2003 Subaru Forester Subaru Forester 2003

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2003 Subaru Forester repairs by problem area

Engine (49%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (10%)

Brakes and Traction Control (6%)

Suspension and Steering (17%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (14%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (3%)

Other (1%)

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Chart based on 261 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2003 Subaru Forester.

2003 Subaru Forester electrical repair cost distribution

$2500+ (0%)

$1000 - $2499 (12%)

$500 - $999 (12%)

$100 - $499 (41%)

< $100 (35%)

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Chart based on 34 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2003 Subaru Forester

Engine not specified

140000 mi

US $500
airbag light on. Replaced clockspring. 

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2003 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

165-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD

84000 mi

US $280
Replaced bulb in clock light, which had not operated for several years. Cost $5 -- previous shop had quoted $150. 
124000 mi

US $38
Replaced burned-out driver-side headlight bulb. 
132000 mi

US $36
Headlight burned out. Had it replaced. Not an easy job on the Forester... 
143000 mi

US $320
Leaking AC line replaced. AC recharged. 
78120 mi

A $400
Battery 
166000 mi 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. 
169000 mi

US $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 
180000 mi

US $50
Air Bag Light ON. Replaced Air Bag controller due to fault code 
114580 mi

$321
Driver door electric window motor replaced 
85000 mi

US $130
Driver's door window motor failed. Replaced window motor. 
83700 mi

A $650
Starter motor intermittently failed to engage on ring gear. Starter motor replaced by workshop. 
173000 mi

US $450
Replaced fog lamp. 

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2003 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

165-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed automatic AWD

14000 mi

US $150
dead battery - internal light socket shorted 
16000 mi another dead battery - internal electrical short 
130000 mi

US $225
Security system malfunctioned, draining and depleting battery. Engine would not start due to security system. Dealer diagnosed it, replaced battery, and reset security system. 
89000 mi

US $1023
Driver's window switch and motor failed 
179000 mi

US $80
Drivers side window regulator was replaced. Need to remove the clutch from the compressor although it is not going well. 
179000 mi

US $370
Replaced alternator with used/rebuilt $35. New A/C compressor $285 and charge $50 
93000 mi

C $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.  
135760 mi

C $150
Headlight bulbs replaced. 
160200 mi

US $1200
A/C Compressor failed. A/C system had various leaks. 
180000 mi

US $1000
Long overdue repairs to AC system. 
199400 mi

US $600
AC belts and fan needed to be replaced. 
204000 mi

US $1500
Alternator replaced. 
116000 mi

US $650
replace lightbulbs etc... 
133200 mi

US $30
LEVEL OF R134 FREON WAS CORRECTED. 
148000 mi

US $150
Repaired leak in AC system and recharged with refrigerant 
173000 mi

US $75
Drivers window motor seized in up/closed position for close to 8 months, just now fixed. 
190300 mi

US $5
Late last year I DIY changed drivers door mirror / window / lock switch as the old one was acting up. Used to get parts from pick n save so it was basically free. 
164000 mi

US $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. 
170000 mi

US $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. 
171300 mi 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. 
98000 mi

US $212
Both headlights failed within a week. Tried to repair headlight myself, unable to do so. Dealer took 1.5 hours. 

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2003 Subaru Forester Electrical Problems

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2003 Subaru Forester problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.