2003 Subaru Forester Engine Problems and Repair Histories
2003 Subaru Forester Engine problems reported via the Car Repair History and Car Reliability Surveys
See what people are saying about 2003 Subaru Forester problems
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Subaru Forester
2003 Subaru Foresters for which no Engine problems have been reported are not displayed. So the 2003 Subaru Forester problems and repair histories you see here should not be used to infer car Engine problem frequency.
For 2003 Subaru Forester Engine problem frequency, check the Car Reliability Survey result. For the problems behind the score, check the 2003 Subaru Forester Engine problems and repair histories that follow it.
Subaru Forester Reliability through December 31, 2012
General NotesModels and statistics marked with an asterisk (*) have very low sample sizes. These results, visible only to logged-in members, provide only a rough estimate of car reliability.Any result under 20 repair trips per 100 cars is likely a result of the small sample size, and should be expected to increase to 20 or so in future updates.
New models often start out with high repair rates, and then improve as the manufacturer identifies and addresses common problems. MethodologyOnly successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
| Year | Make/Model | Trips/Year/100 Cars | Compared to all models for the same year | |
| 2003 | Subaru Forester | 24 Foresters, 9.5 months of data per Forester, average 127300 miles Small sample size. Join or 24 Foresters, 9.5 months of data per Forester, average 127300 miles Small sample size. sign in to view |
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Non-members can see only ten 2003 Subaru Forester Engine problems and repair histories. Log in or join us to see them all.
Repair costs are in local units.
2003 Subaru Forester
Engine not specified
| Subaru Forester in Massachusetts, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2012 | 101000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2012 | 101000 | 97 | slipping belts |
2003 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV
165-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD
| Subaru Forester in Illinois, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2008 | 55000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2010 | 71000 | 1000 | Catalytic Converter |
| Sep | 2012 | 92000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Subaru Forester in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2009 | 97000 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2010 | 118000 | 500 | The Dual catalytic converters were clogged, leading to low power and trouble code 0420. They were replaced, and the problems were solved. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Subaru Forester in New Mexico, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2010 | 156000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2010 | 158000 | 0 | Oil leak: complete head gasket replacement, new clutch. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Subaru Forester in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2010 | 122000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2011 | 126000 | 2900 | head gaskets replaced -- car leaking oil |
| Mar | 2013 | 142000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Subaru Forester in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2009 | 110000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2012 | 110000 | 500 | emissions problem. Won't pass smog. Mechanic is checking catalytic converter Passed smog, check engine light continues to light up. mechanic suspects catalytic converter needs replacement despite passing smog certification |
| Sep | 2012 | 116000 | 700 | Unable to pass California Smog test. I had replaced the battery and it reset the computers. The shop finaally drove the car constantly to reset computers. It passed, then check engine light came on, needs catalytic converter. |
| Jan | 2013 | 123000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Subaru Forester in New South Wales, Australia | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2008 | 71300 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2011 | 108740 | 600 | Check engine light increasingly regular. Code P0030 for front 02 (it's actually an air/fuel) sensor heater. Replaced sensor with genuine part ($600 from dealer) myself. |
| Oct | 2012 | 126640 | 150 | Engine oil has for some time been leaking out from between the spark plug tubes and the rocker covers. The tube seals were replaced, along with the gaskets and washers for the rocker covers. |
| Mar | 2013 | 131440 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Subaru Forester in Georgia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2008 | 55000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2010 | 73300 | 0 | Strong fuel odor in cold weather. |
| Oct | 2010 | 81000 | 0 | Catalytic converter failure detected at 80,800 miles. Federal warranty for catalytic converters is for 80,000 miles, but because of a lawsuit settlement over misleading odometer readings, Subaru has extended coverage to 84,000 miles. |
| Aug | 2011 | 90000 | 170 | Check engine light came on. Code indicated fuel vapor pressure leak. Smoke test conducted, no problem found. Updated computer codes. |
| Jan | 2013 | 103000 | 500 | Replaced leaking head gaskets and a bad spark plug wire. Work done at same time I had timing belt, belt tensioner and water pump replaced, all routine maintenance. |
| Mar | 2013 | 105000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Subaru Forester in Alberta, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2007 | 0 | Two pistons had to be replaced under manufacturer warranty - wrong sized ones were originally installed and causing piston knock. | |
| Subaru Forester in Colorado, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2011 | 900 | head gasket replacement with water pump and timing belt done at same time | |
| Jan | 2013 | 155000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Subaru Forester in Pennsylvania, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2009 | 168000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2009 | 171000 | 0 | Occasional flashing check engine light, with misfiring. Light not on at visit, not likely to give a code. Dealer recommended ignition wires & coil due to crack in 3rd? coil. Will replace something in Aug. to fix. Multiple vs only 1 coil questions exist |
