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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 repair cost distribution

$2500+ (5%)

$1000 - $2499 (12%)

$500 - $999 (22%)

$100 - $499 (32%)

< $100 (29%)

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Chart based on 217 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

See repairs for all Subaru Forester model years.

Subaru Forester in Indiana, United States Jul 2016 - Dec 2016
Dec 2016 88000 mi	Head gasket issue. Got an estimate 3500.

Subaru Forester in California, United States Sep 2010 - Jun 2011
Oct 2010 140000 mi US $500	airbag light on. Replaced clockspring.

Subaru Forester in Pennsylvania, United States Aug 2016 - Dec 2016
Sep 2016 192000 mi	Head gasket replacement, also replaced timing belt. Catalytic converter replaced
Dec 2016 193000 mi US $50	Vacuum leak

Subaru Forester in Great Britain Nov 2014 - Feb 2016
Apr 2015 86000 mi	Drive shaft sheared. Repairs still in progress, seeking a good used part.
Dec 2015 87000 mi £3000	Rear diff disintegrating
Feb 2016 87000 mi	Rear diff disintegrating

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Subaru Forester in Georgia, United States May 2008 - Sep 2017
Jun 2008 58000 mi US $50	Check engine light came on because fuel filler vacuum misread.
Feb 2010 73400 mi	Strong fuel odor in cold weather.
Oct 2010 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.
Jan 2011 84000 mi US $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 mi US $170	Check engine light came on. Code indicated fuel vapor pressure leak. Smoke test conducted, no problem found. Updated computer codes.
Mar 2012 96000 mi US $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 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.
Nov 2014 121000 mi US $1000	Replaced failing rear bearings. Also got new front brakes. Replaced worn-out shifter knuckle
Feb 2015 124000 mi US $38	Replaced burned-out driver-side headlight bulb.
Mar 2016 132000 mi US $36	Headlight burned out. Had it replaced. Not an easy job on the Forester...
Sep 2016 137000 mi US $237	Windshield wiper transmission needed replacement. Wiper motor was unaffected.
Jan 2017 83800 mi US $1200	Radiator shot. Replaced. Steering rack worn out. Replaced.
May 2017 143000 mi US $320	Leaking AC line replaced. AC recharged.

Subaru Forester in Minnesota, United States Aug 2011 - Oct 2016
Jul 2016 109200 mi US $300	Bad driver's side rear wheel bearing. Replaced bearing and bearing seals.

Subaru Forester in California, United States Nov 2003 - Mar 2017
Oct 2003 15620 mi	Clutch chatter when cold. Replaced clutch assembly under warranty
Jul 2011 126000 mi US $2900	head gaskets replaced -- car leaking oil
Nov 2013 152000 mi US $1000	replace both front-end sway bar end links, replace ball joint cylinder
Dec 2014 162000 mi US $218	replaced A/C idler and A/C belt
Nov 2015 169900 mi US $200	replaced cracked radiator
Apr 2016 172200 mi	Hill holder (manual transmission) not properly disengaging -- had system disabled.

Subaru Forester in Wisconsin, United States Oct 2010 - Sep 2012
Nov 2010 85000 mi US $130	Driver's door window motor failed. Replaced window motor.
Sep 2012 106000 mi	Cracked moon roof. Engineered incorrectly? Too big. Eventually cracked in the direct heat of the sun.

Subaru Forester in Colorado, United States Jan 2010 - Jan 2013
Dec 2010 129000 mi US $900	Replaced Transmission and clutch
Jan 2011 132000 mi US $900	head gasket replacement with water pump and timing belt done at same time

Subaru Forester in New South Wales, Australia Feb 2013 - Mar 2013
Mar 2013 78120 mi A $400	Battery

Subaru Forester in New Zealand Mar 2013 - May 2016
Oct 2013 114580 mi $321	Driver door electric window motor replaced

Subaru Forester in Washington, United States Jun 2006 - Oct 2009
Jul 2006 33000 mi	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.

Subaru Forester in Florida, United States May 2007 - May 2009
May 2007 58000 mi	Left rear wheel bearing replacement. Covered under warranty.

