2003 Subaru Forester engine problems
31 complaints about engine have been filed for the 2003 Subaru Forester, which is 13% of all its NHTSA complaints. It is the 2nd most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 31 13% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 78,000 miles 27 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 1 and 0
- Injuries and deaths
- 0 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When engine problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 4 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 1 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 3 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 6 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 2 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 5 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 4 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 0 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 1 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 1 |
What the data shows
Of the 27 engine complaints that report mileage, the median is about 78,000 miles, and 30% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 1 crash.
What owners wrote
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?
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.
Other problems reported for the 2003 Subaru Forester
- Fuel system 57 complaints
- Air bags 26 complaints
- Suspension 22 complaints
- Body & structure 20 complaints
- Cruise control 15 complaints