| 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
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%)
Chart based on 261 repairs.
2003 Subaru Forester engine repair cost distribution
$2500+ (7%)
$1000 - $2499 (13%)
$500 - $999 (27%)
$100 - $499 (28%)
< $100 (25%)
Chart based on 115 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
| 101000 mi US $97 |
slipping belts |
2003 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV
165-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD
| 110000 mi US $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 |
| 116000 mi US $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. |
| 88000 mi | Head gasket issue. Got an estimate 3500. |
| 192000 mi | Head gasket replacement, also replaced timing belt. Catalytic converter replaced |
| 193000 mi US $50 |
Vacuum leak |
| 162000 mi US $500 |
Head gaskets |
| 171000 mi US $35 |
Rough idle, random misfires. Replaced ignition coil with Subaru part |
| 179000 mi US $800 |
Rod bearings worn (knocking). Replaced engine |
| 126000 mi US $2900 |
head gaskets replaced -- car leaking oil |
| 162000 mi US $218 |
replaced A/C idler and A/C belt |
| 169900 mi US $200 |
replaced cracked radiator |
| 346000 mi US $865 |
exhaust pipe corrosion and failure |
| 73400 mi | Strong fuel odor in cold weather. |
| 81000 mi | 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. |
| 90000 mi US $170 |
Check engine light came on. Code indicated fuel vapor pressure leak. Smoke test conducted, no problem found. Updated computer codes. |
| 103000 mi US $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. |
| 83500 mi US $1200 |
Radiator shot. Replaced. |
| 71000 mi US $1000 |
Catalytic Converter |
| 104000 mi US $800 |
EGR Problem |
| 158000 mi | Oil leak: complete head gasket replacement, new clutch. |
| 171000 mi | 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 |
| 173000 mi US $223 |
Major Misfiring - cracked engine coil, replaced coil & plug wires. still drivable because standard trans, automatic probably would have broken down. |
| 187000 mi US $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. |
| 196000 mi US $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. |
| 198000 mi US $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. |
| 200000 mi | 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. |
| 209000 mi US $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 |
| 209000 mi | Winter, so not running A/C and so not clear if idle speed problem remained when sold. But CEL going off and on. |
| 132000 mi US $900 |
head gasket replacement with water pump and timing belt done at same time |
| 102300 mi A $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. |
| 125940 mi A $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. |
| 137640 mi A $160 |
Engine running rough under load due to failing fuel pump. Replaced fuel pump. |
| 146320 mi | Initially a slight coolant leak from between plastic top of radiator and radiator core. Needed occasional top-up. Leak has now worsened such that car cannot be driven more than a few minutes at a time. In process of sourcing new radiator. |
| 146320 mi A $400 |
New radiator fitted (as old one was leaking between core and plastic top). Also replaced top and bottom hoses and thermostat as a precaution. |
| 118000 mi US $500 |
The Dual catalytic converters were clogged, leading to low power and trouble code 0420. They were replaced, and the problems were solved. |
| 152000 mi US $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! |
| 96100 mi | Two pistons had to be replaced under manufacturer warranty - wrong sized ones were originally installed and causing piston knock. |
2003 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV
165-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed automatic AWD
| 137800 mi US $968 |
Head gaskets replaced($1900), replaced intake and exhaust valves, and springs, seals and guides ($800), as well as oil change and coolant flush. Reason for new valve job was low compression in 2 cylinders. Radiator replaced, radiator cap, thermostat, fan clutch and hoses |
| 142000 mi US $564 |
Rear differential cradle replaced. The rear differential mount was literally cracked almost in half and this may have caused some damage to the differential from the excess moving under acceleration and deceleration. |
| 142000 mi US $406 |
exhaust manifold replaced, oxygen sensors, gaskets/ hardware |
| 173000 mi US $96 |
P0030 o2 sensor and changed front and rear diff fluid and ATF drain and fill. |
| 191000 mi US $250 |
Exhaust muffler to pass inspection |
| 99600 mi US $650 |
Steering pump belt needed replacement |
| 86100 mi US $2000 |
Minor head gasket leak as well as a few oil leaks from around the pump. |
| 98000 mi US $281 |
Bearings in idler pulley were wearing down, resulting in a whine. Idler pulley replaced. |
| 108000 mi US $250 |
Original radiator developed a leak. Radiator was replaced with aftermarket unit. The original upper and lower radiator hoses were felt to be a bit soft and were prophylactically replaced as well. |
| 160000 mi US $800 |
air flow sensor failed |
| 189569 mi US $850 |
Noisey idler/pulley on A/C compressor drive belt replaced. |
| 200000 mi US $500 |
Replace cracked original radiator. |
| 101500 mi US $500 |
The ignition switch locked in the off position, so the key could not be rotated, and the car could not be started. We called for a tow but the driver fiddled with the key and the steering wheel and finally got it started. |
| 132100 mi US $500 |
The radiator overheated so the air conditioner was dropped off the line. When we went to get the A/C fixed our mechanic found the radiator problem. The radiator was replaced |
| 135000 mi US $600 |
In the course of performing regular maintenance, the mechanic found what appeared to be a leak in the head gasket. |
| 103540 mi $250 |
The Malfunctioning Indicator Light appeared on the instrument cluster. The problem was identified by an OBD-II scan tool. Trouble code P0031 showed up. The repair manual identified the upstream oxygen sensor had low input, and was replaced. |
