2003 Subaru Forester
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Fuel system is the leading concern among 191 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 11th highest complaint count among 26 Forester model years with reports.
Of the 2003 reports, 17 involved a crash. 9 people were injured and 2 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Suspension, front, control arm, lower armSep 6, 2011
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.
A BROKEN CONTROL ARM CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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.
Campaign 11V464000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, front, buckle assemblyFeb 20, 2003
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.
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE FRONT SEAT BELTS COULD UNLATCH, WHICH COULD RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.
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.
Campaign 03V047000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionOct 30, 2002
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.
THE VEHICLE COULD THEN MOVE/ROLL WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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.
Campaign 02V282000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
191 reports, newest first.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 25, 2008
STRONG FUEL SMELL INSIDE THE CABIN DURING COLD WEATHER. IT GETS SO BAD AT TIMES THAT IT CAUSES IRRITATION IN MY THROAT AND A BURNING SENSATION IN MY EYES. IT ALSO LEAVES A FOUL TASTE IN MY MOUTH THAT LASTS WELL AFTER I EXIT THE VEHICLE. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Nov 12, 2008
ELECTRIC LOCKS--THE TAILGATE--EVEN THOUGH I HAD THE EXTRA WARRANTY I STILL HAD TO PAY 182.00 TO REPLACE THE LOCK BECAUSE IT WAS NOT THE LOCK IT WAS THE LATCH INSIDE THE LOCK THAT DID NOT WORK. WHAT A RIP OFF. I ALSO HAD DOGS IN THE CAR AND IT WAS HOT WHEN THE LOCK WOULD NOT WORK. BECAUSE THERE IS NO KEY TO OPEN THE TAILGATE WHEN DOGS ARE IN CRATES YOU CANNOT OPEN THE DOOR! SUBARU WOULD NOT COVER THE LOCK, EVEN THOUGH THE WARRANTY SAID IT COVERS LOCKS. THIS IS DANGEROUS FOR THOSE OF US WHO USE A CRATE TO SAFELY TRANSPORT OUR DOG. THE CAR WAS SCRATCHED IN ORDER TO REMOVE DOGS FROM THE BACK DOORS GETTING CRATES IN A POSITION TO ALLOW DOORS TO BE OPENED. *TR
Electrical system, Oct 28, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME WIRING HARNESS FAILURE AS STATED IN THE RECALL FOR THE 2006 MODELS. THE DEALER OFFERED TO REPAIR IT AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 72,000.
Structure, Sep 23, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE FRONT HOOD RELEASED UNEXPECTEDLY. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO CONTROL AND DIRECT THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE POLICE ARRIVED TO ESCORT THE VEHICLE OFF THE HIGHWAY, WHICH WAS A STATE REGULATION, AND FILED A REPORT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE TWO BOLTS THAT ATTACHED THE HOOD. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 130,000.
Air bags, Sep 6, 2008
AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATES WHEN DRIVERS SEAT IS MOVED. IT APPEARS THAT THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR BENEATH THE DRIVERS SEAT IS DEFECTIVE. I HAVE FOUND MANY COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET OF THIS PROBLEM FOR THE 2003 SUBARU FORESTER. IT IS AN OBVIOUS MANUFACTURING DEFECT. WHY NO RECALL? THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE CARS SRS. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jul 28, 2008
WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH WITH CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, I ENTERED TOWN LIMITS AND PRESSED SWITCH TO DE-ACTIVATE CRUISE CONTROL; NOTHING HAPPENED; DEPRESSED BRAKE PEDAL; NOTHING HAPPENED- CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN; FRANTICALLY TRIED EVERYTHING SEVERAL TIMES MORE USING CLUTCH, BRAKE AND EMERGENCY BRAKE. HAD TO TAKE A TURN AT HIGH SPEED TO AVOID A TRACTOR TRAILER STOPPED AT LIGHT; CAR EVENTUALLY STOPPED AFTER MAKING THE TURN AND YANKING UP EMERGENCY BRAKE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 19, 2008
NOTICED ANTI-FREEZE ODOR AFTER VEHICLE HAD BEEN RUN AND TURNED OFF. DID NOT SEE ANY LEAKS. PROBLEM CONTINUED SEVERAL WEEKS BEFORE NOTICING SEVERAL LEAK SPOTS ON GARAGE FLOOR, SO MADE APPOINTMENT WITH MECHANIC WHO KNEW IMMEDIATELY IT WAS A HEAD GASKET PROBLEM. WE PURCHASED THE CAR NEW IN OCTOBER, 2002 AND HAVE MAINTAINED IT ACCORDING TO THE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES. THE VEHICLE HAD 52,000 MILES ON IT WHEN WE SPENT $1300 TO REPAIR A PROBLEM THAT SUBARU OF AMERICA KNEW ABOUT AND HAS KNOWN ABOUT FOR SOME TIME. WE NEVER RECEIVED ANY NOTICE OR RECALL OF ANY KIND RELATING TO THIS PROBLEM. SUBARU OF AMERICA SHOULD MAKE SOME SORT OF RESTITUTION TO ITS CUSTOMERS FOR THIS MANUFACTURERS DEFECT. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 7, 2008
THE SPEEDOMETER DOESN'T WORK. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 26, 2008
2003 SUBARU FORESTER PROBLEMS WITH CYLINDER HEAD GASKET. CONSUMER STATES THERE ARE SEVERAL INTERNET COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS DEFECT. SHE STATES THAT THE ESTIMATE COST FOR REPAIR IS ABOUT $1500.00 TO $1600.00 DOLLARS. *KB
Air bags, Nov 25, 2007
AIR BAG LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND STAY ON FOR A FEW DAYS AND THEN GO OFF. THIS CONDITION WOULD OCCUR AT RANDOM, WITH NO WARNING. FINALLY THE LIGHT STAYED ON LONG ENOUGH FOR ME TO GET IT TO THE DEALER. SUBARU DEALER INDICATED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS UNDER THE DRIVER'S SEAT FOR THE AIRBAG SENSOR HAD OXIDIZED CONTACTS LEADING TO A FAILURE OF THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. DEALER COULD NOT EXPLAIN WHY CONTACTS "INSIDE" CAR IN A PROTECTED AREA COULD "OXIDIZE", BUT INDICATED THAT THEY HAD LEARNED FROM SERVICE BULLETINS THAT THIS WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH CARS IN THE NORTHEAST. WIRING HARNESS PART COST $17.13 BUT THE LABOR TO REPLACE WAS $207.13 FAILURE OF SUCH A CRITICAL PART DUE TO SIMPLE OXIDATION, ESPECIALLY WHERE THE PART IS PROTECTED INSIDE THE VEHICLE SUGGESTS THAT THE PART WAS NOT DESIGNED APPROPRIATELY TO RESIST OXIDATION/CORROSION. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT COULD RESULT IN A FAILURE OF THE AIRBAG SYSTEM WITH POSSIBLE INJURY. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 24, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE PERFORMING A ROUTINE INSPECTION AND OIL CHANGE, THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE ROTORS WERE CRACKED. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE ROTORS. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED AND THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY WEAR. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 40,000. UPDATED 11/07/07 *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jul 26, 2007, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN SHE PLACED THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY . THE CONSUMER HIT A POLE THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO REV AND ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A GATED DISPLAY OF PROPANE TANKS AND AN ICE-CREAM MACHINE. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS GOING TO THE DEALER BECAUSE HER CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT WORKING. UPDATED *LJ
Air bags, Jul 23, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT BOUGHT A USED CAR FROM A SUBARU DEALER, WHICH HAS A LIMITED WARRANTY FOR 90 DAYS. SHE DISCOVERED THAT THERE ARE NO AIR BAGS IN THE VEHICLE ALONG WITH A NON-WORKING INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. THE COST TO REPAIR OR INSTALL THE AIR BAGS IS $1,200. SHE STATED THAT THE DEALER MISREPRESENTED THE VEHICLE REGARDING THE AIR BAGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 52,000.
