2003 Subaru Forester engine and engine cooling problems
19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine and engine cooling on the 2003 Subaru Forester — 10% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Very strong odor of gasoline in the cabin right after startup and throughout short trips, especially with heater on. Seems to happen most often when outside temperatures are near or below the freezing mark. Did not experience before this winter, now occurs daily. Please investigate this problem…”
filed Jan 30, 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 subaru forester. The contact stated that the engine exhibited a loud, unusual noise when the vehicle was first started or when driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer inspected the engine and advised that the engine manufacture was a factory defect and…”
filed Mar 2, 2012
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Engine and Engine Cooling problems in other Forester years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 Forester | 1 | 1% |
| 2020 Forester | 4 | 1% |
| 2019 Forester | 5 | 1% |
| 2017 Forester | 1 | 0% |
| 2015 Forester | 5 | 1% |
| 2014 Forester | 3 | 1% |
| 2012 Forester | 2 | 2% |
| 2011 Forester | 7 | 5% |
| 2010 Forester | 6 | 2% |
| 2009 Forester | 12 | 7% |
| 2008 Forester | 2 | 4% |
| 2007 Forester | 6 | 8% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2003 Subaru Forester
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.