Two problems related to gas recirculation valve (egr valve) 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.
Upon starting and running the vehicle in temperatures below freezing (32 degrees f), the fuel lines near the intake manifold in the engine bay leak gasoline, transmitting an unburnt fuel smell to the cabin via the hvac system and blower fan. These fumes are toxic and therefore hazardous to motorist and passenger health. Also, fuel dripping near a hot intake manifold is a fire hazard. The lines appear corroded in spots and the fuel leak is visible and apparent. There is no recall for this issue. However, based upon the inspection, the apparent fuel leak in such close proximity to the hot engine is a major hazard for the motorist of the Forester and other motorists on the road - this issue should be resolved and Subaru should announce a recall on all (2003) Forester models.
Started and drove vehicle approx. 1 mile in 20 degree weather when I began to smell an extremely strong raw gasoline odor. The passenger compartment was inundated with the odor. I checked for leaks but did not see any(it was at night). I slowly drove home with my passenger-side windows open. Haven't driven the vehicle since. . . .