| Aug | 2009 | 173000 | 223 | Major Misfiring - cracked engine coil, replaced coil & plug wires. still drivable because standard trans, automatic probably would have broken down. |
| Feb | 2010 | 187000 | 360 | I live in emissions county. It requires new catalytic converter to pass yearly emissions since ck engine light was on. Original one much quieter then after market. |
| Jun | 2010 | 196000 | 50 | idle control valve possibly not functioning properly. after using AC engine idles very high when no drag on engine. they tried cleaning several items but problem returned. |
| Jul | 2010 | 198000 | 318 | Idle Air Control valve replaced. Fixed the vacuum leak that caused driving problems under a load, but not the excessive 5000rpm revving when clutch engaged after using AC. Originally thought related. |
| Aug | 2010 | 200000 | 0 | excessive idle speed issue back, can go up to 5000 rpms on hot days if use AC, while clutch is pushed in. upon release of clutch & putting a load on engine it goes back to normal & sometimes stays there. |
| Dec | 2010 | 209000 | 350 | car seemingly lurching forward while driving, odometer and tachometer did not fluctuate, stutter on up-hills and later flat roads. testing showed 5# pressure, needs ~ 45# per garage. replaced fuel pump |
| Feb | 2011 | 209000 | 0 | Winter, so not running A/C and so not clear if idle speed problem remained when sold. But CEL going off and on. |
| Subaru Forester in New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2008 | 143000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2008 | 153500 | 220 | Check Engine light back on, replaced ignition coil (old one cracked) Light came back on once after coil replaced, then went off on its own. Hoping that's the last of it! |
| Dec | 2009 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2003 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV
165-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed automatic AWD
| Subaru Forester in Maine, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2011 | 63000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2011 | 68000 | 2000 | Bent valve die to to worn exhaust guides. |
| Subaru Forester in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2009 | 78000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2011 | 94000 | 1850 | 2 head gaskets leaking coolant. Had the gaskets replaced. Had timing belt and tensioner replaced as they were due to be replaced in another 6,000 miles. |
| Mar | 2013 | 115000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Subaru Forester in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2012 | 138000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2012 | 139000 | 370 | valve cover gaskets were leaking badly along with gasket on the oil filler line. |
| Jan | 2013 | 142000 | 120 | Car overheated at the end of a 10 hour trip. We slowed & the car cooled off. The car through out 18 ounces from radiator. After filling up with fluid we s noticed some overheating above 60. I replaced radiator cap, OEM thermostat & Fluid. |
| Subaru Forester in Massachusetts, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2008 | 60000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2011 | 78000 | 159 | O2 sensor |
| Nov | 2011 | 78000 | 400 | Exhaust rusted out |
| Jan | 2012 | 79000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Subaru Forester in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2003 | 0 | troubleshoot - rough idle at start | |
| Jul | 2003 | 0 | failed catalytic converter replaced | |
| Apr | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Subaru Forester in Florida, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2012 | 120000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2012 | 120000 | 1000 | fuel smell, vapor of gasoline Fuel smell was caused by the fuel tank ventilation vents and carbon canister. Changed these parts plus the fuel tank cap. This fixed the problem so far. |
| Oct | 2012 | 128000 | 90 | Fuel lines leaked gas |
| Dec | 2012 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Subaru Forester in Washington, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2010 | 144000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2012 | 178000 | 0 | Head gasket leaking, sold car. I've driven Subaru's for over 30 years because of their reliability but this time I bought a Honda. |
| Subaru Forester in Iowa, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2012 | 107000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2013 | 116000 | 970 | Leaky head gasket allowed antifreeze to get into cylinders. Replaced gasket. Also ground valves while engine was taken apart. |
| Subaru Forester in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2008 | 87420 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2011 | 136360 | 150 | PM - 'Major' tune up with all OE parts, Amsoil fluid changes (engine oil, tranny fluid, power steering fluid & brake fluid), new wiper blades & brake inspection. |
| Apr | 2012 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Subaru Forester in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2013 | 160000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2013 | 160000 | 800 | air flow sensor failed |
| Subaru Forester in Illinois, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2008 | 48000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2011 | 64000 | 1302 | Head gasket had to be replaced, also did valve adjustment. |
| May | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Subaru Forester in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2008 | 170500 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2009 | 182280 | 200 | We decided to trade it in rather than repair it as the cost of needed repairs was expected to exceed $3000. Leaking head gaskets. |
| Subaru Forester in New Hampshire, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2008 | 88000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2009 | 115000 | 1500 | Headgaskets leaking. This appears to be a problem with the 2003 Forester. While recalls were done for prior years, there is no recall for 2003. Subaru agreed to pay a portion of the bill. |
