2003 Subaru Forester Problems and Repair Histories
2003 Subaru Forester problems reported via the Car Repair History and Car Reliability Surveys
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Subaru Forester
2003 Subaru Foresters for which no 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 problem frequency.
For 2003 Subaru Forester problem frequency, check the Car Reliability Survey result. For the problems behind the score, check the 2003 Subaru Forester 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 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 California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2010 | 139000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2010 | 140000 | 500 | airbag light on. Replaced clockspring. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2003 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV
165-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD
| Subaru Forester in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2003 | 0 | Clutch chatter when cold. Replaced clutch assembly under warranty | |
| 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 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 |
| 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 Georgia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2008 | 55000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2008 | 58000 | 50 | Check engine light came on because fuel filler vacuum misread. |
| 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. |
| Jan | 2011 | 84000 | 280 | Rear break cylinder seals leaking. Were replaced. Replaced bulb in clock light, which had not operated for several years. Cost $5 -- previous shop had quoted $150. |
| Aug | 2011 | 90000 | 170 | Check engine light came on. Code indicated fuel vapor pressure leak. Smoke test conducted, no problem found. Updated computer codes. |
| Mar | 2012 | 96000 | 25 | Exterior trim piece adjacent to lower right of left rear door had come loose and the attachment toggle was damaged, so it couldn't be secured. Six Star Service ordered a replacement piece and installed it. Took five minutes. |
| 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 Maryland, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2011 | 289000 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2012 | 313500 | 930 | rear wheel bearings + belt tensioner |
| Jun | 2012 | 316000 | 1100 | Rear struts replaced Drive shaft replaced |
| Mar | 2013 | 338000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Dec | 2010 | 900 | Replaced Transmission and clutch | |
| 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 Washington, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2006 | 0 | Clutch assembly needed replacement. A few 2002/2003 Foresters developed "cold clutch shudder": Clutch would shudder when engine was cold, fine once warm. Subie recognized this as defective parts they replaced entire clutch system under warranty. | |
| Oct | 2009 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Subaru Forester in Florida, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2007 | 0 | Left rear wheel bearing replacement. Covered under warranty. | |
| May | 2009 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Subaru Forester in New South Wales, Australia | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2013 | 77500 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2013 | 78120 | 400 | Battery |
| 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 Wisconsin, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2010 | 84000 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2010 | 85000 | 130 | Driver's door window motor failed. Replaced window motor. |
| Sep | 2012 | 106000 | 0 | Cracked moon roof. Engineered incorrectly? Too big. Eventually cracked in the direct heat of the sun. |
| Subaru Forester in Pennsylvania, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2008 | 200 | Front Tie rods replaced, 1 broke, 1 worn | |
| Jun | 2009 | 0 | Sporatic ck engine light still - Code from computer (light off when got there) showed only a possible air filter issue, dirt blown off it by dealer, but did not recommend replacement. | |
| Jul | 2009 | 300 | replaced both rear struts to be even, drivers side totally leaked out with no bounce left. Ck engine light flashing, Misfiring read, options to replace plug wires or engine coil. Titanium plugs installed Feb 09 - repair pending reviews | |
| 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. |
| Nov | 2010 | 207000 | 284 | rear driver wheel bearing bad, making very loud noise. replacement 7 hrs long. |
| 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 South Wales, Australia | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2008 | 71300 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2009 | 83700 | 650 | Starter motor intermittently failed to engage on ring gear. Starter motor replaced by workshop. |
| May | 2009 | 84320 | 2200 | Clutch pressure plate broke into 3 pieces while driving resulting in partial loss of drive. New clutch kit fitted. Original dual-mass flywheel also replaced with a solid flywheel. New clutch and flywheel kit from Exedy (not Subaru). |
| Oct | 2009 | 92120 | 570 | Front brake rotors had grooves. Both rotors replaced, along with pads. |
| Mar | 2010 | 96100 | 500 | Rear brake rotor(s) warped. Not enough material left for them to be machined so they, along with the pads, were replaced. |
| 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. |
| Mar | 2012 | 120280 | 15 | Grinding noise from power steering pump. Drained and replaced power steering fluid. |
| Jul | 2012 | 122760 | 900 | Steering rack was leaking fluid. Rack was replaced with a reconditioned one. |
| 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 New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2008 | 143000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2008 | 145000 | 1600 | replaced both rear wheel bearings, rear struts and strut mounts |
| 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! |
| Jun | 2009 | 173000 | 450 | Replaced pads & rotors on front brakes. Replaced stabilizer bars, old ones worn, causing suspension to make a knocking noise when going over bumps. Replaced fog lamp. |
| Dec | 2009 | 177000 | 0 | Car caught on fire, repairs would have been too entensive. Insurance company totalled the car. |
2003 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV
165-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed automatic AWD
| 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 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 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 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 New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2008 | 93000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2009 | 100000 | 3100 | 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. Leaking struts replaced Front pads/rotors replaced. |
