2003 Subaru WRX Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other WRX years
- Far more complaints than other years 3rd of 24 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 1 recall: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 60 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Subaru WRX. That ranks 3rd out of 24 WRX model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is service brakes, hydraulic (20 complaints, 33%), typically at around 9,700 miles. Complaints mention 13 crashes, 2 fires, 5 injuries. There is 1 safety recall covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 5 defect investigations involving it.
- 60owner complaints
- 1safety recalls
- 5NHTSA investigations
- 13complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2003 Subaru WRX problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 20 | 33% | 9,700 | — | — |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 16 | 27% | 69,000 | — | — |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 4 | 7% | 56,500 | — | — |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 4 | 7% | 105,000 | — | — |
| Power Train | 4 | 7% | 5,025 | — | — |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 3 | 5% | 78,000 | — | — |
| Visibility | 3 | 5% | 31,585 | — | — |
| Air Bags | 2 | 3% | 11,300 | — | — |
| Seats | 2 | 3% | 10,500 | — | — |
| Steering | 2 | 3% | 137,465 | — | — |
| Tires | 2 | 3% | 69,414 | — | — |
| Unknown or Other | 2 | 3% | 95,000 | — | — |
| Electrical System | 1 | 2% | — | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2003 Subaru WRX recalls (1)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
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.
To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.
NHTSA defect investigations
- Fuel line leak (EA09011) — opened Jul 2, 2009, closed Dec 14, 2009, led to recall 09V468000.
- Fuel line leak (PE09017) — opened Mar 10, 2009, closed Jul 2, 2009.
- Fuel line leakage in engine compartment (PE04002) — opened Jan 7, 2004, closed May 27, 2004.
- Extended stopping distances (EA03024) — opened Nov 19, 2003, closed Jul 12, 2005.
- Braking system/abs (PE03029) — opened Jul 8, 2003, closed Nov 19, 2003.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
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…
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.
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)…
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…
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…
Other Subaru WRX years
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 WRX | 3 | 0 |
| 2024 WRX | 14 | 0 |
| 2023 WRX | 8 | 1 |
| 2022 WRX | 25 | 1 |
| 2021 WRX | 13 | 1 |
| 2020 WRX | 17 | 1 |
| 2019 WRX | 30 | 2 |
| 2018 WRX | 43 | 2 |
| 2017 WRX | 53 | 1 |
| 2016 WRX | 31 | 3 |
| 2015 WRX | 52 | 3 |
| 2014 WRX | 6 | 10 |
| 2013 WRX | 7 | 11 |
| 2012 WRX | 2 | 12 |
| 2011 WRX | 4 | 11 |
| 2010 WRX | 1 | 12 |
| 2009 WRX | 41 | 10 |
| 2008 WRX | 65 | 7 |
| 2007 WRX | 0 | 3 |
| 2006 WRX | 14 | 3 |
| 2005 WRX | 19 | 4 |
| 2004 WRX | 42 | 4 |
| 2003 | 60 | 1 |
| 2002 WRX | 427 | 1 |
See all Subaru WRX problems by year, every Subaru model, or the Subaru VIN decoder.
Similar Subaru models
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Subaru WRX?
Owners most often report service brakes, hydraulic, fuel system, gasoline, engine and engine cooling problems. The top one, service brakes, hydraulic, accounts for 20 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 2003 Subaru WRX?
Yes, 1 safety recall. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 2003 Subaru WRX a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other WRX model years, the 2003 has far more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.