2002 Subaru WRX recalls
Reported Dec 4, 2009 · 5,724 vehicles affected · SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
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.
2002 Subaru WRX problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 275 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 67 | |
| Fuel System, Other | 27 | |
| Power Train | 19 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 16 | |
| Service Brakes, Air | 15 | |
| Visibility | 8 | |
| Suspension | 6 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 6 | |
| Air Bags | 3 | |
| Electrical System | 3 | |
| Structure | 3 | |
Most reported parts
- Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings — 155
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 54
- Fuel System, Other › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings — 18
- Service Brakes, Air › Antilock — 13
- Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery — 13
- Power Train › Manual Transmission — 11
- Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Fuel Rail — 10
- Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System — 8
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 40,000 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 2002 Subaru WRX complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Fuel/Propulsion System · at 148,000 miles · reported Oct 6, 2018
A fuel line under the intake manifold located on the passenger side is leaking gas on cold starts. This is my second time dealing with this issue. As of now, it is only leaking gas when the engine is cold, but the leaking is starting to get worse and faster than before. The first time I had this issue it was leaking gas regardless of engine temperature. It is only a matter of time before it starts to leak at any given moment with a possibility to cause a fire putting my life and others at risk. I live in the state of california and this recall has only been announced for "cold weather" states.…
Fuel/Propulsion System · at 50 miles · reported Mar 14, 2017
I have the terrible gasoline smell in and outside of the car as a result of a recall that is not valid in the state of ohio. As subaru thinks ohio is not a cold weather state and has denied the recall on my vehicle. It smells the whole house. It is sickening. I have been putting up for it since I bought the vehicle and AM the original owner. According to the recall, it can cause a fire. I cannot purchase another car, and subaru will not honor the recall because I live in ohio (A very very cold state).
Structure · at 75,000 miles · reported Dec 19, 2016
The body is deteriorating so fast. I laugh at the subaru commercial where the parents give their kids the old car. I would not trust the old subaru to keep my children safe. I've had to replace the frame, and AM letting the body rust. The sickening smell of fumes like gas in the winter are horrible. When I keep the subaru in the garage, it makes my whole house toxic with fumes. Subaru will not honor the recall on it, because I AM in ohio, and ohio is not a "cold-weather" state, but do they realize we have tons of snow and frigid temperatures in the winter. I can't stand by subaru no longer…
Engine · at 177,000 miles · reported Dec 13, 2016
Fuel rail on 2002 wrx is leaking heavily on the engine. This is a high fire hazard as well as noxious for passengers in the car as it smells heavily of fuel. Since I live in washington state subaru of america has not honored the recall they've put in other states for this exact issue. Subaru has denied warranty repair due to the extended warranty expiring for this issue in 2013. I was never notified of this issue. I AM the original owner of this car and have taken it in for every other recall issue that I've been notified of. This is reckless and dangerous. The local repair shop has said they…
Fuel/Propulsion System · at 100,000 miles · reported May 12, 2016
There is a constant raw fuel smell when driving, to the point of making me feel sick, cant even drive my car without all the windows down, ive reasurched this issue with other models using the same engine & componints that are on the recall list, but I can not get any help from anyone at subaru, even with explaining its the exact same problem as ither the forester or outback... Of a raw fuel smell from a fulty gas line under the manifold,,, not cool that they are willing to compromise my safety to avoid doing the fix, or addmiting the defect affects the 2002 wrx
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2002 Subaru WRX have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2002 Subaru WRX: 09V-468 (fuel system, gasoline). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Subaru WRX?
Owners report fuel system, gasoline problems most often (275 reports), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (67). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 40,000 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.