2003 Subaru Impreza recalls and problems
The 2003 Subaru Impreza has 6 safety recalls and 62 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Subaru dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2003 Subaru Impreza vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2003 Subaru Impreza recalls
Recall 11V-464: Suspension
Problem: Subaru is recalling certain model year 2002-2007 impreza, model year 2003-2008 forester, and model year 2005-2006 saab 9-2x vehicles manufactured from september 5, 2000 through november 26, 2007 originally sold, or currently registered in, massachusetts, maryland, michigan, new hampshire, new york, pennsylvania, vermont, wisconsin, connecticut, delaware, iowa, illinois, indiana, maine, minnesota, missouri, new jersey, ohio, rhode island, west virginia and the district of columbia. The front lower control arms may break at the hanger brackets due to corrosion if the hanger bracket is exposed to salty and humid environments such as roads containing snow melting agent.
Risk: A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Subaru will handle their vehicles and saab will handle theirs. Dealers will inspect the degree of corrosion of the front lower control arms, and will either rustproof or replace them. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during december 2011. Owners may contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Owners may contact saab at 1-800-955-9007.
Recall 09V-468: Fuel System, Gasoline
Problem: Subaru is recalling certain model year 2002 and 2003 impreza wrx vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of south dakota, nebraska, north dakota, minnesota, idaho, iowa, montana, colorado, wisconsin, new york, wyoming, michigan, alaska, new hampshire, vermont, and maine. During cold starts, typically under extremely cold temperatures, fuel leaks in the fuel delivery line could occur where the line connects with a rubber hose.
Risk: Fuel leaks, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel line free of charge. The recall began on december 31, 2009. Owners may contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Recall 08V-135: Latches/Locks/Linkages
Problem: Subaru is recalling 36,791 my 2002-2003 impreza wagons. The stud bolt(S) of rear gate stay may have been tightened with insufficient tightening torque and a gap may have resulted between the rear gate panel and stud bolt base. After repeated rear gate operations (Opening and closing), the rear gate inner panel at the welding nut may break, which will lead to detachment of the rear gate stay, and the rear gate dropping down.
Risk: In case someone is underneath or near the rear gate, there is a possibility that a dropping rear gate panel may hit them increasing the risk of injuries.
Fix: Dealers will inspect to see if there is any gap at the stud bolt of the rear gate stay installation. If a gap is found, the stud bolt will be removed to check for damage to the welding nut. If the weld nut is cracked, the rear gate stay will be replaced free of charge. The recall began on june 2, 2008. Owners may contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Recall 04V-342: Seats
Problem: On certain sedan and wagon model vehicles, the left front bolt that retains the forward part of the driver's seat to the seat slide rail may loosen. If the seat slide rail bolt loosens, it will eventually fall out, and the seat may separate from the seat slide.
Risk: In the event of a crash, the driver may sustain more severe injuries due to the seat movement.
Fix: Dealers will install a new left hand driver's seat rail mounting bolt. The recall began on august 20, 2004. Owners should contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Recall 04V-128: Vehicle Speed Control
Problem: On certain passenger sedans, wagons, and sport utility vehicles, the cruise control cable could come out of its track on the cruise control lever and lodge on the control lever tab when the accelerator pedal is released. If this condition occurs, the throttle will not return to the idle position and will remain in an open position.
Risk: If this occurs during vehicle operation, the driver could lose control of the vehicle, which could result in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will install a cruise control cable retaining clip to the cruise control lever tab on the throttle shaft in order to prevent the cruise control cable from coming out of its track. Owner notification began on april 12, 2004. Owners should contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Recall 02V-282: Power Train
Problem: Certain sport utility and passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions were produced with an improperly manufactured transmission parking rod. When the transmission selector lever is placed in the "p" (Park) position, the transmission park mechanism, that is intended to hold your vehicle, may not engage.
Risk: The vehicle could then move/roll without prior warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the automatic transmission parking rod assembly. Owner notification january 8, 2003. An interim owner notification will be sent during november 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
2003 Subaru Impreza problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 13 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 13 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 12 | |
| Air Bags | 4 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 4 | |
| Structure | 3 | |
| Suspension | 3 | |
| Visibility | 2 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | |
| Service Brakes, Air | 1 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | |
| Seats | 1 |
Most reported parts
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 9
- Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings — 6
- Visibility › Windshield — 2
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 2
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module — 2
- Structure › Body — 2
- Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 1
- Service Brakes, Air › Antilock — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 68,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2003 Subaru Impreza complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Subaru Impreza years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Subaru Impreza have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2003 Subaru Impreza: 11V-464 (suspension), 09V-468 (fuel system, gasoline), 08V-135 (latches/locks/linkages), 04V-342 (seats), 04V-128 (vehicle speed control) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Subaru Impreza?
Owners report service brakes, hydraulic problems most often (13 reports), followed by fuel system, gasoline (13). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 68,000 miles.
Are Subaru recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Subaru dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.