CarRecordBook

Model year record

2003 Subaru WRX recalls & problems

The 2003 Subaru WRX has 2 safety recalls and 60 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is service brakes, hydraulic (20 complaints).

Recalls2safety recalls
Complaints60filed by owners
Crashes · fires13 · 2reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths5 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Fuel system, gasolineDec 4, 2009

Delivery › Fuel pump

Recall 09V4680005,724 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

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.
Exterior lightingJun 29, 2006

Exterior lighting

Recall 06E06000087,745 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

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.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip208019,700 mi
Fuel system, gasolineDelivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings; Delivery1601069,000 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine401056,500 mi
Power trainManual transmission; Manual transmission › Column shift assembly4000—
Fuel/propulsion system4000105,000 mi
VisibilityWindshield; Windshield wiper/washer › Linkages3000—
Vehicle speed controlCruise control3201—
TiresTread/belt2000—
Air bagsFrontal2202—
SeatsFront assembly › Recliner2202—
Unknown or other2101—
Steering2111—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations