2003 Subaru Forester fuel system problems
Owners reported fuel system problems in 57 complaints for the 2003 Subaru Forester, 24% of the complaints on file. It is the most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 57 24% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 102,000 miles 53 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 0 and 0
- Injuries and deaths
- 1 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When fuel system problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 1 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 2 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 2 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 10 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 9 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 9 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 8 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 4 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 5 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 1 |
| 200k+ miles | 2 |
What the data shows
Of the 53 fuel system complaints that report mileage, the median is about 102,000 miles, and 9% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 1 injury.
What owners wrote
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.
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.
Other problems reported for the 2003 Subaru Forester
- Engine 31 complaints
- Air bags 26 complaints
- Suspension 22 complaints
- Body & structure 20 complaints
- Cruise control 15 complaints