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 after telling them there is a recall on the suspension. Went to go get a alignment and was told it's severely unsafe to drive and the subframe is about to snap! The mechanic gave me photos and a report to return it imatelt but the used car lot said well u had every chance and I did it the mechanical stuff checked but the car place said everything is in good condition!
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2003 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while investigating the vehicle mileage at [XXX] , it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 21,084; however, the contact later discovered that on July 20, 2022, the mileage was 220,251. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2003 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the front of the vehicle and the contact became aware that the power steering was not functioning properly. After a visual inspection of the exterior of the vehicle, the contact observed that the passenger’s side wheel appeared to have detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed failures with the frame rail, stabilizer, and lower control arm. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the lower control arm had fractured from the frame. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V464000 (Suspension). The VIN was included, and the vehicle was repaired in 2018. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 117,000.
The contact owns a 2003 Subaru Forester. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V464000 (Suspension). The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer where an inspection was performed but nothing was replaced. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speed, the lower control arm cracked. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the lower control arm was rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000.
The 2003 Subaru Forester Sub Frame is rusted. I live in Illinois.
Safety Recall: WVX34 NHTSA Campaign: 11V464000 The front lower passenger side control arm completely rusted in half. It occurred while parking vehicle, fortunately not driving at high speed. The recall was previously completed by Subaru dealership in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 2011. According to service records, they had been treated with anti-corrosion coating... I purchased the vehicle from a family member of the original owner, weeks ago, December 2021. It had been serviced regularly by the dealership and now has 162,000 miles. This structural failure of the lower control arm could have been extremely disastrous if driving at speed on the road or highway! I contacted my local dealership in Traverse City, MI, and was told by the service advisor the recall had been completed and would not be covered again for subsequent replacement. My vehicle is undrivable and Subaru is not standing behind their parts or workmanship.
Safety Recall: WVX34 NHTSA Campaign: 11V464000 The front lower passenger side control arm completely rusted in half. It occurred while parking vehicle, fortunately not driving at high speed. The recall was previously completed by Subaru dealership in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 2011. According to service records, they had been treated with anti-corrosion coating... I purchased the vehicle from a family member of the original owner, weeks ago, December 2021. It had been serviced regularly by the dealership and now has 162,000 miles. This structural failure of the lower control arm could have been extremely disastrous if driving at speed on the road or highway! I contacted my local dealership in Traverse City, MI, and was told by the service advisor the recall had been completed and would not be covered again for subsequent replacement. My vehicle is undrivable and Subaru is not standing behind their parts or workmanship.
I bought the 2003 Forrester off Craig's list While driving the car the steering is very loose and sways on the road . I noticed a small it was funny I could not identify it. I woke latter that night with a headache at the base of my skull and was extremely dizzy and nausea. I felt that way. Through out. The day. I drove it a short. distance the next day with the windows down. I begin hearing a grinding. Thumping noise in the rear . tites or brakes .bur it sounded like it was going to fall apart. The inside of the car had a oily dust all over it. And the funny smell. I looked. At exhaust. Pipe to see. How it looked and I put my finger in what was coming. Our. And it was dark oil. I have not driven the car since. I found out the name on the tittle is not who sold me the car. He lied to me about every thing. He said buyers remorse. I believe the car unsafe to drive I could have bern killed.
1 injured
I bought the 2003 Forrester off Craig's list While driving the car the steering is very loose and sways on the road . I noticed a small it was funny I could not identify it. I woke latter that night with a headache at the base of my skull and was extremely dizzy and nausea. I felt that way. Through out. The day. I drove it a short. distance the next day with the windows down. I begin hearing a grinding. Thumping noise in the rear . tites or brakes .bur it sounded like it was going to fall apart. The inside of the car had a oily dust all over it. And the funny smell. I looked. At exhaust. Pipe to see. How it looked and I put my finger in what was coming. Our. And it was dark oil. I have not driven the car since. I found out the name on the tittle is not who sold me the car. He lied to me about every thing. He said buyers remorse. I believe the car unsafe to drive I could have bern killed.
1 injured
THE HEAD GASKET FAILED IN A MANNER WHICH CAUSED ENGINE OIL TO LEAK ONTO THE HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD. A STRONG BURNING ODOR IS PRESENT AFTER THE ENGINE WARMS UP COMPLETELY.
WHEN AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE IS COLD (BELOW ABOUT 20-30 F), THE VEHICLE GIVES OFF A STRONG GASOLINE SMELL. THIS IS CAUSED BY THE FUEL RAIL CONTRACTING TO THE POINT THAT SOME FUEL IS SPRAYED ONTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. OBVIOUSLY, THIS IS A FIRE RISK.
