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2003 Subaru Forester

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2003 Subaru Forester do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 131.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

151 reports with mileage · 38 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 31 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 26 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 25 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

17 crash reports0 fire reports9 injury reports

Fuel System, Gasoline complaints

31 reports
Clear category filter
90,000 miles · Dec 10, 2012
Fuel System, Gasoline

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE FUEL TANK WAS FULL, THE VEHICLE WOULD EMIT AN OVERPOWERING GASOLINE ODOR INTO THE INTERIOR CABIN. THE VAP VALVE WAS REPLACED BY A SERVICE CENTER BUT DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE CONTACT VERIFIED THAT THERE WAS NOT A FUEL LEAK PRESENT. THE VEHICLE W…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE FUEL TANK WAS FULL, THE VEHICLE WOULD EMIT AN OVERPOWERING GASOLINE ODOR INTO THE INTERIOR CABIN. THE VAP VALVE WAS REPLACED BY A SERVICE CENTER BUT DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE CONTACT VERIFIED THAT THERE WAS NOT A FUEL LEAK PRESENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 113,000. UPDATED 01/18/13*LJ UPDATED 1/25/2013 *JS

NHTSA ODI #10487891

35,000 miles · Mar 3, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE IN COLD WEATHER TEMPERATURES, THE VEHICLE WOULD EXHIBIT AN UNUSUALLY OVERPOWERING GASOLINE FUEL ODOR FROM THE INTERIOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS YET THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHIC…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE IN COLD WEATHER TEMPERATURES, THE VEHICLE WOULD EXHIBIT AN UNUSUALLY OVERPOWERING GASOLINE FUEL ODOR FROM THE INTERIOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS YET THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER RECALL AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 35,000.

NHTSA ODI #10386335

85,000 miles · Feb 17, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

WE'RE THE OWNERS OF A 2003 SUBARU FORESTER (ABOUT 90 000 MILES). FOR AT LEAST 6 MONTHS AFTER WE FILL THE GAS TANK, WE DETECT GAS FUMES NEAR THE REAR WHEELS - EXTERIOR ONLY. AS THE TANKS LEVEL GOES DOWN, THE SMELL WILL GO AWAY. WE ARE NOT OVER-FILLING; IN FACT WE WILL FILL BEFORE THE PUMP "CLICKS OFF". THERE IS NO DRIPPING OF GAS…

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WE'RE THE OWNERS OF A 2003 SUBARU FORESTER (ABOUT 90 000 MILES). FOR AT LEAST 6 MONTHS AFTER WE FILL THE GAS TANK, WE DETECT GAS FUMES NEAR THE REAR WHEELS - EXTERIOR ONLY. AS THE TANKS LEVEL GOES DOWN, THE SMELL WILL GO AWAY. WE ARE NOT OVER-FILLING; IN FACT WE WILL FILL BEFORE THE PUMP "CLICKS OFF". THERE IS NO DRIPPING OF GAS AND OUR MECHANIC HAS CHECKED FOR LEAKS/OVERFLOWS ETC AND HAS FOUND NOTHING. OBVIOUSLY SOMETHING IS WRONG AND WE ARE NOT THE ONLY OWNERS WHO HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS EXTERIOR SMELL (IT SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN VERY PREVALENT IN THE 2002 MODEL). THE DEALER HAS BEEN NO HELP. WE HOPE NHTSA CAN HELP US. THANKS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10383098

115,000 miles · Jan 24, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

THE PREVIOUS NIGHT WAS -17, I DIDN'T DRIVE THE CAR ALL DAY. AT 6:30 PM I DROVE THE CAR FOR 1/2HOUR, ALL WAS WELL. 2 HOURS LATER (-3 DEGREES) I GOT IN THE CAR AND DROVE 15 MIN AT WHICH TIME I CAME TO A STOP SIGN AND TURNED RIGHT ONTO ANOTHER ROAD AND THE SMELL OF GAS INSIDE THE CAR BEGAN. I LOOKED UP THE SYMPTOMS ONLINE AND FOUN…

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THE PREVIOUS NIGHT WAS -17, I DIDN'T DRIVE THE CAR ALL DAY. AT 6:30 PM I DROVE THE CAR FOR 1/2HOUR, ALL WAS WELL. 2 HOURS LATER (-3 DEGREES) I GOT IN THE CAR AND DROVE 15 MIN AT WHICH TIME I CAME TO A STOP SIGN AND TURNED RIGHT ONTO ANOTHER ROAD AND THE SMELL OF GAS INSIDE THE CAR BEGAN. I LOOKED UP THE SYMPTOMS ONLINE AND FOUND I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE. NO ACTION HAS BEEN TAKEN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10378535

