2003 Subaru Forester Body 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.
What owners report
- control arms · 5 records
- side effects · 4 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 100–150k mi | 5 |
| 60–100k mi | 3 |
| 150–400k mi | 2 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Body
Front subframe on the driver and passenger side rusts away causing failure. Could result in loss of control of vehicle and could injure passengers. Turning or hitting bumps could cause it to snap due to extra force.
ODI 11220275
Body
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 subaru forester. While the vehicle was undergoing a routine oil change, the contact was informed that the subframe was completely rusted. The dealer diagnosed that the subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 119,000.
ODI 10926595
Body
I was getting new tires placed on my vehicle when my mechanic noticed that my control arms as well as the subframe was rusted out. I contacted subaru who stated there was a recall on the control arms for rusting out but not on the subframe. When the vehicle was brought to subaru dealership to get control arms place on a mechanic from the dealer ship contacted me. He stated that the subframe was in bad shape and that…
ODI 10825616
Body · Suspension · Unknown Or Other
Today i was at my mechanics to replace a muffler. After raising the car up on the rack he noticed destructive rust that was covering and inundating the k frame and front lower control arms (transverse links). In september of 2012 i was at gary lang subaru (illinois) for an unrelated issue. The safety recall for my vehicle , wvx-34, required an inspection and repairs, and if necessary, replacement or corrosion…
ODI 10760826
Body · Visibility/Wiper
My son was driving from new jersey. Suddenly the front hood opened and crashed into the windshield. He was able to move over three lanes to stop the car. The windshield was cracked. This was a hood replacement done last spring after a deer ran across the vehicle. The latch has not been a problem until this trip. On the way to new jersey, my son noticed that the hood partially opened. He stopped the car and made sure…
ODI 10670261
Body
2003 - subaru - forester - body hardware, fender, structural components & rails, lower frame left is completely rotted through. There was a recall on the support strut beside it but none on this. This is a major crash protection component as it connects the bumper to the frame. I talked to the dealer about it and they said there is no recall so it is my problem. Clearly the steel that was used was subject to…
ODI 10672937
Body
Front cradle arms and rear cross members are rusted to the point where the vehicle is unsafe to drive due to possible snapping. *tr
ODI 10594571
Body
I had my vehicle serviced at ramsey subaru and was told the front sub frame is rusted and needs to be repaired. It seems more like the thin cheap metal is the problem. This is a big safety problem and they told me the warranty is only good for 5 years. *tr
ODI 10558036
Body · Fuel System, Gasoline
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…
ODI 10558933
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