2003 Subaru WRX: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 60 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (34% of complaints); the 2005 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Dec 2009
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 60 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.. *bf”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Feb 2019
“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.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jan 2018
“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 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*lj updated 10/25/2017*js”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Nov 2015
Show 7 more owner reports
“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.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Oct 2015
“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”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jan 2015
“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.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2010
“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 occasionally when driving but never as strong as when I drive to mt. Lemon. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Aug 2009
“Took my vehicle in for routine maintenance when it was found to have a significant gas leak. Specifically the fuel rail had something like 16 leaks. While I never had an engine fire the possibility for that happening was very real. This is my family car, which I transport my children in. From reading other experiences about this I have found it to be a flaw in design with the 2003 subaru wrx. I would hope that subaru would value its customers safety and make a safety recall about this issue. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2009
“I would like to file this complaint after reading all of the complaints related to the same problem I am having with my 2003 subaru wrx. Very strong raw gasoline fumes inside the passenger compartment during cold weather startup. I am the original owner of this car. This problem just started this winter. Yes subaru of america it's happening on the 2003 models also. I would appreciate some direction as how to proceed with this developing safety problem with my car. Thank you. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jan 2009
“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”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jan 2009
When filing, owners marked a crash in 13 of these complaints and injuries in 5 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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."
Remedy: 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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
How other years compare
Check your exact WRX by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Subaru WRX reliable?
NHTSA has 60 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2003 Subaru WRX. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (34% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2003 Subaru WRX problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 32,518 miles or less.
Does the 2003 Subaru WRX have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.