Subaru Forester in Kentucky, United States Jun 2015 - Mar 2018
Jul 2015 150500 mi US $500	Replaced front calipers and rear wheel cylinders as well as pads/shoes and front rotors
Aug 2015 151700 mi US $25	P0507 OBD II code with check engine light. Replaced Neutral Switch and cleared code (manual transmission)
Oct 2015 153500 mi US $250	Replaced front struts and mounts
May 2016 162000 mi US $500	Head gaskets
Jul 2016 169300 mi US $100	Replaced Clutch Slave Cylinder
Sep 2016 171000 mi US $35	Rough idle, random misfires. Replaced ignition coil with Subaru part
May 2017 179000 mi US $800	Rod bearings worn (knocking). Replaced engine
Jun 2017 180000 mi US $50	Both rear wheel bearings needed replacement one for noise and one for loose tracking when driving. Replaced both knuckles, wheel bearings, hubs and seals. Lateral link bolts needed to be cut (rust) so had to replace them and the lower Lateral Link bushings Right front wheel bearing making "growling" noises above 30mph. Most noticeable at 40mph. Replaced bearing, seals and hub. Air Bag Light ON. Replaced Air Bag controller due to fault code

Subaru Forester in New Mexico, United States Oct 2010 - Jun 2011
Dec 2010 158000 mi	Oil leak: complete head gasket replacement, new clutch.

Subaru Forester in Kentucky, United States Mar 2015 - Mar 2016
Mar 2016 149000 mi US $1800	head gasket. second for the car

Subaru Forester in New York, United States Feb 2017 - May 2017
Feb 2017 97000 mi US $100	Control arms need replaced

Subaru Forester in Maryland, United States Jul 2011 - Jul 2013
May 2012 313300 mi US $930	rear wheel bearings + belt tensioner
Jun 2012 316000 mi US $1100	Rear struts replaced Drive shaft replaced
Jun 2013 346000 mi US $865	exhaust pipe corrosion and failure

Subaru Forester in California, United States Apr 2009 - Jun 2011
Nov 2010 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.

Subaru Forester in California, United States Aug 2009 - Jan 2013
Jan 2012 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
Sep 2012 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.

Subaru Forester in Illinois, United States Oct 2008 - Aug 2015
Apr 2010 71000 mi US $1000	Catalytic Converter
Dec 2014 104000 mi US $800	EGR Problem

Subaru Forester in New South Wales, Australia May 2008 - Jun 2018
Apr 2009 83700 mi A $650	Starter motor intermittently failed to engage on ring gear. Starter motor replaced by workshop.
May 2009 84320 mi A $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).
Feb 2011 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.
Mar 2012 120280 mi A $15	Grinding noise from power steering pump. Drained and replaced power steering fluid.
Jul 2012 122760 mi A $900	Steering rack was leaking fluid. Rack was replaced with a reconditioned one.
Oct 2012 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.
Sep 2013 137640 mi A $160	Engine running rough under load due to failing fuel pump. Replaced fuel pump.
May 2014 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.
Jun 2014 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.
Aug 2014 146320 mi	Left-rear wheel bearing had been noisy for some time. Shop replaced it with a new one, but since the driveshaft had seized into the old one, a replacement driveshaft (second hand) was required also.
Nov 2014 148180 mi A $1700	Left rear wheel bearing that was replaced in August had become noisy again. Shop determined that it, as well as the (original) right bearing had failed and the hubs were also heat damaged. Bearings, hub as well as seals etc were replaced.

Subaru Forester in New York, United States May 2008 - Dec 2009
Jun 2008 144000 mi US $1600	replaced both rear wheel bearings, rear struts and strut mounts
Oct 2008 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!
Jun 2009 173000 mi US $450	Replaced stabilizer bars, old ones worn, causing suspension to make a knocking noise when going over bumps. Replaced fog lamp.
Dec 2009 177000 mi	Car caught on fire, repairs would have been too entensive. Insurance company totalled the car.

