2003 SUBARU IMPREZA

6 recalls, 64 complaints - 81 TSBs

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

Defect Description

SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002-2007 IMPREZA, MODEL YEAR 2003-2008 FORESTER, AND MODEL YEAR 2005-2006 SAAB 9-2X VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 5, 2000 THROUGH NOVEMBER 26, 2007 ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, MASSACHUSETTS, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW YORK,... Read more

Consequence

A BROKEN CONTROL ARM CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

SUBARU WILL HANDLE THEIR VEHICLES AND SAAB WILL HANDLE THEIRS. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DEGREE OF CORROSION OF THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS, AND WILL EITHER RUSTPROOF OR REPLACE THEM. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING DECEMBER 2011. OWNE... Read more

318,215 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Defect Description

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. D... Read more

Consequence

FUEL LEAKS, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

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.

5,724 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH

Defect Description

SUBARU IS RECALLING 36,791 MY 2002-2003 IMPREZA WAGONS. THE STUD BOLT(S) OF REAR GATE STAY MAY HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED WITH INSUFFICIENT TIGHTENING TORQUE AND A GAP MAY HAVE RESULTED BETWEEN THE REAR GATE PANEL AND STUD BOLT BASE. AFTER REPEATED REAR GATE OPERATIONS (OPENING AND CLOSING), THE REAR GAT... Read more

Consequence

IN CASE SOMEONE IS UNDERNEATH OR NEAR THE REAR GATE, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT A DROPPING REAR GATE PANEL MAY HIT THEM INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT TO SEE IF THERE IS ANY GAP AT THE STUD BOLT OF THE REAR GATE STAY INSTALLATION. IF A GAP IS FOUND, THE STUD BOLT WILL BE REMOVED TO CHECK FOR DAMAGE TO THE WELDING NUT. IF THE WELD NUT IS CRACKED, THE REAR GATE STAY WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 2,... Read more

36,791 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

SEATS

Defect Description

ON CERTAIN SEDAN AND WAGON MODEL VEHICLES, THE LEFT FRONT BOLT THAT RETAINS THE FORWARD PART OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT TO THE SEAT SLIDE RAIL MAY LOOSEN. IF THE SEAT SLIDE RAIL BOLT LOOSENS, IT WILL EVENTUALLY FALL OUT, AND THE SEAT MAY SEPARATE FROM THE SEAT SLIDE.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DRIVER MAY SUSTAIN MORE SEVERE INJURIES DUE TO THE SEAT MOVEMENT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW LEFT HAND DRIVER'S SEAT RAIL MOUNTING BOLT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 20, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.

84,574 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES

Defect Description

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER SEDANS, WAGONS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE COULD COME OUT OF ITS TRACK ON THE CRUISE CONTROL LEVER AND LODGE ON THE CONTROL LEVER TAB WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS RELEASED. IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE THROTTLE WILL NOT RETURN TO THE IDLE POSITION AN... Read more

Consequence

IF THIS OCCURS DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, THE DRIVER COULD LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A CRUISE CONTROL CABLE RETAINING CLIP TO THE CRUISE CONTROL LEVER TAB ON THE THROTTLE SHAFT IN ORDER TO PREVENT THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE FROM COMING OUT OF ITS TRACK. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 12, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.

127,580 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Defect Description

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION PARKING ROD. WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR LEVER IS PLACED IN THE "P" (PARK) POSITION, THE TRANSMISSION PARK MECHANISM, THAT IS INTENDED TO HOLD YOUR VEHI... Read more

Consequence

THE VEHICLE COULD THEN MOVE/ROLL WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PARKING ROD ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION JANUARY 8, 2003. AN INTERIM OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BE SENT DURING NOVEMBER 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WI... Read more

172,564 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Complaint Statistics

64 total complaints 9 crashes 1 fires 15 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	12
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP	9
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE	7
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS	6
AIR BAGS	3
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD	2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE	2
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE	2
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC	2

Incident date: Jan 1, 2022

My 2003 Subaru Impreza WRX has a very strong fuel odor that is coming into the cabin when I start my car up on cold days. It's been unusually cold here in Washington state this winter with temperatures in Seattle dipping well below freezing. I see that there is a recall for this exact problem for my... Read more

Incident date: Mar 25, 2021

I NOTICED FRESH SMELL OF GASOLINE EVERYTIME I START THE CAR. I LOOK AT THE FUEL LINE AND ITS SIPPING FUEL.