WHEN AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE IS COLD (BELOW ABOUT 20-30 F), THE VEHICLE GIVES OFF A STRONG GASOLINE SMELL. THIS IS CAUSED BY THE FUEL RAIL CONTRACTING TO THE POINT THAT SOME FUEL IS SPRAYED ONTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. OBVIOUSLY, THIS IS A FIRE RISK.
THE HEAD GASKET FAILED IN A MANNER WHICH CAUSED ENGINE OIL TO LEAK ONTO THE HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD. A STRONG BURNING ODOR IS PRESENT AFTER THE ENGINE WARMS UP COMPLETELY.
I HAVE A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE PROPOSED RECALL REMEDY FOR NHTSA ID: 21E002000 . THE NOTICE SAYS, "NINGBO WILL NOTIFY DISTRIBUTORS, AND OWNERS, AND WILL REPLACE THE BULB WITH HALOGEN BULBS, FREE OF CHARGE." THIS OFFERED REPLACEMENT OF THEIR DEFECTIVE LED BULB WITH A HALOGEN BULB IS NOT AN ACCEPTABLE RECALL REMEDY BECAUSE LED BULBS ARE FAR SUPERIOR TO HALOGEN BULBS. ESPECIALLY LED BULBS LAST MUCH LONGER AND DRAIN MUCH LESS POWER FROM THE CAR'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM THAN HALOGEN BULBS. I ORIGINALLY BOUGHT THEIR LED BULBS BECAUSE OF THESE ADVANTAGES AND REPLACING THEM WITH INFERIOR HALOGEN BULBS DEFEATS THE PURPOSE OF HAVING BOUGHT LED BULBS TO BEGIN WITH.
TL* THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER OWNS A 2003 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SWAY FROM SIDE TO SIDE WITHOUT WARNING WHILE MAKING AN ABNORMAL METALLIC GRINDING SOUND. HIS DAUGHTER PULLED OVER AND CALLED HIM FOR ASSISTANCE UPON ARRIVAL, HE NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONT TIRE WAS NOT FACING FORWARD. THE CONTACT THEN INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE WAS DETACHED FROM THE CONTROL ARM. THE CONTACT ALSO DISCOVERED THAT THE CV SHAFT WAS ALSO DETACHED FROM THE TRANSMISSION, WHICH RESULTED IN OIL LEAKING ONTO THE CROSS MEMBER. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT SLOWLY DROVE THE VEHICLE TO HIS RESIDENCE. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V464000 (SUSPENSION) WHICH HE LINKED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE RECALL REMEDY WAS ALREADY PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO A LOCAL DEALER AND NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 190,000.*DT*JB*DT THE CONSUMER PROVIDED PHOTOS AND DOCUMENTS. *TR*DT
MY MOTHER WAS PULLING HER CAR OUT OF THE GARAGE WHEN IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED & SHOT DOWN THE DRIVEWAY, ACROSS THE STREET, THRU THE NEIGHBOR'S HOUSE AND LANDED IN THEIR BACKYARD. THE CAR JUST MISSED MY FATHER IN THE DRIVEWAY AND THE NEIGHBORS IN THEIR HOUSE. THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER SAID THE CAR WAS AIRBORNE WHEN IT WENT THRU THE FRONT DOOR BASED ON THE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT DOOR & THE SKID MARKS ON THE TILE IN THE HALLWAY. THE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. A FEW MONTHS PRIOR TO THIS MY MOTHER WAS PARKING THE CAR WHEN IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. IT CROSSED THE SIDEWALK AT THE STORE & HIT ANOTHER CAR. AT THE TIME SHE THOUGHT THAT HER FOOT MUST HAVE SLIPPED OFF THE BRAKE. MY FATHER DROVE IT A FEW WEEKS AFTER THAT & SAID IT WANTED TO ACCELERATE WHILE HE WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT WITH HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROX. 72,000.
Crash
MY MOTHER WAS PULLING HER CAR OUT OF THE GARAGE WHEN IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED & SHOT DOWN THE DRIVEWAY, ACROSS THE STREET, THRU THE NEIGHBOR'S HOUSE AND LANDED IN THEIR BACKYARD. THE CAR JUST MISSED MY FATHER IN THE DRIVEWAY AND THE NEIGHBORS IN THEIR HOUSE. THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER SAID THE CAR WAS AIRBORNE WHEN IT WENT THRU THE FRONT DOOR BASED ON THE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT DOOR & THE SKID MARKS ON THE TILE IN THE HALLWAY. THE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. A FEW MONTHS PRIOR TO THIS MY MOTHER WAS PARKING THE CAR WHEN IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. IT CROSSED THE SIDEWALK AT THE STORE & HIT ANOTHER CAR. AT THE TIME SHE THOUGHT THAT HER FOOT MUST HAVE SLIPPED OFF THE BRAKE. MY FATHER DROVE IT A FEW WEEKS AFTER THAT & SAID IT WANTED TO ACCELERATE WHILE HE WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT WITH HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROX. 72,000.
