The 2003 Subaru Forester is a SUV that came with a 2.5L 4-cyl engine. At 23 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.
| Body style | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD |
|---|---|
| Engines | 2.5L 4-cyl |
| Transmissions | Automatic 4-spd, Manual 5-spd |
| Drive | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 19 city / 24–25 highway / 21 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $3,200 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 423 grams per mile |
| Versions tested by EPA | 2 configurations |
| Age | 23 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls covering the 2003 Subaru Forester. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.
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…
Risk: A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Risk: In the event of a crash, the front seat belts could unlatch, which could result in personal injury to the seat occupant.
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.
Risk: The vehicle could then move/roll without prior warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Owners have filed 189 complaints about the 2003 Subaru Forester with NHTSA. 17 reports involved a crash. Owners reported 9 injuries.
Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2003 Subaru Forester.
| Version | Overall | Frontal crash | Side crash | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Dr | Not rated | — | — | ★★★☆☆ | — |
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP). Ratings from different model years or rating systems aren't directly comparable.
Manufacturers have filed 151 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 2003 Subaru Forester. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
This announcement provides information on a new software update for the Midtronics Dss and DCA machines.
This bulletin provides paint code information for 2027 model year vehicles.
This announcement provides an update to all 2027 model year Subaru warranty coverages for wear items and adjustments.
This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. This is an revised version
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
NHTSA opened 1 defect investigation covering the 2003 Subaru Forester.
Front suspension control arm failure
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 vehicl
‹ Sell a 2002 Forester · Sell a 2004 Forester › · All Subaru Forester years
It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. As a heavier vehicle, its scrap weight adds to the offer. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.
Yes. We buy 2003 Foresters that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2003 Subaru Forester; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.
Data retrieved October 2026.
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