Incident date: Feb 23, 2021

SUBARU OF AMERICA RECALL WVK-21 OCCURED WHILE DRIVING AT OPERATING TEMPERATURE, CAUSING SMOKE TO RISE FROM ENGINE BAY. SUBARU OF AMERICA REFUSED TO FIX THE ISSUE AS MY VIN DID NOT COME UP IN THEIR SYSTEM WITH THE RECALL.

Incident date: Dec 6, 2020

ON THE NIGHT OF 12/6/2020 I WAS BACKING OUT OF A FRIENDS DRIVEWAY TO DRIVE HOME, WHEN I REACHED THE STREET, I HEARD A LOUD CLUNK AND A GRINDING NOISE. I GOT OUT OF MY CAR TO INVESTIGATE WHAT HAD JUST HAPPENED AND THE FRONT PORTION OF MY PASSENGER SIDE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM HAD COMPLETELY LOST ALL... Read more

Incident date: Feb 9, 2020

HEAD GASKET ISSUE. WEEPING OIL BETWEEN THE HEADS AND THE BLOCK. NO LONGER OWN VEHICLE.

Incident date: Feb 19, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT SMELLED FUEL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE ENGINE BAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V468000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). KEARNY MESA SUBARU (4797 CONVOY ST, SAN DIEGO, CA 92111, (858) 278-7100) WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE... Read more

Incident date: Dec 2, 2018

LOWER PASSENGER CONTROL ARM TORE OFF. AS A RESULT, LOSS CONTROL OF VEHICLE AT HIGH SPEED ON THE HIGHWAY.

Incident date: Dec 4, 2016

FUEL LINE LEAKING GAS IN COLD WEATHER. I REALLY DON'T THINK IT'S SAFE TO DRIVE WITH QUITE A BIT OF GAS LEAKING ALL OVER THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ENGINE THAT GETS VERY HOT AND COULD CAUSE A FIRE.

Incident date: Jul 26, 2016

TAKATA AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. SIDE IMPACT SENSOR DID NOT WORK. THE CAR TRAVELED SIDEWAYS INTO A LARGE OAK TREE IN EXCESS OF 35 MPH . THE POINT OF IMPACT WAS WHERE THE SIDE IMPACT SENSOR WAS LOCATED . NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED . SUBARU HAS BEEN VERY UNCOOPERATIVE WITH ANSWERS AS TO WHY ... Read more

Crash 2 injured

Incident date: Jul 26, 2016

Crash 2 injured

Incident date: Jul 26, 2016

HTTPS://SERVICES.NEFRAMEWORK.COM/IMAGERETRIEVAL.ASPX?ID=974F272D-0461-4FF2-97A8-B175C14EC539 THAT DESCRIBES HOW THE CRASH HAPPENED. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I SUFFERED BROKEN LEFT ELBOW, FRACTURE IN MY SKULL,RIBS AND SHOULDER. ALSO SEVERE BRAIN TRAUMA. I HAVE A LOT OF PICTURES, BUT IT WILL ONLY LE... Read more

Crash 4 injured

Incident date: Jan 15, 2015

MY CAR IS LEAKING FUEL. I SMELL THE POISONOUS FUEL INSIDE MY VEHICLE EVERY TIME I AM INSIDE IT. I AM LOSING 50 MILES PER FULL TANK. CAN THIS LEAK CAUSE MY CAR TO BLOW-UP AND KILL ME OR OTHERS? I AM SCARED. MY NAME IS [XXX] FROM CLIFTON NEW JERSEY. MY EXTENDED WARRANTY EXPIRED IN NOVEMBER. ISN... Read more