Air bags, Jul 18, 2007
AFTER PICKINGTHE CAR UP FROM AN OIL CHANGE I NOTICED THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS ON. I DROVE THE CAR BACK TO DEALERSHIP, AND TECHNICIAN TOLD ME THAT FROM ADJUSTING THE SEAT THE WIRES HAD BECOME BENT/LOOSE, AND THEY WOULD HAVE TO TAKE OUT SEAT AND RESOLDER THE WIRES SO THE AIRBAGS COULD FIRE PROPERLY. ARE YOU SUPPOSED TO BE ABLE TO ADJUST YOUR SEATS? *AK
Vehicle speed control, Jul 18, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE RELEASED THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT HIM DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE THROTTLE PLATE WAS STUCK OPEN. AS OF JULY 18, 2007, THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 42,878. UPDATED 09/18/07 *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 2, 2007
LATCHES ON THE FORRESTER CANNOT BE OPENED UNLESS YOU HAVE A KEY FOB. THERE IS NO WAY TO ACCESS THE TAILGATE WITHOUT THE BATTERY OPERATED FOB. IF YOU HAVE A CHILD THAT GETS INTO THE CAR WITHOUT YOUR KNOWLEDGE, OR IF THERE IS AN ACCIDENT AND THE DOORS WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE SIDE. HOW WILL YOU GET OUT THE BACK--THERE IS NO WAY TO EVEN ACCESS WITH A KEY FROM THE OUTSIDE. IF YOU ARE IN AN ACCIDENT AND YOU LOOSE TRACK OF YOUR FOB TOO BAD, YOU CAN'T GET OUT FROM THE BACK. I MYSELF CARRY DOGS IN CRATES IN THE BACK OF THE FORRESTER. HAD I REALIZED THAT WHEN I HAVE CRATES, OR ANY OTHER LARGE ITEM IN BACK YOU DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO THE BACK, I WOULD HAVE NEVER PURCHASED THE CAR. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I CALLED THE DEALER AND ASKED HOW TO OPEN THE BACK OF THE CAR AND THEY SAID YOU HAVE TO REMOVE A PANEL. IF YOU ARE ON FIRE--YOU HAVE TO WAIT TO GET THE PANEL OFF TO GET THE DOOR OPEN, BUT IF YOU CAN'T GET TO THE BACK BECAUSE OF DOG CRATES, BABY CARRIAGES, CRIBS, PLAYPENS ETC. HOW WOULD YOU GET OUT. I WOULD LIKE TO GIVE A WRITTEN HARD COPY REPORT. 2. SUBARU KNOWS THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE HEADGASKET? MANIFOLD GASKET THAT THERE IS A DEFECT. WHEN IT GOES BAD, YOU MAKE THE FIX IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN--WHY DOES THE OWNER HAVE TO FOOT THE BILL WHEN I WAS TOLD, BY THE MECHANIC, THAT IN FACT SUBARU KNOWS THIS AND IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THE GASKET WILL GO, BUT ONCE YOU MAKE THE CORRECTION IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 6, 2007
ON MONDAY NIGHT, 5 FEB. 2007, WHEN I PARKED MY CAR IN THE GARAGE IT SMELLED STRONGLY OF GASOLINE. I CHECKED UNDER THE HOOD AND THE ODOR SEEMED TO BE COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I DID NOT SEE ANY GASOLINE LEAKING. THE STRENGTH OF THE ODOR SEEMS TO BE RELATED TO THE COLD WEATHER (15-20 DEG. F). THAT MONDAY WAS THE FIRST TIME THAT I HAD EVER NOTICED THE SMELL OF GASOLINE EMANATING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE ODOR WAS SO INTENSE THAT I DECIDED TO PARK THE CAR OUTSIDE AS A PRECAUTION. I DROVE THE CAR TUESDAY MORNING AND PARKED IT IN THE GARAGE AND IT SMELLED OF GAS AGAIN. AS THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE HAS INCREASED, THE INTENSITY OF THE SMELL HAS DECREASED. DURING VERY COLD WEATHER SMALL AMOUNTS OF GASOLINE SEEMED TO BE LEAKING FROM ONE OF THE FUEL LINES OR ESCAPING FROM THE ENGINE. ON 9 FEBRUARY, I BROUGHT THE CAR TO DEALER (HERITAGE SUBARU, OWINGS MILLS, MD) SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND ASKED THEM TO INVESTIGATE THE CAUSE OF THE GASOLINE SMELL. THE DEALER REPLACED THREE SHORT RUBBER FUEL HOSES (P/N 807707130) FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE REPLACED HOSES SHOWED NO SIGN OF WEAR, HOLES, CUTS, ABRASIONS ETC., BUT THE DEALER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE INDICATED THAT FUEL HAD PERMEATED THE HOSE MATERIAL ALLOWING FUMES AND POSSIBLY SMALL AMOUNTS OF FUEL TO ESCAPE. THIS PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE A DEFECT IN MATERIAL OR DESIGN SINCE THE CAR IS ONLY 3.5 YEARS OLD AND THE REPLACED HOSES SHOW NO SIGNS OF WEAR (I.E., OLD AND NEW HOSES APPEAR ON THE OUTSIDE TO BE IDENTICAL). I HAVE THE OLD HOSES AND CAN PROVIDE THEM FOR INSPECTION. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 11, 2007
DEALER ADVISED THE HEAD GASKET IS LEAKING COOLANT AND RECOMMENDED REPAIR WHICH WILL REQUIRE EXTENSIVE LABOR. VEHICLE ONLY HAS 69,000 MILES. VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED 20 NOV 2002 AND HAD A 60,000 MILE/5 YEAR POWER TRAIN WARRANTY. SERVICING WAS DONE ON A REGULAR BASIS AND VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN EXCESSIVELY. *NM
Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 6, 2007
FUEL LINE FAILED, LEAKING FUEL IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 10, 2007
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU FORESTER. THE VEHICLE'S FAILURE OCCURRED ON FOUR OCCASIONS. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE HEAD GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED A SUBARU DEALER AND NORTH AMERICAN SUBARU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE'S MILEAGE EXCEEDED 100,000 IT REQUIRED A NEW HEAD GASKET. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE PREVIOUS INCIDENT WAS A LEAK IN THE RADIATOR, WHICH WAS REPAIRED AND THE CONTACT SUSPECTED THE HEAD GASKET WAS THE CAUSE OF THE PREVIOUS LEAK. THE SECOND INCIDENT WAS A COOLANT LEAK WHICH WAS ALSO REPAIRED, WHICH OCCURRED TWO DAYS AFTER THE ORIGINAL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER ANDWAS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 17, 2006
TOOK FORESTER INTO SUBARU DEALER FOR 3K OIL CHANGE; WAS TOLD THAT ALMOST ALL OF MY ANTI-FREEZE WAS GONE AND THAT THE HEAD GASKETS WERE LEAKING, NEEDING REPLACEMENT AT $1500. MILES ON VEHICLE: 78K, PURCHASED 6/02 NEW, ALL MAINTENANCE PERFORMED AT DEALER PER SCHEDULE. AT THIS TIME, I'M LOOKING INTO WEBSITES TO IDENTIFY IF THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT'S SYSTEMIC WITH THIS VEHICLE, AND LOOKING INTO ALTERNATIVE SOURCES TO FIX VEHICLE TO REDUCE COST. *JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Oct 7, 2006
I RECENTLY HAD AN UNCOMFORTABLE AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS INCIDENT WITH MY 2003 FORESTER, AT, OF ALL PLACES, THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. I HAD STOPPED TO DISCUSS A SERVICE APPOINTMENT. UPON LEAVING, MY FORESTER WOULD NOT START, BUT EXHIBITED SYMPTOMS OF INITIALLY FUEL STARVATION, AND THEN POOR IGNITION; IT RAN FOR 1/2-1 MINUTE, MISSING FREQUENTLY AND THEN WOULD DIE; WITHIN A FEW MINUTES, IT WOULD NOT RUN AT ALL, SUGGESTING EITHER COMPLETE FUEL OR IGNITION FAILURE. THE TOYOTA SERVICE DEPARTMENT CLOSED AT 6, AND THEIR SUGGESTION WAS TO TOW THE FORESTER TO THE NEARLY SUBARU DEALERSHIP, ONE BLOCK AWAY. AND SUGGEST THAT NEXT TIME I GET A RAV4. THE SUBARU SERVICE