Two problems related to side/window air bag 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.
: the contact stated while driving at 35 mph on a gravel road a deer ran out in front of the vehicle. The contact tapped the brake pedal to miss the deer; this in turn caused the contact to lose control. The vehicle hit a double post head on, then slid down an embankment and stood on its nose. It then flipped onto the driver's side, rolled onto its top and then rested on its wheels. Seat belts were in use, but did not restrain the occupant. Frontal and side airbags did not deploy, injuries were sustained. The insurance company inspected the vehicle, but they could not determine why the air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was totaled, the manufacturer has been consulted.
Subaru replaced regular seats with leather after market seats. Also, Subaru stated that side impact air bags in rear may not deploy properly. Please describe details.