Skip to content
AnyRecalls

2003 Subaru Forester recalls

Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.

3 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026

For the 2003 Subaru Forester. These apply to the model and year, not to one particular vehicle: check your VIN to see whether yours is included and whether it has been repaired.

Has your Subaru been repaired?

Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.

NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. A Subaru dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.

2003 Subaru Forester recalls, newest first

September 6, 2011NHTSA 11V464000318,215 vehicles potentially affected

Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower arm

Summary
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2002-2007 impreza, model year 2003-2008 forester, and model year 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles manufactured from September 5, 2000 through November 26, 2007 originally sold, or currently registered in, massachusetts, maryland, michigan, new hampshire, new york, pennsylvania, vermont, wisconsin, connecticut, delaware, iowa, illinois, indiana, maine, minnesota, missouri, new jersey, ohio, rhode island, west virginia and the district of columbia. The front lower control arms may break at the hanger brackets due to corrosion if the hanger bracket is exposed to salty and humid environments such as roads containing snow melting agent.
Consequence
A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Subaru will handle their vehicles and Saab will handle theirs. Dealers will inspect the degree of corrosion of the front lower control arms, and will either rustproof or replace them. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during December 2011. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Owners may contact Saab at 1-800-955-9007.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

February 20, 2003NHTSA 03V047000326 vehicles potentially affected

Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly

Summary
Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 209, "seat belt assemblies." the left and right front seat belt buckle/latch assemblies were improperly manufactured.
Consequence
In the event of a crash, the front seat belts could unlatch, which could result in personal injury to the seat occupant.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the left and right front seat belt buckle/latch assemblies. Owner notification began February 19, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

October 30, 2002NHTSA 02V282000172,564 vehicles potentially affected

Power train › Automatic transmission

Summary
Certain sport utility and passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions were produced with an improperly manufactured transmission parking rod. When the transmission selector lever is placed in the "p" (park) position, the transmission park mechanism, that is intended to hold your vehicle, may not engage.
Consequence
The vehicle could then move/roll without prior warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the automatic transmission parking rod assembly. Owner notification January 8, 2003. An interim owner notification will be sent during November 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

Owner complaints

Owners have filed 189 complaints about the 2003 Subaru Forester with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public; NHTSA uses them to decide what to investigate.

Crashes reported
17
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
9
Deaths reported
2

Most complained-about components

  1. Fuel system31
  2. Gasoline29
  3. Fuel/propulsion system26
  4. Air bags20
  5. Suspension19

Other Subaru Forester years

Other 2003 Subaru models

Most recalled 2003 vehicles

  1. 2003 Honda Accord (24 recalls)
  2. 2003 Honda Civic (24 recalls)
  3. 2003 Honda Odyssey (15 recalls)
  4. 2003 Subaru Outback (15 recalls)
  5. 2003 Subaru Legacy (15 recalls)
All of 2003’s most recalled vehicles

Questions

Does the 2003 Subaru Forester have any recalls?
3 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026, covering: suspension, seat belts, power train. Recalls apply to the model and year; whether a particular vehicle is included, and whether it has been repaired, depends on its VIN.
How do I check if my 2003 Subaru Forester recall has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask a Subaru dealer. Recall repairs are free. NHTSA's VIN search doesn't list recalls that were already repaired.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2003 Subaru Forester?
189 complaints filed with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public that NHTSA uses to decide what to investigate.