| 126000 mi US $3200 |
Head gasket replacement. |
| 133000 mi US $364 |
Cracked radiator was replace. |
| 139000 mi US $370 |
valve cover gaskets were leaking badly along with gasket on the oil filler line. |
| 176000 mi US $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. |
| 151300 mi US $600 |
Replaced driver side head gasket, |
| 159500 mi US $150 |
replacement of the belt tensioner while at shop for slignment |
| 185000 mi US $150 |
Radiator top separated. I purchased a new one plus hoses. |
| 5000 mi | troubleshoot - rough idle at start |
| 9000 mi | failed catalytic converter replaced |
| 150000 mi US $1400 |
Exhaust manifold had crack, rust spots in exhaust pipes. Muffler, catalytic converter, and manifolds replaced. |
| 160200 mi US $450 |
Plastic upper radiator outlet cracked causing radiator hose to pop off. Car lost all of its coolant and stranded me on interstate. |
| 178000 mi US $45 |
A heat shield attached to and part of the exhaust system began to rattle very loudly at certain engine rpm levels. The repair shop was able to weld the shield back to the exhaust pipe at the failed attachment point. The repair eliminated the noise. |
| 76000 mi US $65 |
exhaust system loose |
| 124300 mi | Needed valve seals and valve cover gasket. Replaced exhaust manifold gasket. Also new thermostat. CHECK ENGINE light came on about 50 miles after leaving shop reading a problem with catalytic converter. Car running fine but cannot get warning light to turn off. |
| 143000 mi | Blown head gasket. Car developed a hole in radiator and despite all precautionary efforts on my part and a new radiator, the car would overheat after 7-8 miles of driving. Heating/Cooling system. After tryng to fix head gasket with 2 additives , attempted repairs did not work and the manufacturer honored warranty & gave me my money back. Sold car to mechanic and bought a 2006 Hyundai Azera with 86545 mi. |
| 149000 mi US $1800 |
head gasket. second for the car |
| 120000 mi US $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. |
| 124000 mi US $580 |
Replaced transmission wiring harness which was worn and causing transmission warning light to come on. |
| 105000 mi US $3400 |
Cracked piston. Entire engine had to be replaced. Used engine with 70,000miles cost $3,400 |
| 78000 mi US $159 |
O2 sensor |
| 78000 mi US $400 |
Exhaust rusted out |
| 64000 mi US $1302 |
Head gasket had to be replaced, also did valve adjustment. |
| 182280 mi C $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. |
| 115000 mi US $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. |
| 37000 mi | 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. |
| 49000 mi US $400 |
Front Oxygen Sensor replaced. |
| 100000 mi US $2500 |
Check engine light -- misfire, computer errors, caused flooding and car would not keep running. Eventually "fixed itself" after revving high idle for a while. |
| 63000 mi US $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. |
| 89000 mi US $1023 |
Y-pipe heat shield rattling Intermittent high idle with higher ambient temperatures. Previous throttle body cleanings no help. Loosened throttle cable. |
| 98000 mi US $618 |
Exhaust pipe broke aft of rear catalytic converter. Muffler OK, but exhaust pipe replaced. |
| 81300 mi US $888 |
Replacement of serpentine belt |
| 113000 mi US $350 |
O2 sensor replacement |
| 58000 mi US $450 |
engine leaking oil - various valve gaskets. |
| 96720 mi C $4200 |
timing belt slipped and damaged valves, camshaft etc. Had to remachine or replace all, including new waterpump. |
| 99200 mi C $593 |
radiator was leaking anti freeze. Radiator replaced |
| 99820 mi | 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. |
| 94000 mi US $1850 |
2 head gaskets leaking coolant. Had the gaskets replaced. |
| 180000 mi US $1000 |
O2 sensor replaced |
| 189100 mi US $400 |
Exhaust replaced-everything but the cat converter. |
| 204000 mi US $1500 |
Head gaskets replaced because they were leaking. |
| 231400 mi US $580 |
Timing belt tensioner broke. Puff of smoke and car died. Thought valves were goners. Remarkably, repair done and car still running! |
| 247000 mi US $1700 |
Engine overheating so coolant system maintenance, hoses replaced, engine block and heads cleaned because of oil burn-off. |
| 250000 mi US $2197 |
Engine replacement |
| 88000 mi US $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 |
| 90000 mi US $500 |
O2 sensor caused check engine light |
| 91000 mi | Headed for a head gasket problem in about 10K miles. Leaking a little, some coolant in the oil. My mechanic was monitoring it. |
| 68000 mi US $2000 |
Bent valve die to to worn exhaust guides. |
| 120000 mi US $500 |
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. |
| 128000 mi US $90 |
Fuel lines leaked gas |
| 178000 mi | 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. |
| 97500 mi US $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. |
| 106000 mi | Head gaskets were leaking, mild on one side, moderate on the other. |
| 110000 mi US $210 |
engine oil cooler was leaking due to a bad o-ring |
| 49000 mi US $3000 |
Piston Slap on two cylinders |
| 116000 mi US $970 |
Leaky head gasket allowed antifreeze to get into cylinders. Replaced gasket. Also ground valves while engine was taken apart. |
| 137000 mi US $150 |
Exhaust pipe corrosion caused noise |
| 151000 mi | Leaking water pump and leaking head gasket |
| 156000 mi US $200 |
Replaced and repaired portions of the exhaust system. |
2003 Subaru Forester 4-door
Engine not specified
| 111000 mi US $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. |
| 112000 mi | Catalytic converter needed to be replaced when sold. Small head gasket leak when sold. |
2003 Subaru Forester 4-door
4-cylinder automatic AWD
| 52000 mi US $2000 |
2 pistons replaced to solve 'piston slap' |
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See TrueDelta's information for all Subaru models.