| Apr | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Subaru Forester in Maryland, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2008 | 49000 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2009 | 58000 | 450 | engine leaking oil - various valve gaskets. |
| Mar | 2013 | 84000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Subaru Forester in Alberta, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2009 | 96100 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2009 | 96720 | 4200 | timing belt slipped and damaged valves, camshaft etc. Had to remachine or replace all, including new waterpump. |
| Nov | 2009 | 99200 | 593 | radiator was leaking anti freeze. Radiator replaced |
| Jan | 2010 | 99820 | 0 | Engine making banging noise - some problem with cam shaft - bent - repaired under warranty from job done in April 2009. Shop should have caught this problem then. |
| Feb | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Subaru Forester in North Carolina, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2008 | 34000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2008 | 37000 | 0 | Engine knocking. Was diagnosed as carbon build-up. Was advised to run fuel system cleaner through it and "stomp on it" occasionaly to prevent excessive carbon build-up. |
| Jun | 2009 | 49000 | 400 | Front Oxygen Sensor replaced. |
| Dec | 2009 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Subaru Forester in New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2008 | 93000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2009 | 100000 | 2500 | Timing belt replacement, found worn tensioners, replaced those as well. Flushed brake fluid Check engine light -- misfire, computer errors, caused flooding and car would not keep running. Eventually "fixed itself" after revving high idle for a while. |
| Jul | 2009 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Subaru Forester in New Jersey, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2010 | 169000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2011 | 180000 | 1000 | O2 sensor replaced |
| Nov | 2011 | 189300 | 400 | Exhaust replaced-everything but the cat converter. |
| Jan | 2013 | 204000 | 1500 | Head gaskets replaced because they were leaking. |
| Mar | 2013 | 206000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Subaru Forester in Illinois, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2009 | 49000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2010 | 52000 | 3000 | Piston Slap on two cylinders |
| Aug | 2012 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Subaru Forester in Massachusetts, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2008 | 59000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2008 | 63000 | 75 | Periodic high idle, suspected to be need to clean throttle body. Problem seems to have reappeared, may need to be looked at by dealer. |
| Apr | 2011 | 89000 | 1023 | Y-pipe heat shield rattling Intermittent high idle with higher ambient temperatures. Previous throttle body cleanings no help. Loosened throttle cable. |
| Dec | 2011 | 98000 | 618 | Exhaust pipe broke aft of rear catalytic converter. Muffler OK, but exhaust pipe replaced. |
| Jan | 2012 | 99700 | 888 | Replacement of timing belt, water pump and spark plugs Replacement of serpentine belt |
| Nov | 2012 | 112300 | 350 | O2 sensor replacement |
| Mar | 2013 | 118000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Subaru Forester in Oregon, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2010 | 85000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2011 | 98000 | 300 | Valve Cover Gasket was leaking oil, which dripped into the spark plugs and fouled them. Valve cover gaskets were replaced, along with plugs and wires. |
| Jun | 2012 | 106000 | 0 | Head gaskets were leaking, mild on one side, moderate on the other. |
| Jan | 2013 | 110000 | 210 | engine oil cooler was leaking due to a bad o-ring |
| Mar | 2013 | 111000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Subaru Forester in New Jersey, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2010 | 119000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2011 | 120000 | 3284 | Noticeable engine oil leaks due to worn head gaskets. Coincided with 120k major service, so all major gaskets replaced along with timing belt and tensioner, plus all filters, plugs and leads. |
| Jun | 2011 | 124000 | 580 | Replaced transmission wiring harness which was worn and causing transmission warning light to come on. |
| Sep | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Subaru Forester in Washington, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2010 | 88000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2010 | 88000 | 530 | Check Engine light came on due to bad O2 sensor. Sensor replaced. This was the 2nd non maintenance repair in 88K miles. Owned car since new. First issue was driver window track needed greasing at 45K miles |
| Jun | 2011 | 90000 | 500 | O2 sensor caused check engine light |
| Oct | 2011 | 91000 | 0 | Headed for a head gasket problem in about 10K miles. Leaking a little, some coolant in the oil. My mechanic was monitoring it. |
| Subaru Forester in Michigan, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2008 | 80000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2010 | 105000 | 3400 | Cracked piston. Entire engine had to be replaced. Used engine with 70,000miles cost $3,400 |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2003 Subaru Forester 4-door
Engine not specified
| Subaru Forester in New Jersey, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2009 | 110000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2009 | 111000 | 955 | Replaced timing belt, water pump at suggestion of Service Mgr. Car had over 110,000 miles. Advised that catalytic converter will need to be replaced. Chose to not undertake repair due to cost, at this time. Discovered small leak in head gasket. No need to repair at this time. |
| Feb | 2010 | 112000 | 0 | Catalytic converter needed to be replaced when sold. Small head gasket leak when sold. |
2003 Subaru Forester 4-door
4-cylinder automatic AWD
| Subaru Forester in Alaska, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2010 | 50000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2010 | 52000 | 2000 | 2 pistons replaced to solve 'piston slap' |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
Expert 2003 Subaru Forester Repair Advice
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