85,000 miles · Dec 13, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline

2003 SUBARU FORESTER XS - FUEL SMELL IN CABIN DURING COLD WEATHER. SIMILAR TO THE MANY POSTS OUT THERE, THERE IS AN UNBEARABLE SMELL OF GAS IN THE CABIN OF MY CAR. I HAVE TO ROLL WINDOWS DOWN IN THE FREEZING WEATHER TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE. I'VE READ IT IS DUE TO CONTRACTING FUEL LINES THAT THEN LEAK. FIRE HAZARDS ARE OBVIOUS,…

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2003 SUBARU FORESTER XS - FUEL SMELL IN CABIN DURING COLD WEATHER. SIMILAR TO THE MANY POSTS OUT THERE, THERE IS AN UNBEARABLE SMELL OF GAS IN THE CABIN OF MY CAR. I HAVE TO ROLL WINDOWS DOWN IN THE FREEZING WEATHER TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE. I'VE READ IT IS DUE TO CONTRACTING FUEL LINES THAT THEN LEAK. FIRE HAZARDS ARE OBVIOUS, BUT THE NOXIOUS GAS IS ENOUGH TO AT LEAST DISTRACT YOUR DRIVING IF NOT KNOCK YOU UNCONSCIOUS. I WILL VISIT MY DEALER THIS WEEK TO COMPLAIN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10370352

100,000 miles · Jan 31, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline

MY 2003 SUBARU FORESTER HAS A FUEL LEAK SMELL THAT ENTERS THE CAR INTERIOR.. IT'S NOT A RICH FUEL MIXTURE EXHAUST SMELL, IT'S THE SMELL OF RAW FUEL INSIDE THE CABIN. IT COMES AND GOES. I SEE ONLINE OTHERS ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM. SUBARU SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE AND FORCED TO HAVE A RECALL TO FIX THE PROBLEM ONCE AND FOR ALL. *…

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MY 2003 SUBARU FORESTER HAS A FUEL LEAK SMELL THAT ENTERS THE CAR INTERIOR.. IT'S NOT A RICH FUEL MIXTURE EXHAUST SMELL, IT'S THE SMELL OF RAW FUEL INSIDE THE CABIN. IT COMES AND GOES. I SEE ONLINE OTHERS ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM. SUBARU SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE AND FORCED TO HAVE A RECALL TO FIX THE PROBLEM ONCE AND FOR ALL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10303426

91,000 miles · Feb 20, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline

CABIN HAS STRONG FUEL SMELL WHEN STARTING IN THE MORNING. THE SMELL IS LIKE SOMEONE POURED A CUP OF FUEL ON THE FRONT SEAT. THE DEALER STATED THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE FUEL LINE LEAKING. MANY OTHER SUBARU OWNERS ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS ISSUE ON THE SUBARU OWNER WEBSITES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10259419

144,000 miles · Jan 16, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline

TODAY, I STARTED MY 2003 SUBARU FORESTED, AND LET THE CAR RUN WITH THE HEAT ON FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES WHILE I SCRAPED THE FROST OFF OF MY WINDOWS. WHEN I OPENED THE DOOR TO GET IN, THE CABIN WREAKED OF GAS FUMES. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. ONCE EACH IN JAN 2006 AND JAN 2007 I REPORTED THIS TO THE DEALERSHIP. I…

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TODAY, I STARTED MY 2003 SUBARU FORESTED, AND LET THE CAR RUN WITH THE HEAT ON FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES WHILE I SCRAPED THE FROST OFF OF MY WINDOWS. WHEN I OPENED THE DOOR TO GET IN, THE CABIN WREAKED OF GAS FUMES. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. ONCE EACH IN JAN 2006 AND JAN 2007 I REPORTED THIS TO THE DEALERSHIP. IN 2006 THEY ATTEMPTED TO REPLACE THE CLAMPS, IN '07 THEY REPLACED SOME HOSES. APPARENTLY THESE FIXES ARE STILL NOT SUFFICIENT TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. THE ONLY CURRENT SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM IS TO OPERATE THE CAR AT WARM TEMPERATURES OR LET IT WARM UP BEFORE DRIVING. THE GAS FUMES ARE STILL GETTING IN TO THE CABIN WHEN IT IDLES, THOUGH. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10255356

46,762 miles · Mar 6, 2007
Fuel System, Gasoline

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). TH…

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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

NHTSA ODI #10184384

68,000 miles · Feb 6, 2007
Fuel System, Gasoline

FUEL LINE FAILED, LEAKING FUEL IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10181794

Official recalls

3

11V464000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm

Sep 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A BROKEN CONTROL ARM CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: 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.

03V047000 · Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly

Feb 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE FRONT SEAT BELTS COULD UNLATCH, WHICH COULD RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.

Remedy: 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.

