Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Fuel System, Gasoline — runs 4.5× the fleet median for that category across the 1400 model-years tracked on this site.
189Complaints
3Recalls
17Crashes
0Fires
9Injured
2Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Fuel System, Gasoline (15.3% of complaints) — recall and investigation status for this vehicle is currently unavailable.
Fuel System, Gasoline complaints here are 4.5× the median for that category across the 1400 model-years tracked on this site.
Complaint category
Reports
Official status
Reference
Fuel System, Gasoline
29 · 15.3%
not available
—
Fuel/propulsion System
26 · 13.8%
not available
—
Air Bags
20 · 10.6%
not available
—
Suspension
19 · 10.1%
Recalled
Recall 11V464000
Vehicle Speed Control
15 · 7.9%
not available
—
Engine
12 · 6.3%
not available
—
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 189 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE FRONT SEAT BELTS COULD UNLATCH, WHICH COULD RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park itPark outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“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…”NHTSA complaint 10563471 — filed 02/08/2014 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
“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…”NHTSA complaint 10563334 — filed 02/07/2014 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
“STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE UNDER HOOD WHEN STARTING CAR COLD. AUTO REPAIR CENTER FOUND LEAKING FUEL LINE. TIGHTENED CLAMPS. THEN THE FOLLOWING WINTER, 1.24.14 AGAIN…”NHTSA complaint 10562074 — filed 01/29/2014 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Subaru Forester?
Fuel system, gasoline issues are the most-reported category, cited in 29 of 189 NHTSA complaints (15.3%), followed by fuel/propulsion system (26), air bags (20), suspension (19). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2003 Subaru Forester have?
189 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 17 involved a crash, 0 involved a fire, and 9 reported injuries. 2 deaths were reported.
Does the 2003 Subaru Forester have any recalls?
Yes — 3 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 11V464000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2003 Subaru Forester's reported problems?
Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.
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