2003 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 · Feb 22, 2019 · IL
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…
Fuel/Propulsion System · Jan 17, 2018 · 100,000 miles · CA
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 · Aug 16, 2017 · 110,000 miles · OH
Tl* 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…
Fuel/Propulsion System · Nov 4, 2015 · 105,000 miles · IL
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…
Unknown or Other · Jun 12, 2015 · 153,000 miles · PA · crash · 1 injured
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…
Steering · Jun 12, 2015 · 153,000 miles · PA · crash · 1 injured
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…
Vehicle Speed Control · Jun 12, 2015 · 153,000 miles · PA · crash · 1 injured
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…
Fuel System, Gasoline · Jan 7, 2015 · 164,000 miles · VA
In cold weather the fuel lines leak on the 2003 subaru impreza wrx! There was a limited recall in certain northern states, however it gets cold in many states where there was no recall. The car has become dangerous to drive b/c I can smell the gas which means there is the danger of ignition. Subaru knows of this issue and should issue a recall for all cars affected. *tr
Fuel System, Gasoline · Feb 4, 2014 · 127,000 miles · MO
On the morning of feb 3, 2014 I started my car and it smelled very strongly of raw gas. I turned off the car and had it towed to my local repair shop. The tow cost $84.70. I found out later that morning that subaru issued a recall beginning december 31, 2009 for 2002 and 2003 subaru wrxs where the fuel line leaks in extreme cold. Unfortunately, the recall included only 16…
Engine and Engine Cooling · Jun 24, 2010 · 31,000 miles · GA
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 subaru wrx. The contact stated the vehicle began leaking oil from the avcs line and would leak onto the manifold, creating a fire hazard. The manufacturer advised there were no recalls for the failure and any repairs would be the contact's expense. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were approximately 31,000.
Fuel System, Gasoline · Jan 6, 2010 · 53,000 miles · TX
Fuel line leaks raw gasoline fumes into passenger compartment and outside of vehicle during cold weather. Gas fumes are overpowering inside the vehicle, and possibly creates a serious safety hazard of fire/ explosion. *tr
Fuel System, Gasoline · Nov 25, 2009 · 80,000 miles · AZ
Occasionally my wrx smells like raw gas. Three times when I have been driving to mt. Lemon, up a very steep road, I have had a very strong (unbearable) gas smell enter the car. I took it into the dealer and was told that I am just "overfilling the tank," however, I never try to fill the tank beyond the automatic shutoff point on the gas pump. I have also smelled gas…
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Subaru WRX have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls covering the 2003 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 2003 Subaru WRX?
Based on 60 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most reported areas are service brakes, hydraulic (20), fuel system, gasoline (16), engine and engine cooling (4).
Have there been crashes or injuries linked to the 2003 Subaru WRX?
Owners reported 13 crashes, 2 fires, 8 injuries and 0 deaths in complaints to NHTSA. These are unverified owner reports, not findings of fault.
Is NHTSA investigating the 2003 Subaru WRX?
NHTSA has opened 5 defect investigations that include this vehicle, most recently EA09011: Fuel line leak.