Crash
FRONT SUBFRAME ON THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE RUSTS AWAY CAUSING FAILURE. COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND COULD INJURE PASSENGERS. TURNING OR HITTING BUMPS COULD CAUSE IT TO SNAP DUE TO EXTRA FORCE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE WHICH EMITTED FROM THE PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONT SUSPENSION OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE, GOING FROM THE RIGHT LANE TO THE EXTREME LEFT LANE, DOWN AN EMBANKMENT INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO OTHER VEHICLE INVOLVED. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE CONTACT STATED ON INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT BECAME AWARE THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM FRACTURED WHICH CAUSED THE SEPARATION OF THE WHEEL FROM THE SUSPENSION. THE FRACTURE CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE INSIDE WHEEL WELL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE. MILLER SUBARU (1592 NJ-38, LUMBERTON, NJ 08048, (609) 267-4000) WAS CONTACTED AND NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V464000 (SUSPENSION). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT WAS NOT GIVEN PROOF THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,000.
Crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT NOTICED EXTENSIVE RUST, CORROSION, AND HOLES AROUND THE FRONT FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC REPLACED THE FRONT FRAME, AND THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE CONTROL ARMS. IN ADDITION, THE REAR FRAME AND DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARMS WERE ALSO INSPECTED WITH THE EXPECTATION THAT THOSE PARTS HAD ALSO DETERIORATED AND MAY NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED OR EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V464000 (SUSPENSION) AND WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE11011 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT NOTICED EXTENSIVE RUST, CORROSION, AND HOLES AROUND THE FRONT FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC REPLACED THE FRONT FRAME, AND THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE CONTROL ARMS. IN ADDITION, THE REAR FRAME AND DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARMS WERE ALSO INSPECTED WITH THE EXPECTATION THAT THOSE PARTS HAD ALSO DETERIORATED AND MAY NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED OR EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V464000 (SUSPENSION) AND WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE11011 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM SEPARATED AT THE WELD SEAM WHILE MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE CAR. THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT TIRE SWUNG REARWARD AND OUTWARD BECAUSE THE FRONT PORTION OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM SEPARATED FROM THE REST OF THE CONTROL ARM. THIS PULLED THE CAR OFF THE ROAD BUT LUCKILY SHE WAS TRAVELING AT A SLOW SPEED ON A SIDE ROAD ON HER WAY TO GET ON THE INTERSTATE AND WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR STOPPED BEFORE CRASHING. HAD THIS HAPPENED AT ANY NORMAL ROAD SPEED SHE WOULD LIKELY HAVE DIED FROM A COMPLETE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE CAR AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. THERE WAS A RECALL IN 2011 ON THESE CARS FOR THIS VERY CONDITION. MY CAR SHOWS "COMPLETE" IN THEIR SYSTEM FOR THIS RECALL BUT IT WAS EITHER NOT ACTUALLY COMPLETED OR THE REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE EQUALLY AS DANGEROUS AND NEED TO BE RECALLED AGAIN. I NOTIFIED SUBARU OF AMERICA AND TOOK THE CAR TO A SUBARU DEALERSHIP FOR THEM TO REVIEW BUT SUBARU OF AMERICA WAS NOT CONCERNED SAYING IT SHOWED COMPLETE SO THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. SINCE THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME I HAVE FOUND OTHERS ONLINE WHO HAD SUBARU DEALERS COMPLETE THE RECALL WITHOUT CHANGING SEVERELY CORRODED LOWER CONTROL ARMS JUST LIKE MINE. I AM AFRAID THAT OTHER PEOPLE OR THEIR CHILDREN ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING THEIR LIVES DUE TO SUBARU'S NEGLIGENCE. MANUFACTURER: SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. MFR'S REPORT DATE: SEP 06, 2011 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V464000 NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE11011 COMPONENT: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM POTENTIAL NUMBER OF UNITS AFFECTED: 295,123 THIS IS SUBARU'S SAFETY RECALL NUMBER WVX-34.
FUEL LEAKS FROM THE FUEL LINES AROUND THE ENGINE WHEN IT'S COLD.
