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2003 Subaru Forester brakes problems

10 complaints (5% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 18,046. 2 crashes reported.

owner complaints
10
of this car's complaints
5%
typical mileage
18,046
crashes
2
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Foundation components: disc: rotor
    3
  • Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
    2
  • Pedals and linkages
    1
  • Foundation components: master cylinder
    1
  • Foundation components: drum: wheel cylinders
    1
  • Foundation components: drum
    1
  • Foundation components
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Subaru Forester brakes problems in other years

199820052010201520202026

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2003 Subaru Forester owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 3, 2013 · Acceleration, Airbags · NE · crash · 1 injury

2013 subaru. Consumer writes in regards to brake problems. *smd the consumer stated almost from the moment, he purchased the vehicle, he and his wife experienced problems with the brakes. The consumer stated on two occasions, his wife experienced a slow brake response. The consumer stated the first time the incident happened, his wife was driving downhill and when she attempted to apply the brake, the vehicle would not stop, which resulted in an accident. His wife suffered a back injury. The second time the incident happened, his wife was driving again, and the brakes did not respond. Consequently, his wife had another accident. The consumer also stated the air bags did not deploy in either accident. Updated 04/04/14

Filed Sep 24, 2007 · Brakes · 40,000 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 subaru forester. While performing a routine inspection and oil change, the mechanic noticed that the rotors were cracked. The mechanic replaced the rotors. The dealer and manufacturer were notified and they stated that the failure was caused by wear. The current and failure mileages were 40,000. Updated 11/07/07

Filed Jul 11, 2006 · Brakes · 18,046 miles · NC

2003 subaru forester purchased may 2003 1. Brakes did not feel correct - low brake pedal 2. Made appointment at aaa auto mark car care center for brakes to be checked 3. Aaa auto mark car care center person said that our master cylinder was leaking and needed to be replaced. Our vehicle mileage - 18046 - and even that the car was out of warranty (36 months maximum), they contacted the local subaru but subaru said seeing the car was out of the 36 month warranty period, subaru would not pay for the part or repair. 4. We had to have the vehicle repaired so aaa auto mark car care center purchased the parts needed (1- master cylinder, 2 wheel cylinders) and replaced them. We asked for and received the old parts. 5. My husband and I have had many cars over many years and never have had to replace a master cylinder even though the mileage driven on the cars was much higher than 18046 on the subaru.

Filed Feb 28, 2006 · Airbags, Brakes · 59,287 miles · CO · crash · 1 injury

Dt*: 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.

Filed May 13, 2005 · Acceleration, Brakes · 11,000 miles · NY

While backing out of a parking space the vehicle accelerated. No impact reported. *ak the problem had not been completely corrected. The consumer almost hit a pedestrian in a parking lot due to this problem. When backing out, the vehicle started out slow but would then surge in reverse. The brakes felt spongy. The front brake pads were sticking to the sliders. The pads were removed and the corrosion was cleaned. The vehicle accelerated like it was in cruise and when the consumers foot was taken off of the gas, the speed would remain the same. *sc

Filed Nov 23, 2004 · Brakes · AR

Rotor prematurely worn. Car was purchased 10/03. Rotors have had to be turned twice since purchase date.

Filed Apr 21, 2004 · Brakes · 15,000 miles · PA

Brake rotors failed at 15,000 miles. Consumer stated that 2,000 miles later the rotors needed to be replaced again.

Filed Sep 29, 2003 · Brakes · 12,000 miles · WA

Had started to brake in order slow down vehicle and felt the brake pedal going to the floor. Vehicle failed to stop right away. Had been in contact with dealership concerning brakes. Problem had not been resolved.

Filed Jun 11, 2003 · Brakes · VT

The emergency brake was engaged, consumer drove the vehicle, and burned other part of the rear brake system. Dealer replaced drum and wheel cylinder.

Filed Nov 26, 2002 · Brakes · MA

Consumer called complaining about having problems with the brakes . Also states that while she is driving and steps on the brake pad the brake pad feels like if something is absorbing the pad. Dealer was contacted and stated that is normal because a new brake system. Ts

Questions about the 2003 Subaru Forester brakes

Does the 2003 Subaru Forester have brakes problems?

Owners have filed 10 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 Subaru Forester, 5% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2003 Subaru Forester brakes problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 18,046 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2003 Subaru Forester brakes?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Subaru Forester have bad brakes?

The Subaru Forester model years with the most brakes complaints are 2010 (37 complaints), 2015 (36 complaints) and 2014 (31 complaints).

Other 2003 Subaru Forester problems

Fuel system 57Engine 31Airbags 25Suspension 22Body 19Acceleration 15Transmission 9Visibility 8Electrical 4Locks 4Steering 4Seat belts 3Seats 3Tires 3Wheels 2

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