Incident date: Jan 12, 2015

EXTREMELY STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE IN CABIN IN COLD WEATHER (BELOW 32 DEGREES F.). *TR

Incident date: Dec 11, 2013

TL - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FUEL FUMES WERE EMITTED IN AND AROUND THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A FUEL LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN CONFIRMED THE FAILURE. ... Read more

Incident date: Jan 31, 2014

IT HAS RECENTLY BEEN EXTREMELY COLD IN CHICAGO AND UPON INITIAL STARTUP OF THE VEHICLE THERE IS A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE INSIDE THE CABIN. THE SMELL DOES NOT GO AWAY UNTIL THE CAR IS COMPLETELY WARMED UP. I NOTICED THAT THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL FOR THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM. IT WAS SUBARU RECALL NO. ... Read more

Incident date: Nov 27, 2013

ONLY ON COLD DAYS I SMELL FUEL WHILE DRIVING, UPON INVESTAGATION I FOUND THAT THE LITTLE RUBBER LINES UNDER THE INTAKE WERE LEAKING FUEL ON TO THE TOP OF THE ENGINE. I CALLED SUBARU AND THEY SAID THE THEY KNOW ABOUT THE PROBLEM BUT MY CAR IS NOT IN THE RECALL BECAUASE I DON;T LIVE IN THE AFFECTED ST... Read more

Incident date: Dec 3, 2008

FOLLOWING INITIAL STARTUP IN COLD WEATHER, FUEL LEAK OCCURS IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT. LEAK CAUSES GASOLINE ODOR IN VEHICLE CABIN AND POSES FIRE HAZARD. ONCE ENGINE IS WARM, AFTER A FEW MINUTES, LEAK AND ODOR DISSIPATE. INITIAL OCCURRENCE WAS IN 2008 AT HIGH ALTITUDE. PROBLEM DID NOT RESURFACE IN SO... Read more

Incident date: Aug 8, 2013

OUTSIDE AIR TEMPERATURE WAS MODERATE(75F), BUT ENGINE WAS COLD. UPON ENGINE START STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE IN CABIN AND IN ENGINE BAY AROUND THE PASSENGER SIDE INTAKE MANIFOLD. *TR

Incident date: Jan 27, 2013

CAR WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON CRASH AT ABOUT 45 MPH INTO A FIRE HYDRANT IN THE CITY OF BELL. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS EXPANDED AT THE TIME OF THE CRASH. SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

Crash

Incident date: Dec 28, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 1 MPH AFTER ACCELERATING FROM A COMPLETE STOP, A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL WAS SMELLED INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO VISIBLE SIGN OF A LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE FUEL LI... Read more

Incident date: Dec 10, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE SMELLED OF GASOLINE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A LEAK COMING FROM THE FUEL DELIVERY LINE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V468000 (FUEL SYS... Read more

Incident date: Aug 7, 2010

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 60 MPH AND NOTICED AN ABNORMAL VIBRATION FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE HAD COLLAPSED. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL HAS ALSO COLLAPSED INWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A... Read more

Incident date: Apr 27, 2003

2003 SUBARU IMPREZA, 56,000K WITH LEAKING HEAD GASKET (BOTH SIDES) AND ROD KNOCK. WELL MAINTAINED CAR WITH WELL-DOCUMENTED SERVICE HISTORY. RECOMMEND REPLACEMENT OF SHORT BLOCK/HEAD GASKETS. SAME ISSUE AND SAME ENGINE AS ADDRESSED IN PHASE II EJ25 HEAD GASKET LEAK / WWP-99 SERVICE CAMPAIGN - COOLI... Read more

Incident date: Jan 10, 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH BRIDGESTONE POTENZA RE 92 TIRES, TIRE SIZE 205/55/16. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS AND HEARD A LOUD NOISE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DROVE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE AND OBSERVED ... Read more

Incident date: Dec 3, 2009

FUEL LEAKING FROM LINES IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF 2003 (MAN. DATE JULY 2002) SUBARU WRX SEDAN. LEAK APPEARS TO BE TRIGGERED BY COLD TEMPERATURES. FUEL POOLS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. VERY STRONG SMELL OF FUEL IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. CONTACTED LOCAL DEALER, WHO DID NOT THINK IT WAS A SERI... Read more