Subaru Forester in Pennsylvania, United States Jun 2008 - Feb 2011
Nov 2008 149000 mi US $200	Front Tie rods replaced, 1 broke, 1 worn
Jun 2009 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.
Jul 2009 169000 mi US $300	REAR driver shock leaking & no longer any bounce. Rear passenger side replaced as well. 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 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 mi US $223	Major Misfiring - cracked engine coil, replaced coil & plug wires. still drivable because standard trans, automatic probably would have broken down.
Feb 2010 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.
Jun 2010 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.
Jul 2010 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.
Aug 2010 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.
Nov 2010 207000 mi US $284	rear driver wheel bearing bad, making very loud noise. replacement 7 hrs long.
Dec 2010 209000 mi US $350	anti lock break sensor was not positioned right during the replacement of the wheel bearing and tire, caused pulsing in breaks when coming to complete stop. took off tire, repositioned sensor and replaced tire 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 mi	Winter, so not running A/C and so not clear if idle speed problem remained when sold. But CEL going off and on.

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Subaru Forester in Maryland, United States Jul 2015 - Dec 2016
Oct 2015 126000 mi US $3200	Head gasket replacement.
Dec 2015 127000 mi US $300	Replace one front caliper; required doing both plus pads.
Mar 2016 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.
Jun 2016 133000 mi US $364	Cracked radiator was replace.

Subaru Forester in North Carolina, United States May 2008 - Dec 2009
Aug 2008 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.
Jun 2009 49000 mi US $400	Front Oxygen Sensor replaced.

Subaru Forester in New Hampshire, United States Aug 2008 - Apr 2011
Jun 2008 87000 mi US $43	Moonroof will not open/close. cleaned and lubricated
Dec 2009 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.
Feb 2010 116000 mi US $650	replace lightbulbs etc...

Subaru Forester in Norway Jul 2014 - Jun 2018
Aug 2016 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.

Subaru Forester in Massachusetts, United States Dec 2013 - Mar 2016
Nov 2014 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.
Mar 2016 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.

Subaru Forester in Virginia, United States Jan 2015 - Sep 2017
Jul 2015 160200 mi US $450	A/C Compressor failed. A/C system had various leaks. Plastic upper radiator outlet cracked causing radiator hose to pop off. Car lost all of its coolant and stranded me on interstate. Rear strut has developed thumps and rattle. Strut piston rod is binding inside strut body. This is a common Subaru problem with no permanent resolution.
Oct 2015 161000 mi US $630	Noticed steering rack was leaking fluid when car went in for state inspection. Entire steering rack and tie-rod assembly had to be replaced.
Jun 2016 171000 mi US $5	Brake calipers front and rear were heavily corroded from road salt applied during winter in Chicago. Caliper pistons were partially frozen and rotors were heavily corroded and out of true. Calipers, rotors, and pads were replaced front F&R
May 2017 177000 mi US $100	Gear selector froze in Park while I was in line at a fast food outlet. I was able to force the shifter into drive after exerting a tremendous amount of force. The car was repaired by replacing the entire shifter mechanism with a used one. The problem ended up being a failed solenoid on the old shifter. We were not able to simply replace that part because I partially destroyed the shifter when forcing into gear.
Jun 2017 178000 mi US $45	The drivers side rear wheel bearing began to make a whining/growling noise at various speeds. I dropped the car at a local repair shop. They were unable to remove the suspension bolts needed to provide clearance so that the drive axle could be removed from the rear hub that carries the bearing assembly . After a couple of days of soaking the bolts and trying heat etc. they told me that to do the repair would require cutting parts of the rear suspension apart and that I might want to reconsider dropping the amount of money needed to do the job into this car. I took the car back and have been driving it with the bearing un-repaired. Apparently frozen suspension bolts on this car are a common problem and so are frequent wheel bearing failures. 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.
Jul 2017 177500 mi US $480	Drivers side Rear wheel bearing was replaced.

Subaru Forester in Florida, United States Feb 2015 - Apr 2017
Nov 2016 150000 mi US $1400	Exhaust manifold had crack, rust spots in exhaust pipes. Muffler, catalytic converter, and manifolds replaced.
Jan 2017 US $350	Front right brake caliper in stuck position
Mar 2017 149000 mi US $1600	The car was making a strange almost-scraping noise from the front end. Both front wheel bearings were replaced, however, the noise still remained.