FUEL LINE LEAKING UNDER 20 DEGREE TEMPS, SMELLS STRONGLY OF GAS INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHILE IDOLING AS WELL AS DRIVING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE DURING COLD WEATHER, AN ODOR OF FUEL WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE WOULD ONLY OCCUR IN TEMPERATURES BELOW 25 DEGREES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NEIL HUFFMAN SUBARU DEALER LOCATED AT 4916 DIXIE HWY, LOUISVILLE, KY 40216 WHO TIGHTEN AND RE-CLAMPED THE FUEL LINES BUT THE FAILURES CONTINUED TO OCCURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,000. *TT *TR
VEHICLE WAS ORIGINALLY RECALLED IN 2011/2012 FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V464000 NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE11011. AT TIME, DEALER CONDUCTED PUNCH TEST AND DETERMINED LOWER CONTROL ARM TO "PASS" AND USED SOME TYPE OF ANTI-CORROSION SPRAY. FAST FORWARD TO 2017 AND LOWER CONTROL ARMS HAVE "FAILED" PUNCH TEST WITH SIGNIFICANT CORROSION. I ONLY DETECTED THIS FAILED, AND POTENTIALLY LIFE THREATENING CONDITION OF VEHICLE, BY PERSONALLY INSPECTING UNDER CARRIAGE PRIOR TO GIVING VEHICLE TO 16 YEAR-OLD SON AS FIRST CAR. I CAN ONLY IMAGINE HOW MANY OF THESE SUBARU FORESTERS THAT WERE PREVIOUSLY, AND QUITE CONVENIENTLY DETERMINED TO PASS BY PUNCH TEST, ARE OUT THERE ON THE STREETS AND HIGHWAYS WITH POTENTIAL SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES TO THE UNKNOWING OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES. I RESPECTFULLY SUBMIT THAT SUBARU SHOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE OPTION TO "PUNCH" TEST THESE LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN MADE TO REPLACE THESE CRITICAL PARTS. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE SUBARU ADDRESS THE ISSUE. TO DATE, I HAVE CONTACTED SUBARU OF AMERICA AND HAVE BEEN DENIED ANY REMEDY, NOR ALLOWED TO TALK TO A SUPERVISOR.
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND LEFT FRONT WHEEL LOCKED UP CAR WENT OUT OF CONTROL AND ENDED UP IN A DITCH. LUCKY WAS ONLY DRIVING 35 MPH AND NOT OUT ON THE FREEWAY. THIS HAPPENED ON A RURAL ROAD WITH LIMITED TRAFFIC. LEFT FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE AND WHEEL CAME UP AGAINST THE INNER FENDER AND CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL. THIS BROKE THE CV AXLE IN HALF AND ALSO BROKE THE TIE ROD ENDS. BOTH WHEELS POINTED OUTWARD FOUND A RECALL 11464000 AND IT WAS NEVER COMPLETED ON THE CAR. JUST BOUGHT THE CAR IN PA 2 WEEKS AGO.
Crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED, A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. UPON EXITING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT FOUND NO DAMAGE. UPON RE-ENTERING THE VEHICLE AND DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO MOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS FRACTURED. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM AND SWAY BAR LINK WERE SEVERELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V464000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 162,000. ..UPDATED 05/09/17 *BF UPDATED 05/17/2017*JS
WHEN THE WEATHER TURNS COLD THERE THE SMELL OF GASOLINE IN THE CABIN IT HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS IN IDLE MODE WHEN DRIVING THE SMELL DISSIPATES BUT YOU CAN STILL SMELL IT FAINTLY I NOTICED IT LAST YEAR I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP IN SEPTEMBER 2016 AND THEY NOTICED A POOLING OF GASOLINE BUT THEY NOTICE ANYTHING BECAUSE THE WEATHER WAS WARM SO THEY TIGHTENED THEY TIGHTENED THE ENGINE TO THE CHASSIS
THREE YEARS AGO, WE STARTED TO NOTICE A FUEL SMELL WHEN DRIVING OUR 2003 SUBARU FORESTER ON VERY COLD DAYS (BELOW 20 DEGREES). WE TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL SUBARU DEALER FOR SERVICE. THEY COULDN'T FIND A SPECIFIC LEAK, BUT THEY TIGHTENED THE CLAMPS AROUND THE FUEL LINES. WE CONTINUED TO NOTICE THE SMELL AND TOOK THE CAR TO OTHER SERVICE CENTERS TO SEE IF ANOTHER MECHANIC COULD FIND THE SOURCE OF THE ODOR. WE RECENTLY TOOK THE DARK BACK TO THE SUBARU DEALER AND WERE INFORMED THAT THE FUEL LINES NEED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $700. WE DID SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND FOUND MANY SUBARU OWNERS COMPLAINING OF SIMILAR ISSUES ON FORESTER AND OTHER SUBARU MODELS MANUFACTURED IN THE EARLY 2000S. OTHER OWNERS REPORTED THAT THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT WITH THE CAR. GIVEN THE SAFETY RISK OF LEAKING FUEL, WE URGE NHTSA TO INVESTIGATE. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REVERSE AT 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO MOVE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, GOING STRAIGHT, WHEN SUDDENLY MY CAR STARTED ACCELERATING AT FULL SPEED. I CHECKED AND MADE SURE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BREAK INSTEAD OF THE GAS, WHICH IT WAS. THE CAR PROCEEDED TO MOVE FORWARD EVEN WITH BOTH OF MY FEET AND ALL OF MY WEIGHT ON THE BREAK, AND IT STARTED ACCELERATING AGAIN BECAUSE THE BREAK COULD NOT STOP IT OR HOLD ON. I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THREW THE CAR IN PARK EVEN THOUGH IT WAS STILL GOING 15 MPH AND CLIMBING. EVEN IN PARK, THE ENGINE WAS GOING AS HARD AS IT COULD GO. I HAVE NOT DRIVEN THE CAR SINCE.