| Jul | 2009 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| 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 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 | |
| Oct | 2004 | 150 | dead battery - internal light socket shorted | |
| Jan | 2005 | 0 | another dead battery - internal electrical short | |
| Jul | 2007 | 0 | troubleshoot - transmission whine. no problem found | |
| Apr | 2010 | 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. |
| Jun | 2009 | 73000 | 63 | Removal of rattling exhaust shield Power steering belt loose Stabilizer linkage loose |
| Sep | 2009 | 75000 | 245 | Sway bar linkage replaced |
| Nov | 2009 | 822 | Dealership repaired parking brake hardware along with rear rotors and pads. Damage to parking brake mechanism alleged to be the result of third-party brake job. | |
| Apr | 2011 | 89000 | 1023 | Driver's window switch and motor failed Y-pipe heat shield rattling Intermittent high idle with higher ambient temperatures. Previous throttle body cleanings no help. Loosened throttle cable. |
| Sep | 2011 | 95000 | 0 | Driver's side rear caliper sticking (recurring problem) causing scraping. Cleaned and returned. Problem came back within a week, but have not returned for further assessment. |
| 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 Rack beginning to fail; needs replacement |
| Mar | 2013 | 118000 | 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. |
| Jan | 2009 | 42000 | 250 | Rear brake pad replacement. |
| Jun | 2009 | 49000 | 400 | Front Oxygen Sensor replaced. |
| Dec | 2009 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Subaru Forester in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2008 | 87420 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2008 | 93000 | 43 | Burned out headlight (both headlights replaced at the same time) & one driving light (both driving lights replaced at the same time). Other routine maintenance done at the same time at the dealer. |
| Jul | 2009 | 104780 | 267 | New front & rear rotors & pads installed (Customer purchased & supplied Brembo 'plain' F & R rotors & Hawk HPS F & R performance street pads). Repair successful...customer paid for labour only. New Bosch Evoloution wiper blades also installed. |
| Oct | 2009 | 108480 | 0 | Transmission bushings replaced - car was starting to get difficult to shift. Also did a full tune up & had the winter tire change over done. |
| 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. Headlight bulbs replaced. |
| 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 Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2008 | 170500 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2009 | 172360 | 350 | Leaking transmission filter, may have hit something, thus low tranmission fluid and dash warning light. |
| 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. Rear rotors corroded and parking brake not functioning. |
| 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. Passenger side drive link and frame rusted through. |
| 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 Illinois, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2008 | 48000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2010 | 62000 | 180 | Suspension issue. I don't recall what the part that was replaced is called. |
| Feb | 2011 | 64000 | 1302 | Head gasket had to be replaced, also did valve adjustment. |
| May | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Subaru Forester in Pennsylvania, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2010 | 42000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2010 | 46000 | 1817 | Replaced pinion bearing support. |
| Jun | 2011 | 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 | Suspension arm broken Piston Slap on two cylinders |
| Aug | 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 | |
| Apr | 2010 | 145000 | 307 | Defective gusset in side mirrors caused extensive wind noise. Problem is manufacturer's defect which was adjusted numerous times but never corrected. Subaru finally provided a new part to permanenty (I hope) correct the problem at my expense. |
| Apr | 2011 | 164000 | 130 | Seat belt warning light stayed on. Dealer said a sensor had become disconnected. They replaced it but two days later it came on and has been on ever since. Needs to go back to the dealer again. |
| Jul | 2011 | 170000 | 50 | Seatbelt light would come on and stay on. Dealer ordered a replacement air bag but it hasn't yet been installed. Air bag has a life-time warranty so no charge - just another trip to the dealer. |
| Aug | 2011 | 172000 | 0 | Repair appeared to be successful but a couple of weeks later the seat belt light came on again and stayed on. Will be takin it back to the dealer next week. |
| 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 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 New Hampshire, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2008 | 43 | Moonroof will not open/close. cleaned and lubricated | |
| Oct | 2009 | 110000 | 75 | backing pad slipped onto rotor, causing noise when turning |
| 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. |
| Feb | 2010 | 116000 | 650 | front brake job (pads, rotors) discovered on state inspection and maintenance (oil change) replace lightbulbs etc... |
| Apr | 2011 | 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 | Long overdue repairs to AC system. Ball joint in front axle replaced. O2 sensor replaced |
| Nov | 2011 | 189300 | 400 | Exhaust replaced-everything but the cat converter. |
| Aug | 2012 | 200000 | 600 | AC belts and fan needed to be replaced. Brake pad and rotor replacement. Rear drums resurfaced. |
| Jan | 2013 | 204000 | 1500 | Head gaskets replaced because they were leaking. Alternator replaced. |
| Mar | 2013 | 206000 | 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 | |
| Apr | 2010 | 86000 | 0 | The moonroof refused to close more than halfway. |
| 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. |
| May | 2011 | 123000 | 38 | AT Oil Temp and Check Engine light came on after having the car washed. Transmission solenoid replaced under warranty (second time in 9 months). Lights both came back on 30 minutes after picking up car, in a rainstorm. |
| Jun | 2011 | 124000 | 580 | Replaced transmission wiring harness which was worn and causing transmission warning light to come on. |
| Aug | 2011 | 124000 | 617 | Replace transmission pressure line solenoid |
| Sep | 2011 | 124000 | 0 | Car jerking when changing from 2 to 3rd. No clear diagnosis and advised that repair would cost $1650+. Not worth it for this lemon of a car. |
| 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 Replaced front brake pads |
| 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 | |
| Sep | 2009 | 98000 | 212 | Both headlights failed within a week. Tried to repair headlight myself, unable to do so. Dealer took 1.5 hours. |
| 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. | ||
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