Four problems related to coolant leaking have been reported for the 2003 Subaru Forester. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2003 Subaru Forester based on all problems reported for the 2003 Forester.
As I was driving the check engine light came on for the first time - it is now on continuously due to fuel cap. I pulled over at a service station only to realize my oil was next to empty. I promptly filled and continued the final half hour to my destination. Upon arrival I inspected the engine from under the hood & below the car. It was at this time I noticed build up and fluid around both head gaskets. Initially there was oil residue only, now, 18 months later I have coolant and oil leakage & cannot afford to spend the $1800 I have been quoted to replace the head gaskets. Very disappointed in Subaru for not handling this in a better way. My brother has the same car (year make & model) and has similar issues at fewer miles. My parents have a 2008 outback and had their head gaskets fail at 54,000 miles. Unacceptable. I enjoy everything about my Subaru except for the excessive amount it will cost to fix such a common design flaw.
My 2003 Subaru Forester - purchased new - currently has 55,000 miles on it. It was last serviced 3 months ago. At that time, nothing was mentioned about coolant problems or leaks. Last week, on the turnpike, the rpm needle started swinging wildly and I lost power. I managed to get to the shoulder of the turnpike and shut down and by that time smoke was pouring out from the engine. The problem diagnosed is that the coolant had leaked at the head gaskets - a problem that I am now learning Subaru has known about for some time. I have to replace the engine at a cost of at least $2600. I was never contacted by Subaru or the dealership to inform me that this may be a problem although I consistently have received notifications about repurchasing an extended warranty. Obviously, a 2003 vehicle with 55,000 miles on it has not been driven excessively. Comments I have heard are that "you're still breaking in the engine".
I purchased a new Subaru Forester xs in July 2003 and had it serviced regularly at now defunct Subaru dealerships. While I was driving one day, the car suddenly overheated. The foreign and domestic auto service mechanic I was able to reach showed me that the engine was leaking coolant in 3 places, requiring a costly repair of the head gasket. I learned from him that this head gasket failure was a common problem with Subarus. I had the car under warranty with Subaru for 60,000 miles. At no time was I notified by the dealer from whom I purchased the car or by any Subaru service center, that special coolant was required to mitigate this defect. I had the car repaired at a cost of over $2,000.
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.