2003 Subaru Forester Engine Problems
- 10
- Owner complaint records in our dataset
Records are owner complaints, not a measured failure rate.
Owner complaint recordsComplaint records reflect reports in our dataset and do not measure how frequently the problem occurs across all vehicles.
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 60–100k mi | 4 |
| 100–150k mi | 3 |
| 150–400k mi | 2 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Engine · Fuel/Propulsion System
A rubber hose connecting two metal gas lines has started to leak. This is due to the cold weather. Subaru issued a recall for this on the wrx models of the same year. This engine is the same engine as in the wrx. It is the 2.5 n/a. Why are our motors not being fixed as well? This is a major fire hazard. It is near the ignition system and above the exhaust pipe. *js
ODI 10669202
Engine · Fuel/Propulsion System
On winter days, where temperatures are not unusually low for a northern state, the fuel lines on the forester will shrink and contract. The result is that fuel will leak out of the line resulting in two things, fuel vapors in the cabin and fuel puddling on the engine. Fuel puddling on the engine represents on obvious safety hazard in the event of a fire. The heavy fuel vapors and odor in the cabin caused me to…
ODI 10689801
Engine
We were driving on the interstate traveling about 70 mph when my husband noticed the back window had a greasy film that the wiper only made worse. We pulled off the highway to a gas station to take a look and noticed smoke billowing from the hood. After waiting a few minutes he raised the hood to more smoke. Having just had an oil change two days prior, i recalled that the service person mentioned slight…
ODI 10640252
Engine
We purchased this car new and maintained it according to the manufacturer's maintenance schedule. However, around 75,000 miles the head gaskets started leaking. After each use of the car, oil would leak onto the exhaust manifold and produce a burnt oil smell in the garage; not good. The leak remained limited and our service technician (aaa-approved), advised us to not make any repairs right away, but to monitor the…
ODI 10723665
Engine · Fuel System, Gasoline
While driving vehicle in extremely cold weather notice strong fuel smell coming in car. *tr
ODI 10561439
Engine
Upon starting and running the vehicle in temperatures below freezing (32 degrees f), the fuel lines near the intake manifold in the engine bay leak gasoline, transmitting an unburnt fuel smell to the cabin via the hvac system and blower fan. These fumes are toxic and therefore hazardous to motorist and passenger health. Also, fuel dripping near a hot intake manifold is a fire hazard. The lines appear corroded in…
ODI 10553958
Body · Engine · Fuel System, Gasoline
2003 forester has extremely strong aromas of fuel when starting & driving in cold weather. Fuel vapors are very dangerous, here are side effects of inhalation: 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. The side effects caused by the…
ODI 10558941
Engine · Fuel/Propulsion System
At cold temperatures, fuel leaking somewhere from vehicle, causing strong odor inside and out of cabin. Concerned that this amount of fuel could be hazardous to breathe and/or cause risk for fire. Need more proactive response from subaru on this matter, at this point 26 of 115 complaints for this make/model/year are for this issue. *tr
ODI 10559281
Engine · Fuel/Propulsion System
Started and drove vehicle approx. 1 mile in 20 degree weather when i began to smell an extremely strong raw gasoline odor. The passenger compartment was inundated with the odor. I checked for leaks but did not see any(it was at night). I slowly drove home with my passenger-side windows open. Haven't driven the vehicle since.... *tr
ODI 10494578
Engine
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. Initially…
ODI 10587646