recalls, 189 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
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Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #02V282000 · 2002 · 172,564 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: The vehicle could then move/roll without prior warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #03V047000 · 2003 · 326 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: In the event of a crash, the front seat belts could unlatch, which could result in personal injury to the seat occupant.
The fix: Dealers will replace the left and right front seat belt buckle/latch assemblies. Owner notification began February 19, 2003.
Suspension Vehicle recall #11V464000 · 2011 · 318,215 vehicles
What's wrong: The front lower control arms May break at the hanger brackets due to corrosion if the hanger bracket is exposed to salty and humid environments such as roads containing snow melting agent.
Why it matters: A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 9 injuries and 2 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Fuel system (31): the most common themes are leaks (16), fire / smoke (3).
- Fuel & propulsion (26): the most common themes are leaks (11), fire / smoke (5), stalls / loses power (2).
- Airbags (25): the most common themes are fails to deploy (6), warning light on (5).
- Suspension (22): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (14), noise or vibration (4).
The 2003 Subaru Forester has 189 owner complaints, ranking #11 of 29 Forester model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 224). Complaints peaked in 2014 (33 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 9 years old, at a median of 90,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (88 complaints, 1 recalls), 2004 (219 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 24 | 21 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 21 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2003 Subaru Forester.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2003 Subaru Forester have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2003 Subaru Forester. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2003 Subaru Forester problems?
Owners have filed 189 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are fuel system (31), fuel & propulsion (26), airbags (25).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Subaru Forester get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (2.5 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2003 Subaru Forester repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.