Incident date: Nov 16, 2009

2003 SUBARU WRX. COLD START RAW FUEL SMELL. FUEL LEAK UNDER INTAKE ON PASSENGER SIDE. *TR

Incident date: Nov 6, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU IMPREZA. AS SOON AS THE VEHICLE IS STARTED IN THE MORNINGS, A FUEL LEAK OCCURS. THE METAL FUEL RAIL WILL SHRINK IF THE TEMPERATURE REACHES BELOW 30 DEGREES. THE CONTACT REFERENCED TSB NUMBER 09-3603. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED HIM TO TAKE HIS VEHICLE TO THE DEALER... Read more

Incident date: Jan 10, 2006

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU IMPREZA. IN FREEZING WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE CONTACT COULD SMELL A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE. THE ODOR WAS SO STRONG AS IF SOMEONE DOUSED THE VEHICLE IN GASOLINE. SHE WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE ORIGIN OF THE ODOR, BUT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE DRIVEN BECAUSE OF THE... Read more

Incident date: Jan 10, 2009

2003 SUBARU IMPREZA SPORT WAGON. IN COLD WEATHER, STRONG SMELL OF RAW GASOLINE FILLS THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. IT SICKENS MY CHILDREN. *TR

Incident date: Nov 14, 2008

DUE TO A FLAWED DESIGN RELATED TO THE FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM, WHENEVER THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE DROPS BELOW 14 DEGREES A RUBBER HOSE CONTRACTS AND GASOLINE LEAKS OUT OF A FUEL RAIL CONNECTION ABOVE THE ENGINE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THIS FLAW IS OUTLINED IN SUBARU SERVICE BULLETIN (#09-36-03). I THINK ... Read more

Incident date: Jan 1, 2008

2003 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE RUBBER CONNECTOR BETWEEN FUEL LINES. CONSUMER FEELS THAT IT SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR THIS PART AND WOULD LIKE ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIR COST. *NJ THE CONSUMER SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF GAS WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS COLD. *JB

Incident date: Jun 15, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL DEALER AND HAD IT REPAIRED ACCORDING TO A TSB (REPLACEMENT OF THE FUEL LINES). THE CONTACT HAD TO ASSUME FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE REPAIR BECAUS... Read more

Incident date: Mar 17, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT PURCHASED AN AFTERMARKET CARBON FIBER HOOD FROM A COMPANY CALLED VIC RACING SPORTS. DUE TO THE DESIGN OF THE HOOD, IT RETAINS WATER AND THERE IS NO WHERE FOR THE WATER TO DRAIN. DUE TO THE COLD WEATHER IN HIS STATE, THE WATER FROZE AND CAUSED... Read more

Incident date: Dec 1, 2007

I HAVE A COLD WEATHER FUEL LEAK UNDERNEATH THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THIS FUEL LEAK CAUSES THE CABIN OF THE CAR TO FILL UP WITH VOLATILE FUMES. IT IS A VISIBLE LEAK AND DRIPS ON TOP OF THE ENGINE NEAR SOURCES OF IGNITION. I CONTACTED SUBARU OF AMERICA AND 3 OF MY LOCAL DEALERSHIPS AND THEY HAVE ACKNOWLED... Read more

Incident date: Mar 20, 2007

AT 15,000KM PAST WARRANTY, I SUBMITTED MY CAR FOR SERVICE AND WAS TOLD THE ENGINE WAS LEAKING FLUIDS, REQUIRED NEW HEAD GASKETS, NEW TRANSMISSION MOUNTS AND SWAY BAR BUSHINGS. BARRIE SUBARU DID NOT SHOW MUCH INTEREST IN THE AMOUNT OF WORK REQUIRED ON A VEHICLE THAT HAD BEEN ON THE ROAD FOR LESS THAN... Read more