Subaru Forester in Oregon, United States Jul 2014 - Jan 2015
Oct 2014 104500 mi US $25	Four wheel alignment and replace one front, left tie rod, prior to buying and having four new tires installed. Tie rod was replaced Free of charge coverage by an auto body repair lifetime warranty from a winter driving accident in 2013.

Subaru Forester in Massachusetts, United States May 2008 - Jan 2016
Aug 2008 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.
Jun 2009 73000 mi US $63	Removal of rattling exhaust shield Power steering belt loose Stabilizer linkage loose
Sep 2009 75000 mi US $245	Sway bar linkage replaced Sway bar linkage replaced
Nov 2009 75900 mi US $822	Grinding/chirping/singing noise from rear of car. Diagnosed by dealership as "parking brake mechanism broken during aftermarket brake install." Replaced PB, rear rotors and pads. 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 mi US $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 mi	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 mi US $618	Exhaust pipe broke aft of rear catalytic converter. Muffler OK, but exhaust pipe replaced.
Jan 2012 133000 mi US $888	Replacement of serpentine belt
Nov 2012 113000 mi US $350	O2 sensor replacement Rack beginning to fail; needs replacement
Jan 2014 127000 mi US $940	Replacement of steering rack
Apr 2014 129200 mi US $498	Replaced rear passenger wheel bearing and hub
Jan 2016 126000 mi	Needed new calipers

Subaru Forester in Ontario, Canada May 2008 - Apr 2012
Sep 2008 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.
Oct 2009 108180 mi	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 135760 mi C $150	Headlight bulbs replaced.

Subaru Forester in New Jersey, United States Feb 2017 - Jun 2017
Apr 2017 131000 mi US $400	worn brakes

Subaru Forester in Norway Feb 2017 - Mar 2018
Mar 2017 110360 mi $3000	Not only suspension. Several faults. Nothing repaired. Former owner have to give proper information about the car during sales process. Former owner has been accused of holding back information - which is illegal to do in this country.

Subaru Forester in Wisconsin, United States Jan 2017 - Aug 2017
Feb 2017 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. both rear wheel bearings ($900) Radiator replaced, radiator cap, thermostat, fan clutch and hoses
Apr 2017 138700 mi US $200	Rear differential replaced
May 2017 139100 mi US $983	Front subframes replaced. One of the sub frames had a small rust bubble which turned out to be the whole bottom rusted out after some poking with a screw driver. The other one was mostly rust free but was going to need replacement soon so I did them as a pair.
Jun 2017 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.
Jul 2017 142000 mi US $406	exhaust manifold replaced, oxygen sensors, gaskets/ hardware

Subaru Forester in New Jersey, United States Dec 2016 - Mar 2018
Jun 2017 179000 mi US $80	Drivers side window regulator was replaced. Need to remove the clutch from the compressor although it is not going well.
Sep 2017 179000 mi US $370	Replaced alternator with used/rebuilt $35. New A/C compressor $285 and charge $50

Subaru Forester in California, United States Mar 2015 - Jan 2022
Apr 2017 194000 mi US $350	Replace ball joints
Feb 2018 189569 mi US $850	Noisey idler/pulley on A/C compressor drive belt replaced. Replaced rear struts.
Jan 2020 200000 mi US $500	Replace cracked original radiator.

Subaru Forester in Indiana, United States Jun 2016 - Mar 2017
Oct 2016 76000 mi US $65	exhaust system loose

Subaru Forester in Michigan, United States Sep 2008 - Jun 2011
Sep 2009 98000 mi US $212	Both headlights failed within a week. Tried to repair headlight myself, unable to do so. Dealer took 1.5 hours.
Mar 2010 105000 mi US $3400	Cracked piston. Entire engine had to be replaced. Used engine with 70,000miles cost $3,400

Subaru Forester in New York, United States May 2008 - Jul 2009
Apr 2009 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. Leaking struts replaced

Subaru Forester in California, United States Nov 2003 - Apr 2010
May 2003 5000 mi	troubleshoot - rough idle at start
Jul 2003 9000 mi	failed catalytic converter replaced
Oct 2004 14000 mi US $150	dead battery - internal light socket shorted
Jan 2005 16000 mi	another dead battery - internal electrical short
Jul 2007 41000 mi	troubleshoot - transmission whine. no problem found

Subaru Forester in Maryland, United States May 2008 - Sep 2013
May 2009 58000 mi US $450	engine leaking oil - various valve gaskets. loud noise from engine - turned out to be engine bay heat shield misalignment.