I WAS GETTING NEW TIRES PLACED ON MY VEHICLE WHEN MY MECHANIC NOTICED THAT MY CONTROL ARMS AS WELL AS THE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED OUT. I CONTACTED SUBARU WHO STATED THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE CONTROL ARMS FOR RUSTING OUT BUT NOT ON THE SUBFRAME. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO SUBARU DEALERSHIP TO GET CONTROL ARMS PLACE ON A MECHANIC FROM THE DEALER SHIP CONTACTED ME. HE STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS IN BAD SHAPE AND THAT IF THEY WERE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE THEY COULD NOT PASS THE INSPECTION PER THE LEVEL OF RUST AND CORROSION OF THE SUBFRAME. THEY STATED THAT BOTH THE FRONT AND REAR SUBFRAME WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED/FIXED. MY MECHANIC HAS NEVER SEEN A SUBFRAME CORRODE SO BADLY IN SUCH A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. THE LAST THING ON A CAR TO GO SHOULD BE THE SUBFRAME AND FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THERE IS OBVIOUSLY A SAFETY ISSUE WITH THIS AND I AM REALLY SURPRISED THERE IS NO RECALL IN REF TO THIS. I AM NOT SURE HOW THEY DON'T KNOW THIS IS AN ISSUE WHEN THEY KNOW THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE CONTROL ARMS.
LAST WINTER ON COLD DAYS I NOTICED STRONG FUEL SMELL COMING INTO INTERIOR CABIN OF CAR, ATTRIBUTED IT TO DIRTY AIR FILTER, CHANGED IT AND WEATHER GOT NICE SO SMELL WAS GONE. NOW IT'S JANUARY AGAIN AND COLD TEMPS HAVE ARRIVED, NOTICED THE SMELL AGAIN WORSE THAN EVER. WHILE TAKING CAR FOR OIL CHANGE THE TECHNICIAN TOLD ME I HAVE A FUEL LEAK AND THAT IS WHY THE CAR SMELLS LIKE GAS. NOW I WON'T DRIVE MORE THAN 10 MILES FEARFUL THAT I MAY WIND UP IN A ROLLING FIREBALL. SINCE THERE A MULTITUDES OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE REGARDING THIS, I THINK SUBARU OF AMERICA NEEDS TO DO 1 THING..RECALL AND REPLACE AT NO CHARGE TO OWNERS. IT SMELLS WHEN IT IS STARTED, SMELLS DURING INITIAL DRIVE AND FOR QUITE SOME TIME -- DRIVING WITH WINDOWS DOWN AT 30 DEGREES AND BELOW IS DIFFICULT, I DID IT DURING OUR BLIZZARD TOO. AREA AROUND ENGINE REEKS OF FUEL AS WELL. I ALREADY HAD TO REPLACE HEAD GASKETS ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THOSE FOR THE PRIOR FEW YEARS WHICH MY MODEL WASN'T COVERED UNDER. INSTALLED NEW MUFFLER SO THAT'S NOT IT EITHER.
