Subaru Forester 2003...Anyone else have this problem-engine suddenly dies?

I have an 03 and 04 forester and I've not had this issue yet. Have you checked subaruforester.org or NASIOC yet? I didn't think the IAC's were very expensive for these.. like 30 bucks range? IAC's do go bad and will either stick open and make you look like an idiot at red lights because the engine is revving and idling and revving and idling out of your control. Or it will stick shut and turn off the engine because of a lack of air. Additionally, if you unplug your IAC (some older cars you can and it will still run) but the ECU needs the input and will turn off. I am not a tech nor engineer, so I can't explain the design there, electrically or mechanically or other. However, you might try some circuit cleaner (dissipates extremely rapidly with low residue) that you can pick up at auto zone / advance / other and clean that connector. Maybe you just have a weak/dirty connection. The best thing to do is start cheap/simple and work your way up. I'd also suggest a cheap ebay manual (e-version, buy, get the code, download the manual) or research google images to trace that wiring loom to see if it is near anything that could pinch/cut one of those wires. Additionally, you could check the resistance per wire if you know where the next connector is and your multimeter reaches. "vacuum leak" sounds interesting.. is that AT the IAC or just a vacuum leak in general? I think the IAC is a very small piece with two internal holes with a spring loaded valve, basically. Older vehicles used hoses. Unless the gasket is flawed. You could try turning on your car and spraying some of that cleaner on the matting edges and see if the idle raises. Additionally, you'll want to make sure that there is not a vacuum leak in the intake tubing because your sensors at the front end are inputing one value and your IAC may be trying to offset the leak? Like the mechanic said, potentially there are a lot of variables. Cheap and simple first.