2003 Subaru WRX recalls and problems

The 2003 Subaru WRX has 1 safety recall and 60 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Subaru dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

13 / 2

Injuries / deaths

5 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Subaru WRX vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Subaru WRX recalls

Recall 09V-468: Fuel System, Gasoline

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.

2003 Subaru WRX problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	20
Fuel System, Gasoline	16
Engine and Engine Cooling	4
Power Train	4
Fuel/Propulsion System	4
Visibility	3
Vehicle Speed Control	3
Tires	2
Air Bags	2
Seats	2
Unknown or Other	2
Steering	2

Most reported parts

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 19
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings — 4
Visibility › Windshield — 2
Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner — 2
Power Train › Manual Transmission — 2
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 1
Power Train › Manual Transmission › Column Shift Assembly — 1
Tires › Tread/Belt — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 23,800 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 WRX complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Feb 22, 2019

Car was recalled in approximately 2009 for a fuel leak which could cause and engine fire. I know because I've owned this car I bought it new in 2003. The problem has reoccurred. To fix it, the intake manifold had to be removed and 3 short fuel lines had to be replaced. Work was done by alpine automotive in lake zurich, illinois. I've reached out to subaru who say they know of no issue. However, I found an article published in 2009 in us news & world report, saying that the warranty for this issue was being extended by 12 years , which puts the car still in warranty for this issue..

Fuel/Propulsion System · at 100,000 miles · reported Jan 17, 2018

Fuel leaking onto my engine block could result in my car engulfing in flames, no recall for it on my car but I see it everywhere and it's a super common problem. The cabin of the car always smells like gas usually in the cold, but when I smell the engine it smells badly of raw gasoline.

Fuel/Propulsion System · at 110,000 miles · reported Aug 16, 2017

The contact owns a 2003 subaru wrx. The contact noticed a strong fuel odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to byers airport subaru (Located at 401 n hamilton rd, columbus, oh 43213). The dealer would not repair the vehicle per NHTSA campaign number: 09v468000 (Fuel system, gasoline). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and demanded the dealer to repair the vehicle; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised that the recall had expired and he would have to pay for the repair. The failure mileage and VIN were unknown. Updated 10/24/17 updated 10/25/2017

Fuel/Propulsion System · at 105,000 miles · reported Nov 4, 2015

When it get cold out, the fuel line starts leaking and there is the smell of gas in the car. There has been a limited recall for this issue depending on where the vehicle was purchased. I live in a state not included in the recall area. This doesn't change the fact that it is a serious safety issue and the manufacturer should correct it no matter what state I live in (Illinois). This is clearly a manufacturer's defect and ask that they fix this issue.

Steering · at 153,000 miles · reported Jun 12, 2015

My dream car demolished in split second. Could have very easily died as well as my passenger. I looked up the recalls when I got the car and it was not listed yet, the steel front control arms in the snow belt states rust out and cause the vehicle to loose control and or crash. Well it did both to me as well as excelerate my car. I was on a date that night for the first time in a while. And on our way home, we were coming around a slight bend, I was going probably 35-40 MPH and right when I turned the steering wheel going around the bend I heard a crack/thud noise and instantly I swear on my…

Other Subaru WRX years

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Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Subaru WRX have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 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 2003 Subaru WRX?

Owners report service brakes, hydraulic problems most often (20 reports), followed by fuel system, gasoline (16). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 23,800 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.