EVERYONE THE TEMPERATURE GETS BELOW FREEZING THERE IS A TERRIBLE GASOLINE SMELL THAT FILLS THE CABIN OF THE CAR. IT IS ALMOST TO THE POINT WHERE YOU CANNOT DRIVE THE CAR AND IT CAUSES HEADACHES. THIS HAPPENS WHEN STARTING THE CAR AND WHILE DRIVING IT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, THE CONTACT WAS NOTIFIED THAT THE FRONT SUSPENSION HAD SEVERE CORROSION AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V464000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
INSPECTION OF VEHICLE IN JULY 18,2003 REQUIRED REPLACEMENT OD BOTH SUBFRAME BARS DUE TO SEVERE RUST. SECOND INCIDENT INVOLVED SEVERE LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. LOWER CONTROL ARM, AND DRIVERS SIDE AXLE BROKE, AND BENT WHICH CAUSED VEHICLE TO HOP, JUMP, LOSS OF STEERING. STOPPED BY RUNNING ALONG SIDE OF CURB. HAD TO REPLACE AXLE AND LOWER CONTROL ARM DUE TO SEVERE RUST. MECHANIC SAID PARTS WERE BACK ORDER FOR MONTHS. WAS NOT ABLE TO REPLACE SO HE RESHAPED A 2002 SUBARU ASSEMBLY TO RETURN MY VEHICLE, AFTER 11 DAYS ON HIS LIFT. I AM 73 YRS. OLD AND HAVE CHRONIC ANXIETY ISSUES. AM STILL AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE PASSENGER SIDE ALSO LOOKS RUSTY.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE REVERSING AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V464000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,000.
TODAY I WAS AT MY MECHANICS TO REPLACE A MUFFLER. AFTER RAISING THE CAR UP ON THE RACK HE NOTICED DESTRUCTIVE RUST THAT WAS COVERING AND INUNDATING THE K FRAME AND FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS (TRANSVERSE LINKS). IN SEPTEMBER OF 2012 I WAS AT GARY LANG SUBARU (ILLINOIS) FOR AN UNRELATED ISSUE. THE SAFETY RECALL FOR MY VEHICLE , WVX-34, REQUIRED AN INSPECTION AND REPAIRS, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACEMENT OR CORROSION TREATMENT OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS (TRANSVERSE LINK). ACCORDING TO SUBARU OF AMERICA, THAT RECALL WAS "COMPLETED". THE SUBARU OPERATOR (KAYLA) COULD NOT ELABORATE ON THE TERM "COMPLETE". NO MENTION OF ANY SPECIFIC ACTION WAS REPORTED. TODAY, DURING THE INSPECTION OF SAID AREA, MY MECHANIC INDICATED THAT NO PROOF EXISTED OF EITHER CORRECTIVE ACTION, EITHER UNDERCOATING OR MECHANICAL REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN, AND AT SOME POINT IT IS POSSIBLE THAT LOSS OF CONTROL WILL FOLLOW IF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BREAKS. I WILL PURSUE THE SUBARU DEALER FOR REPAIRS BUT HAVE NO IDEA IF THEY WILL ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY.
TODAY I WAS AT MY MECHANICS TO REPLACE A MUFFLER. AFTER RAISING THE CAR UP ON THE RACK HE NOTICED DESTRUCTIVE RUST THAT WAS COVERING AND INUNDATING THE K FRAME AND FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS (TRANSVERSE LINKS). IN SEPTEMBER OF 2012 I WAS AT GARY LANG SUBARU (ILLINOIS) FOR AN UNRELATED ISSUE. THE SAFETY RECALL FOR MY VEHICLE , WVX-34, REQUIRED AN INSPECTION AND REPAIRS, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACEMENT OR CORROSION TREATMENT OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS (TRANSVERSE LINK). ACCORDING TO SUBARU OF AMERICA, THAT RECALL WAS "COMPLETED". THE SUBARU OPERATOR (KAYLA) COULD NOT ELABORATE ON THE TERM "COMPLETE". NO MENTION OF ANY SPECIFIC ACTION WAS REPORTED. TODAY, DURING THE INSPECTION OF SAID AREA, MY MECHANIC INDICATED THAT NO PROOF EXISTED OF EITHER CORRECTIVE ACTION, EITHER UNDERCOATING OR MECHANICAL REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN, AND AT SOME POINT IT IS POSSIBLE THAT LOSS OF CONTROL WILL FOLLOW IF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BREAKS. I WILL PURSUE THE SUBARU DEALER FOR REPAIRS BUT HAVE NO IDEA IF THEY WILL ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY.
TODAY I WAS AT MY MECHANICS TO REPLACE A MUFFLER. AFTER RAISING THE CAR UP ON THE RACK HE NOTICED DESTRUCTIVE RUST THAT WAS COVERING AND INUNDATING THE K FRAME AND FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS (TRANSVERSE LINKS). IN SEPTEMBER OF 2012 I WAS AT GARY LANG SUBARU (ILLINOIS) FOR AN UNRELATED ISSUE. THE SAFETY RECALL FOR MY VEHICLE , WVX-34, REQUIRED AN INSPECTION AND REPAIRS, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACEMENT OR CORROSION TREATMENT OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS (TRANSVERSE LINK). ACCORDING TO SUBARU OF AMERICA, THAT RECALL WAS "COMPLETED". THE SUBARU OPERATOR (KAYLA) COULD NOT ELABORATE ON THE TERM "COMPLETE". NO MENTION OF ANY SPECIFIC ACTION WAS REPORTED. TODAY, DURING THE INSPECTION OF SAID AREA, MY MECHANIC INDICATED THAT NO PROOF EXISTED OF EITHER CORRECTIVE ACTION, EITHER UNDERCOATING OR MECHANICAL REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN, AND AT SOME POINT IT IS POSSIBLE THAT LOSS OF CONTROL WILL FOLLOW IF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BREAKS. I WILL PURSUE THE SUBARU DEALER FOR REPAIRS BUT HAVE NO IDEA IF THEY WILL ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY.