Subaru Forester in Virginia, United States Dec 2012 - Jan 2022
Mar 2014 173000 mi US $96	P0030 o2 sensor and changed front and rear diff fluid and ATF drain and fill.
Feb 2015 173000 mi US $75	Drivers window motor seized in up/closed position for close to 8 months, just now fixed.
Apr 2015 173200 mi US $100	Leaking front drivers strut. Failed inspection. Brought it home, ordered the strut, fixed it 04/04.
Sep 2015 174000 mi US $35	removed used rear struts from a junkyard, replaced both rears but only one was leaky. Now I have one spare (inspector said both were wet but passable- trusted his word - only one was wet)
Nov 2021 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.
Jan 2022 191000 mi US $250	Exhaust muffler to pass inspection

Subaru Forester in Alberta, Canada Mar 2009 - Feb 2010
Apr 2009 96720 mi C $4200	timing belt slipped and damaged valves, camshaft etc. Had to remachine or replace all, including new waterpump.
Nov 2009 99200 mi C $593	radiator was leaking anti freeze. Radiator replaced
Jan 2010 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.

Subaru Forester in Ontario, Canada Dec 2008 - Sep 2009
Jan 2009 172360 mi C $350	Leaking transmission filter, may have hit something, thus low tranmission fluid and dash warning light.
Sep 2009 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. Rear rotors corroded and parking brake not functioning.

Subaru Forester in Washington, United States Nov 2010 - Oct 2011
Dec 2010 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
Jun 2011 90000 mi US $500	O2 sensor caused check engine light
Oct 2011 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.

Subaru Forester in New Jersey, United States Dec 2010 - Sep 2011
Jan 2011 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.
May 2011 123000 mi US $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 mi US $580	Replaced transmission wiring harness which was worn and causing transmission warning light to come on.
Aug 2011 114742 mi US $617	Replace transmission pressure line solenoid. Replace transmission pressure line solenoid
Sep 2011 114742 mi	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 New Jersey, United States Jul 2010 - Mar 2018
Jun 2011 180000 mi US $1000	Long overdue repairs to AC system. Ball joint in front axle replaced. O2 sensor replaced
Nov 2011 189100 mi US $400	Exhaust replaced-everything but the cat converter.
Aug 2012 199400 mi US $600	AC belts and fan needed to be replaced.
Jan 2013 204000 mi US $1500	Head gaskets replaced because they were leaking. Alternator replaced.
Jul 2013 210000 mi US $500	Replace gaskets
May 2015 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!
Jun 2016 245000 mi US $1600	front axle seal replacement
Jun 2017 247000 mi US $1700	Engine overheating so coolant system maintenance, hoses replaced, engine block and heads cleaned because of oil burn-off.
Oct 2017 250000 mi US $2197	Engine replacement

Subaru Forester in Pennsylvania, United States Mar 2010 - Jun 2011
Apr 2010 42500 mi US $1817	Replaced pinion bearing support. Replaced pinion bearing support.

Subaru Forester in Illinois, United States Jul 2009 - Aug 2012
Jan 2010 71000 mi US $3000	Suspension arm broken Piston Slap on two cylinders

Subaru Forester in Oregon, United States Feb 2010 - Feb 2015
Apr 2010 86000 mi	The moonroof refused to close more than halfway.
Jul 2011 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.
Jun 2012 106000 mi	Head gaskets were leaking, mild on one side, moderate on the other.
Jan 2013 110000 mi US $210	engine oil cooler was leaking due to a bad o-ring

Subaru Forester in Washington, United States Mar 2010 - Mar 2012
Apr 2010 145000 mi US $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 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.
Jul 2011 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.
Aug 2011 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.
Mar 2012 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.

Subaru Forester in California, United States Mar 2013 - Apr 2013
Apr 2013 160000 mi US $800	air flow sensor failed

Subaru Forester in Maine, United States May 2011 - Oct 2011
Oct 2011 68000 mi US $2000	Bent valve die to to worn exhaust guides. Passenger side drive link and frame rusted through.