02V282000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission

Oct 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE VEHICLE COULD THEN MOVE/ROLL WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

PE11011 · Front Suspension Control Arm Failure

Opened Apr 7, 2011 · Closed Sep 23, 2011

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension; Suspension:front; Suspension:front:control Arm; Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm

On September 6, 2011, Fuji Heavy Industries USA, Inc, on behalf of Subaru of America, Inc notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) it would be conducting a safety recall of certain model year (MY) 2002 through 2007 Subaru Impreza, MY 2003 through 2008 Subaru Forester, and MY 2005 through 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold or currently registered in one the salt belt states including the District of Columbia (DC). For the purpose of this investigation, salt belt states include Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and DC.ODI's analysis of consumer complaint data identified 11 reports alleging failure of either the right or left lower control arm due to excessive corrosion. All of these complaints were associated with vehicles currently registered or originally sold in a salt belt state. Through a similar analysis of complaint and warranty data submitted to ODI by Subaru, ODI identified 18 consumer complaints and 6 warranty claims associated with failure of the left or right front lower control arm due to excessive corrosion. All of these consumer complaints associated with vehicles either currently registered of originally sold in a salt belt state.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.

Additional source detail variants (4)

Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm

On September 6, 2011, Fuji Heavy Industries USA, Inc, on behalf of Subaru of America, Inc notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) it would be conducting a safety recall of certain model year (MY) 2002 through 2007 Subaru Impreza, MY 2003 through 2008 Subaru Forester, and MY 2005 through 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold or currently registered in one the salt belt states including the District of Columbia (DC). For the purpose of this investigation, salt belt states include Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and DC.ODI's analysis of consumer complaint data identified 11 reports alleging failure of either the right or left lower control arm due to excessive corrosion. All of these complaints were associated with vehicles currently registered or originally sold in a salt belt state. Through a similar analysis of complaint and warranty data submitted to ODI by Subaru, ODI identified 18 consumer complaints and 6 warranty claims associated with failure of the left or right front lower control arm due to excessive corrosion. All of these consumer complaints associated with vehicles either currently registered of originally sold in a salt belt state.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.

Suspension:front:control Arm

On September 6, 2011, Fuji Heavy Industries USA, Inc, on behalf of Subaru of America, Inc notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) it would be conducting a safety recall of certain model year (MY) 2002 through 2007 Subaru Impreza, MY 2003 through 2008 Subaru Forester, and MY 2005 through 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold or currently registered in one the salt belt states including the District of Columbia (DC). For the purpose of this investigation, salt belt states include Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and DC.ODI's analysis of consumer complaint data identified 11 reports alleging failure of either the right or left lower control arm due to excessive corrosion. All of these complaints were associated with vehicles currently registered or originally sold in a salt belt state. Through a similar analysis of complaint and warranty data submitted to ODI by Subaru, ODI identified 18 consumer complaints and 6 warranty claims associated with failure of the left or right front lower control arm due to excessive corrosion. All of these consumer complaints associated with vehicles either currently registered of originally sold in a salt belt state.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.

Suspension:front

On September 6, 2011, Fuji Heavy Industries USA, Inc, on behalf of Subaru of America, Inc notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) it would be conducting a safety recall of certain model year (MY) 2002 through 2007 Subaru Impreza, MY 2003 through 2008 Subaru Forester, and MY 2005 through 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold or currently registered in one the salt belt states including the District of Columbia (DC). For the purpose of this investigation, salt belt states include Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and DC.ODI's analysis of consumer complaint data identified 11 reports alleging failure of either the right or left lower control arm due to excessive corrosion. All of these complaints were associated with vehicles currently registered or originally sold in a salt belt state. Through a similar analysis of complaint and warranty data submitted to ODI by Subaru, ODI identified 18 consumer complaints and 6 warranty claims associated with failure of the left or right front lower control arm due to excessive corrosion. All of these consumer complaints associated with vehicles either currently registered of originally sold in a salt belt state.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.

Suspension

On September 6, 2011, Fuji Heavy Industries USA, Inc, on behalf of Subaru of America, Inc notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) it would be conducting a safety recall of certain model year (MY) 2002 through 2007 Subaru Impreza, MY 2003 through 2008 Subaru Forester, and MY 2005 through 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold or currently registered in one the salt belt states including the District of Columbia (DC). For the purpose of this investigation, salt belt states include Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and DC.ODI's analysis of consumer complaint data identified 11 reports alleging failure of either the right or left lower control arm due to excessive corrosion. All of these complaints were associated with vehicles currently registered or originally sold in a salt belt state. Through a similar analysis of complaint and warranty data submitted to ODI by Subaru, ODI identified 18 consumer complaints and 6 warranty claims associated with failure of the left or right front lower control arm due to excessive corrosion. All of these consumer complaints associated with vehicles either currently registered of originally sold in a salt belt state.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.

Go deeper into Subaru Forester problems