WE PURCHASED THIS CAR NEW AND MAINTAINED IT ACCORDING TO THE MANUFACTURER'S MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE. HOWEVER, AROUND 75,000 MILES THE HEAD GASKETS STARTED LEAKING. AFTER EACH USE OF THE CAR, OIL WOULD LEAK ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND PRODUCE A BURNT OIL SMELL IN THE GARAGE; NOT GOOD. THE LEAK REMAINED LIMITED AND OUR SERVICE TECHNICIAN (AAA-APPROVED), ADVISED US TO NOT MAKE ANY REPAIRS RIGHT AWAY, BUT TO MONITOR THE LEAK. THE LEAKING BECAME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE AND AFFECTED BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE OF THE BOXER CYLINDER HEADS. AT 90,000 MILES, THE LEAKS REQUIRED A FULL HEAD GASKET REPAIR, NECESSITATING EXTRACTION OF THE ENTIRE ENGINE. WHILE THIS WORK WAS DONE, TIMING BELT, WATER PUMP AND OTHER UNRELATED MAINTENANCE ISSUES WERE PERFORMED. THE MAIN COMPLAINT WE HAVE IS WITH THE PREMATURE FAILURE OF THIS BOXER ENGINE'S HEAD GASKETS. SUBARU *KNOWS* THERE IS A PROBLEM AS IT RECOMMENDS AN COOLANT ADDITIVE FOR OLDER ENGINES IN AN ATTEMPT TO POSTPONE THE HEAD GASKET PROBLEMS. AND A QUICK GOOGLE SEARCH REVEALS THAT MANY THOUSANDS OF SUBARU OWNERS HAVE HAD HEAD GASKET PROBLEMS, YET SUBARU OF AMERICA (SOA) HAS NEVER ISSUED A RECALL. IF THE BOXER ENGINE DESIGN IS PRONE TO HEAD GASKET PROBLEMS, AS IT APPEARS TO BE IN SUBARUS, AND FAILURES HAPPEN WELL BEFORE 100,000 MILES, SUBARU SHOULD STAND BEHIND ITS DESIGN AND COMPENSATE OWNERS FOR THESE EXPENSIVE FAILURES. OUR REPAIR COST NEARLY $4,000, WITH NO GUARANTEE THAT IT WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN. WE BELIEVE SOA SHOULD ISSUE RECALL FOR A FAULTY ENGINE DESIGN, AND DEVELOP A HEAD GASKET THAT WILL STAND THE TEST OF TIME! SOA CONTINUES TO BUILD THIS SAME ENGINE INTO ITS CURRENT MODELS, AND THE PURCHASERS OF THESE VEHICLES WILL EACH DISCOVER THE HEAD GASKET PROBLEM, WHEN WARRANTIES HAVE EXPIRED AND REQUIRE EXPENSIVE REPAIRS. IF THESE PROBLEMS HAD LED TO CRASHES SOA BE FORCED TO ISSUE A RECALL.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND A GRINDING NOISE EMITTED OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO INFORMED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SUBFRAME COMPLETELY RUSTED. IN 2012, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V464000 (SUSPENSION) AND A RUSTPROOF SOLUTION WAS APPLIED TO THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR THE MOST RECENT FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
FIRST EVENT WAS IN DECEMBER 2014, LONG ISLAND, NY: AFTER DRIVING FOR ABOUT 3 MILES, STOPPED WITH CAR SHUT OFF FOR ABOUT 30 MINUTES, WHEN RESTARTING, THERE WAS A VERY STRONG FRESH/RAW GAS ODOR IN THE CAR. SICKENING ODOR. THIS HAPPENS SPORADICALLY. THE LOCAL SUBARU DEALER DID A SMOKE TEST, SAID THEY FIXED IT BY TIGHTENING CLAMPS ON FUEL RAIL ON 2/11/15. THE ODOR CONTINUES SPORADICALLY. NOW, MARCH 3, 2015, THEY WANT TO REPLACE HOSES ON FUEL RAILS. MILEAGE IS JUST OVER 92,200. *TR
