2003 Subaru Forester Fuel/propulsion System Problems
NHTSA component category: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM · data through 07/14/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
How fuel/propulsion system ranks on this vehicle
Share of the 189 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2003 Subaru Forester overview page.
What owners report
“IN FREEZING WEATHER A VERY STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE FILLS THE CAR. I HAVE YOUNG CHILDREN THAT RIDE IN THIS VEHICLE AND IT'S A HEALTH…”NHTSA complaint 10659175 — filed 11/19/2014
“WHEN TEMPERATURE IS LESS THAN 32, THE INSIDE OF THE CAR SMELLS LIKE GAS. IT GETS WORSE WHEN THE HEAT IS TURNED ON. FUMES ARE…”NHTSA complaint 10655002 — filed 11/14/2014
“RECENTLY NOTICED A STRONG SMELL OF PURE GASOLINE WHEN IT IS COLD OUTSIDE. THE SMELL ISN'T SO BAD UNTIL YOU TURN ON THE HEATING SYSTEM…”NHTSA complaint 10563722 — filed 02/10/2014
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Fuel/propulsion System complaints by year filed
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Subaru Forester have fuel/propulsion system problems?
Fuel/propulsion System is the #2 most-reported problem area on the 2003 Subaru Forester: 26 of 189 complaints on file (13.8%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.
How many complaints does the 2003 Subaru Forester have in total?
189 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Across all categories, 17 involved a crash, 0 involved a fire, 9 reported injuries, and 2 reported deaths.
What does NHTSA's fuel/propulsion system category include?
NHTSA assigns each complaint to standard component categories; this page reports the FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM category exactly as NHTSA defines and records it.
