One problem related to tank assembly has 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.
We're the owners of a 2003 Subaru Forester (about 90 000 miles). For at least 6 months after we fill the gas tank, we detect gas fumes near the rear wheels - exterior only. As the tank's level goes down, the smell will go away. We are not over-filling; in fact we will fill before the pump "clicks off". There is no dripping of gas and our mechanic has checked for leaks/overflows etc and has found nothing. Obviously something is wrong and we are not the only owners who have complained about this exterior smell (it seems to have been very prevalent in the 2002 model). The dealer has been no help. We hope NHTSA can help us. Thanks.