Frame Rust problems of the 2003 Subaru Forester

Five problems related to frame rust 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.

1 Frame Rust problem

Failure Date: 02/01/2016

I was getting new tires placed on my vehicle when my mechanic noticed that my control arms as well as the subframe was rusted out. I contacted Subaru who stated there was a recall on the control arms for rusting out but not on the subframe. When the vehicle was brought to Subaru dealership to get control arms place on a mechanic from the dealer ship contacted me. He stated that the subframe was in bad shape and that if they were inspecting the vehicle they could not pass the inspection per the level of rust and corrosion of the subframe. They stated that both the front and rear subframe would have to be replaced/fixed. My mechanic has never seen a subframe corrode so badly in such a short period of time. The last thing on a car to go should be the subframe and frame of the vehicle. There is obviously a safety issue with this and I am really surprised there is no recall in ref to this. I am not sure how they don't know this is an issue when they know there was an issue with the control arms.

2 Frame Rust problem

Failure Date: 04/22/2015

Tl-the contact owns a 2003 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 mph, the accelerator pedal was depressed and a grinding noise emitted outside of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed that the front passenger's side subframe completely rusted. In 2012, the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 11v464000 (suspension) and a rustproof solution was applied to the front lower control arms. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired for the most recent failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000. Djr.

3 Frame Rust problem

Failure Date: 12/30/2013

I had my vehicle serviced at ramsey Subaru and was told the front sub frame is rusted and needs to be repaired. It seems more like the thin cheap metal is the problem. This is a big safety problem and they told me the warranty is only good for 5 years.

4 Frame Rust problem

Failure Date: 02/29/2012

The contact owns a 2003 Subaru Forester . The contact stated that he received notification of NHTSA campaign id number: 11v464000. (suspension: front:control arm:lower arm) and the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for repairs. The dealer advised the contact that the repair could not be performed because the sub frame was rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 69,000. Updated 03/28/lj the consumer stated after contacting Subaru of America, they agreed to cover all costs associated with the repair, including the replacement of the subframe. Updated 03/30/jb.

5 Frame Rust problem

Failure Date: 10/01/2011

The contact owns a 2003 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being inspected, it was discovered that the front passenger wheel assembly was found severely corroded. The vehicle was repaired. The front wheel assembly was replaced. The failure mileage was 180,000 and the current mileage was 183,000. Updated 7/9/12 the right side frame assembly was rusted and corroded. Updated 07/10/12.


Other Structure related problems of the 2003 Subaru Forester



Safety Ratings of Forester Cars
Fuel Economy of Forester Vehicles
Forester Service Bulletins
Forester Safety Recalls
Forester Defect Investigations