ON WINTER DAYS, WHERE TEMPERATURES ARE NOT UNUSUALLY LOW FOR A NORTHERN STATE, THE FUEL LINES ON THE FORESTER WILL SHRINK AND CONTRACT. THE RESULT IS THAT FUEL WILL LEAK OUT OF THE LINE RESULTING IN TWO THINGS, FUEL VAPORS IN THE CABIN AND FUEL PUDDLING ON THE ENGINE. FUEL PUDDLING ON THE ENGINE REPRESENTS ON OBVIOUS SAFETY HAZARD IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE. THE HEAVY FUEL VAPORS AND ODOR IN THE CABIN CAUSED ME TO BECOME NAUSEOUS AND LIGHT HEADED. IN ORDER TO DRIVE HOME SAFELY, THE WINDOWS HAD TO BE OPENED ALMOST COMPLETELY. LUCKILY THEY WERE NOT FROZEN UP, WHICH IS ALSO COMMON IN WINTER MONTHS. THERE HAVE ALSO BEEN SEVERAL DAYS WHERE WIND CHILL ALONE COULD RESULT IN FROST BITE IN ONLY A FEW MINUTES. I COULD NOT HAVE ROLLED DOWN MY WINDOWS SAFELY ON THOSE DAYS OR IN SIMILAR TEMPS BECAUSE OF THE ADDED VEHICLE SPEED. SOA IS AWARE THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM, BUT REFUSES TO CORRECT THE ISSUE OR ADMIT THAT IT APPLIES TO MOST OF ITS MODELS. THE PROBLEM EVEN CONTINUES ON LATER MODELS. THIS IS A WELL KNOWN ISSUE, SEE THIS THREAD THAT SPANS SEVERAL YEARS (CONTINUING TODAY): HTTP://WWW.SUBARUFORESTER.ORG/VBULLETIN/F87/SMELL-GAS-COLD-STARTS-41319/ THE LINES AND PROBLEM ARE ALMOST IDENTICAL TO THE IMPREZA ISSUE, WHICH RESULTED IN SUBARU SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER 09-36-03. *TR
ON WINTER DAYS, WHERE TEMPERATURES ARE NOT UNUSUALLY LOW FOR A NORTHERN STATE, THE FUEL LINES ON THE FORESTER WILL SHRINK AND CONTRACT. THE RESULT IS THAT FUEL WILL LEAK OUT OF THE LINE RESULTING IN TWO THINGS, FUEL VAPORS IN THE CABIN AND FUEL PUDDLING ON THE ENGINE. FUEL PUDDLING ON THE ENGINE REPRESENTS ON OBVIOUS SAFETY HAZARD IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE. THE HEAVY FUEL VAPORS AND ODOR IN THE CABIN CAUSED ME TO BECOME NAUSEOUS AND LIGHT HEADED. IN ORDER TO DRIVE HOME SAFELY, THE WINDOWS HAD TO BE OPENED ALMOST COMPLETELY. LUCKILY THEY WERE NOT FROZEN UP, WHICH IS ALSO COMMON IN WINTER MONTHS. THERE HAVE ALSO BEEN SEVERAL DAYS WHERE WIND CHILL ALONE COULD RESULT IN FROST BITE IN ONLY A FEW MINUTES. I COULD NOT HAVE ROLLED DOWN MY WINDOWS SAFELY ON THOSE DAYS OR IN SIMILAR TEMPS BECAUSE OF THE ADDED VEHICLE SPEED. SOA IS AWARE THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM, BUT REFUSES TO CORRECT THE ISSUE OR ADMIT THAT IT APPLIES TO MOST OF ITS MODELS. THE PROBLEM EVEN CONTINUES ON LATER MODELS. THIS IS A WELL KNOWN ISSUE, SEE THIS THREAD THAT SPANS SEVERAL YEARS (CONTINUING TODAY): HTTP://WWW.SUBARUFORESTER.ORG/VBULLETIN/F87/SMELL-GAS-COLD-STARTS-41319/ THE LINES AND PROBLEM ARE ALMOST IDENTICAL TO THE IMPREZA ISSUE, WHICH RESULTED IN SUBARU SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER 09-36-03. *TR
VERY STRONG GAS SMELL IN VEHICLE CABIN DURING COLD WEATHER. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V464000 (SUSPENSION). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER COATED THE CONTROL ARMS, BUT THE CONTROL ARMS WERE RUSTED THROUGH. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CONTROL ARMS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000.
BAD RAW FUEL ODOR IN CABIN IN COLD WEATHER, HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR WEEKS. WENT ONLINE, FOUND TONS OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS, SUBARU OF AMERICA HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL FOR THE 2003 FORESTER, EVEN THOUGH THIS IS A VERY COMMON AND DANGEROUS SAFETY PROBLEM. *JS