DEPARTMENT CLOSED AT 5:30, OF COURSE, AND THERE WERE ONLY SALESPEOPLE PRESENT. THEIR SUGGESTION WAS TO ALSO TOW THE CAR TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT. FINALLY, THE SALES MANAGER SUGGESTED THAT IT MIGHT BE THE SECURITY SYSTEM. OF COURSE, MY FORESTER DID NOT HAVE THAT OPTION, BUT HE SAID THAT HE UNDERSTOOD MOST OF THE CIRCUITRY EXISTED, AND THAT CERTAIN COMBINATIONS OF LOCKING/UNLOCKING THE DOOR WITH THE KEY, OR THE DOOR SWITCH, COULD ACTIVATE THE IGNITION CUTOFF. HE TOLD ME TO SHUT ALL THE DOORS AND THEN LOCK/UNLOCK THE DOORS TWICE WITH THE REMOTE. I WALKED BACK, DID THAT, AND THE FORESTER STARTED. AFTER DRIVING BACK AND THANKING HIM, I CAREFULLY READ BOTH THE OWNER'S MANUAL AND THE SEPARATE MANUAL FOR THE REMOTE/SECURITY SYSTEM. THERE IS NO MENTION OF THIS POTENTIAL PROBLEM. LUCKILY, THIS HAPPENED IN DAYLIGHT, WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF THE SUBARU DEALER, AND THERE ALSO HAPPENED TO BE SOMEONE THERE WHO COULD SUGGEST A CURE. 1) IS THIS A KNOWN FAULT IN THE SYSTEM? 2) IF KNOWN (AND THE MANAGER SAID HE HAD HEARD OF SEVERAL CASES) WHY IS THERE NOT SOME DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBLEM AND THE SIMPLE SOLUTION. *JB
Air bags, Electrical system, Sep 14, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE HARNESS ASSEMBLY UNDERNEATH THE FLOOR BOARD WAS NOT LONG ENOUGH TO MAINTAIN A CONNECTION AND RECOMMENDED A KIT BE INSTALLED. AFTER THE KIT WAS INSTALLED, THE AIR BAG LIGHT WENT OFF.
Air bags, Aug 21, 2006
2003 FORESTER FOR PAST 2 YEARS THE AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON AFTER STARTING ABOUT ONCE A MONTH. SUBARU TECHNICIAN FOUND THAT THE AIR BAG CONNECTOR UNDER DRIVERS SEAT WAS LOOSE AND HE PLUGGED IT BACK IN. THAT FIXED IT FOR ABOUT A MONTH. SINCE THEN WHEN LIGHT COMES ON I HAVE TO REACH UNDER SEAT FROM REAR FOOT AREA AND WIGGLE BOTH PLUGS, AIR BAG LIGHT GOES OUT AND WORKS FOR ABOUT A MONTH THEN I HAVE TO REPEAT THE PROCEDURE. I DO NOT LIKE THE IDEA OF MY AIRBAG BEING DISABLED BY A LOOSE PLUG. WHAT IF I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AFTER THE PLUG LOOSENED BUT BEFORE I RESTARTED MOTOR (APPARENTLY COMPUTER ONLY CHECKS AIR BAG CIRCUIT EACH TIME CAR IS STARTED AND LIGHT DOES NOT COME ON WHEN CONNECTOR BECOMES LOOSE). *JB
Air bags, Seat belts, Jul 11, 2006, crash
MARCH 16TH 2006. 5:00 PM. IT HAD SNOWED EARLIER THAT DAY. WITNESS CLAIMS THE 2003 SUBARU FORESTER SLID IN A CURVE INTO AN ON COMING LANE. UNIT SPUN AROUND AND WAS HIT IN THE LEFT REAR CORNER(TAIL LIGHT SECTION) SHOVING THE REAR BODY PANEL AND QUARTER PANEL INSIDE THE UNIT BEHIND THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT. LEFT REAR TIRE WAS TORN FROM THE UNIT. THE REAR SHADE COVER (CARGO AREA) FLEW OUT OF IT'S HOLDERS NOW BENT IS A (V-SHAPE) AND HIT MY WIFE IN HER RIGHT TEMPLE, ADDING TO THE HEAD TRAUMA SHE RECEIVED WHEN THE SEAT BELTS FAILED AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED. HER FOREHEAD HIT THE STEERING WHEEL, THE LEFT BACK PART OF THE HEAD WAS CRUSHED HITTING THE HINGE PILLAR AND RIGHT TEMPLE WAS BRUISED FROM THE REAR CARGO COVER. IN SECONDS, LEFT HER BLEEDING TO DEATH IN THIS UNIT. I CALLED SUBARU CORP. IN MARCH TO INFORM THEM OF THE ACCIDENT (JUST) IN CASE THEY WANTED TO INVESTIGATE. (NOT INTERESTED) (VERY RUDE) I STILL HAVE THE UNIT HERE IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO CHECK IT OUT. IT'S (SUPPOSE) TO BE THE SAFEST UNIT ON THE ROAD? *JB