2002 Subaru WRX recalls
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…
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.
5,724 units potentially affected · Full recall details →
Problem: Certain aai motorsports combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above list passenger vehicles. Combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Risk: Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash
Fix: Aai motorsports will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. The recall began on august 1, 2006. Owners may contact aai motorsports at 909-923-9188.
87,745 units potentially affected · Full recall details →
Latest owner complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System · Oct 6, 2018 · 148,000 miles · CA
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…
Fuel/Propulsion System · Mar 14, 2017 · 50 miles · OH
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…
Unknown or Other · Dec 19, 2016 · 75,000 miles · OH
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…
Structure · Dec 19, 2016 · 75,000 miles · OH
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…
Fuel/Propulsion System · Dec 13, 2016 · 177,000 miles · WA
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…
Engine · Dec 13, 2016 · 177,000 miles · WA
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…
Fuel/Propulsion System · May 12, 2016 · 100,000 miles · UT
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…
Fuel/Propulsion System · Feb 27, 2016 · 600 miles · MO
When the weather is cold and below freezing there is a gas leak and I can smell gas in the inside of my car as well as outside. It is hard to be able to drive anywhere when it is below freezing. There was a safety recall (http://tinyurl.com/wrxgas) for this situation in 2009, but I was never notified. I discovered this recall when I recently decided to try to research the…
Wheels · Dec 3, 2014 · 125,600 miles · NH
Control arms were recalled in 2011 for rust issues and failure on the hanger brackets. Got the parts checked at the time of the recall by a certified subaru dealership, the dealership sprayed a "rust proofing" agent on the control arms. Three years later I was driving down my road and lost control of the vehicle completely. The driver side lower control arm had rusted through…
Suspension · Dec 3, 2014 · 125,600 miles · NH
Control arms were recalled in 2011 for rust issues and failure on the hanger brackets. Got the parts checked at the time of the recall by a certified subaru dealership, the dealership sprayed a "rust proofing" agent on the control arms. Three years later I was driving down my road and lost control of the vehicle completely. The driver side lower control arm had rusted through…
Steering · Dec 3, 2014 · 125,600 miles · NH
Control arms were recalled in 2011 for rust issues and failure on the hanger brackets. Got the parts checked at the time of the recall by a certified subaru dealership, the dealership sprayed a "rust proofing" agent on the control arms. Three years later I was driving down my road and lost control of the vehicle completely. The driver side lower control arm had rusted through…
Structure · Aug 21, 2014 · 1,000 miles · OH
I'm filing my complaint with all the others about the strong fuel smell during the cold months. I cannot believe ohio is not included in the recall. I've taken my car to the dealer numerous times to be told that the car is okay. Frankly, this past cold winter has been awful. The smell makes it's way into the house. It is awful. I cannot believe subaru does not believe ohio is…
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2002 Subaru WRX have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls covering the 2002 Subaru WRX, the most recent one (09V468000) for fuel system, gasoline. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Subaru WRX?
Based on 427 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most reported areas are fuel system, gasoline (275), service brakes, hydraulic (67), fuel system, other (27).
Have there been crashes or injuries linked to the 2002 Subaru WRX?
Owners reported 17 crashes, 2 fires, 18 injuries and 0 deaths in complaints to NHTSA. These are unverified owner reports, not findings of fault.
Is NHTSA investigating the 2002 Subaru WRX?
NHTSA has opened 5 defect investigations that include this vehicle, most recently EA09011: Fuel line leak.