2003 Subaru Forester - Maintenance & Specs
The 2003 Subaru Forester belongs to a Subaru Forester lineup that Know Your Ride tracks across 19 model years, from 1998 to 2026. Engine options on record include the 2.5L, 2.5L I4. It is configured as 4-wheel or all-wheel drive with an automatic 4-spd. The 2003 sits mid-run, with both earlier (1998) and later (2026) Forester model years also documented.
It takes 5W-30 conventional oil, 4.4 qt with a new filter meeting API SN. Fluid specs on file include Super Long Life coolant, DOT 3 brake fluid, Subaru ATF HP transmission fluid. Know Your Ride lists 14 scheduled maintenance items for this vehicle, the earliest interval falling at 7,500 miles. Documented torque values include oil drain plug 33 ft-lb, lug nut 89 ft-lb, spark plug 18 ft-lb.
NHTSA complaints for this vehicle cluster around fuel system, gasoline (26), fuel/propulsion system (20), engine and engine cooling (16). A representative report reads: "I bought a used vehicle and looked at it and they erased the codes I saw then erased it then I confronted them and was told nothing is wrong with the vehicle..." There are 3 safety recalls on record; one covers: SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002-2007 IMPREZA, MODEL YEAR 2003-2008 FORESTER, AND MODEL YEAR 2005-2006 SAAB 9-2X VEHICLES MANUFACTURED....
EPA fuel economy is rated at 19 city / 24 highway MPG, 21 MPG combined. Estimated annual fuel cost is about $2,100.
Quick Specs
| Oil viscosity | 5W-30 |
| Oil type | Conventional |
| Oil capacity (w/ filter) | 4.4 qt |
| OEM oil spec | API SN |
| Oil filter | Subaru 15208AA15A |
| EPA combined | 21 MPG |
| Tire size | 245/60R18 |
| Coolant | Super Long Life |
| Open recalls on record | 3 |
| Technical service bulletins | 26 |
Common Trouble Codes
- P0300 - Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
- P0420 - Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
- P0171 - System too Lean (Bank 1)
- P0128 - Insufficient Coolant Temperature for Stable Operation
- P0442 - Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (small leak)
- P0455 - Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (gross leak)
- P0700 - Transmission Control System Malfunction
- P0301 - Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected
- U0100 - Lost Communication With ECM/PCM A
Related Vehicles
Part of the free Know Your Ride vehicle maintenance reference. Figures are sourced from EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer data and are for general reference - always confirm with your owner's manual.