Subaru Forester in New York, United States Oct 2012 - Apr 2016
May 2014 99600 mi US $650	Needed new Power steering pump Steering pump belt needed replacement

Subaru Forester in Maryland, United States Dec 2012 - Feb 2018
Oct 2013 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.
Aug 2016 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
Feb 2017 135000 mi US $600	In the course of performing regular maintenance, the mechanic found what appeared to be a leak in the head gasket.

Subaru Forester in California, United States Aug 2009 - Apr 2014
Oct 2011 94000 mi US $1850	2 head gaskets leaking coolant. Had the gaskets replaced.

Subaru Forester in Massachusetts, United States Oct 2008 - Jan 2012
Sep 2011 78000 mi US $159	O2 sensor
Nov 2011 78000 mi US $400	Exhaust rusted out

Subaru Forester in Illinois, United States Nov 2008 - May 2011
Jun 2010 62000 mi US $180	Suspension issue. I don't recall what the part that was replaced is called.
Feb 2011 64000 mi US $1302	Head gasket had to be replaced, also did valve adjustment.

Subaru Forester in Oregon, United States Sep 2012 - Jun 2018
Nov 2015 86100 mi US $2000	Minor head gasket leak as well as a few oil leaks from around the pump.
Feb 2017 98000 mi US $281	Bearings in idler pulley were wearing down, resulting in a whine. Idler pulley replaced.
Dec 2017 106000 mi US $253	Replaced pads, which were thinning. Warped rotors were found at the time of inspection.
Feb 2018 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.

Subaru Forester in Florida, United States Feb 2012 - Dec 2012
Mar 2012 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.
Oct 2012 128000 mi US $90	Fuel lines leaked gas

Subaru Forester in Texas, United States Aug 2012 - Sep 2016
Sep 2012 139000 mi US $370	valve cover gaskets were leaking badly along with gasket on the oil filler line.
Jan 2013 142700 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.
Aug 2013 151300 mi US $600	Replaced driver side head gasket, driver side axle shaft& general maintenance
Apr 2014 159500 mi US $150	Replaced all struts & then paid for a 4 wheel alignment replacement of the belt tensioner while at shop for slignment
Mar 2016 185000 mi US $150	Radiator top separated. I purchased a new one plus hoses.

Subaru Forester in Iowa, United States Apr 2012 - Jun 2018
Mar 2013 116000 mi US $970	Leaky head gasket allowed antifreeze to get into cylinders. Replaced gasket. Also ground valves while engine was taken apart.
Oct 2013 124200 mi US $260	ABS warning light came on continually. Sensor needed to be replaced.
Jul 2015 133200 mi US $30	LEVEL OF R134 FREON WAS CORRECTED.
Mar 2016 137000 mi US $150	Exhaust pipe corrosion caused noise
Apr 2017 146000 mi US $500	Brake pads front & rear, rotors Front, drums rear, cylinder rear, calipers front
Aug 2017 148000 mi US $150	Repaired leak in AC system and recharged with refrigerant
Dec 2017 151000 mi	Leaking water pump and leaking head gasket
Jun 2018 156000 mi US $200	Replaced and repaired portions of the exhaust system.

Subaru Forester in Massachusetts, United States Jun 2012 - Jul 2012
Jul 2012 101000 mi US $97	slipping belts

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Subaru Forester in New Jersey, United States Nov 2009 - Feb 2010
Dec 2009 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.
Feb 2010 112000 mi	Catalytic converter needed to be replaced when sold. Small head gasket leak when sold.

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Subaru Forester in Alaska, United States Apr 2010 - Jun 2011
Sep 2010 52000 mi US $2000	2 pistons replaced to solve 'piston slap'

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See TrueDelta's information for all SUVs

See TrueDelta's information for all Subaru models.

2003 Subaru Forester repairs by problem area

2003 Subaru Forester repair cost distribution

2003 Subaru Forester

2003 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

2003 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV

2003 Subaru Forester 4-door

2003 Subaru Forester 4-door

2003 Subaru Forester Repair Histories