Incident date: Mar 20, 2007

Incident date: Dec 31, 2006

TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS IN AN ACCIDENT IN WHICH IT WAS HIT ON THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE WHILE DRIVING AT 10 MPH AND CROSSING A STOP LIGHT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WEATHER WAS NICE THAT DAY. UPON IMPACT, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. TH... Read more

Crash 2 injured

Incident date: Feb 9, 2007

FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS IN COLD WEATHER, USUALLY BELOW 32 DEGREES, THE SMELL OF GASOLINE EXISTED IN THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. I HAD IT CHECKED DURING AN LOCAL STATE INSPECTION AND DISCOVERED FUEL WAS LEAKING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE MANUFACTURER WAS ... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Jan 20, 2007

TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU IMPREZA. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO WARM THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT SMELLED FUEL IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. HE IMMEDIATELY LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD AND SAW A CONSTANT DRIPPING OF FUEL ONTO THE ENGINE. HE TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN SINCE ... Read more

Incident date: Dec 26, 2006

SEE ODI NUMBER 10179098 (CONT). I DO NOT KNOW IF SUBARU WILL ASSUAGE MY CONCERNS, BUT I CANNOT IN GOOD CONSCIENCE NOT REPORT THIS ISSUE. FIRST I THINK YOU HAVE UNDERESTIMATED THE FIRE DANGER. TRUE THERE HAVE BEEN NO FIRES CAUSED DIRECTLY BY THIS PROBLEM (I THINK), BUT THE PROBLEM ONLY OCCURS IN T... Read more

1 injured

Incident date: Dec 26, 2006

THIS IS REGARDING A 2003 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX. I AM EXPERIENCING THE FUEL LEAK ADDRESSED IN NHTSA ACTION NUMBER : PE04002. I AM LOCATED IN ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO. RECENTLY I HAVE HAD THE CAR OUTSIDE IN TEMPERATURES AS LOW AS 30 F (NIGHTS ARE SPENT IN A GARAGE NEXT TO A FURNACE--PROBABLY 40 F). I ... Read more

1 injured

Incident date: Mar 6, 2005

THE AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR WAS DAMAGED BY ROAD DEBRIS, DUE TO INSUFFICIENT PROTECTION. IT IS LOCATED LOW DOWN AND UP FRONT AND SHOULD BE PROTECTED FROM ROAD DEBRIS. *NM

Incident date: Jul 20, 2005

WINDSHIELD CRACKED SUDDENLY FOR NO APPARENT REASON WHILE DRIVING ON A WARM SUNNY DAY. NO OTHER VEHICLES IN AREA. CAUSE UNKNOWN. *NM

Incident date: Jul 6, 2005

DT: CONSUMER STATES THE SEAT BELT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE REFUSES TO UNLOCK. THE BELT JUST KEEPS GETTING TIGHTER AND TIGHTER. IT WILL NOT WORK UNTIL THE CONSUMER UNHOOKS THE BELT AND PUTS IT BACK IN. THEN IT WILL START TO LOCK BACK UP IMMEDIATELY. IT DOES NOT DO IT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THIS BEL... Read more

Incident date: Sep 19, 2004

APPROACHING STOP LIGHT ON SURFACE STREET; DRY CONDITIONS, FLAT ROAD; APPROX 30 MPH; ANTICIPATING STOPPING. LIFT FOOT OFF ACCELERATOR AND APPLY BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN; CAR DOES NOT SLOW; FEELS OUT OF CONTROL & UNABLE TO STOP; TURN CAR TO RIGHT TO GET OFF ROAD TO AVOID HITTING CARS AHEAD; TURN INTO A TRE... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Sep 20, 2003

AFTER BEING INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION A RECALL NOTICE WAS RECEIVED STATING THAT THE BOLT ON DRIVER'S SEAT WAS DEFECTIVE AND INJURY WAS IMMINENT. DURING THE COLLISION DRIVER'S SEAT BOLT BROKE, AND CONSUMER WAS THROWN UNDER THE DASHBOARD, AND SUSTAINED INJURIES. *AK *NM

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Sep 1, 2004

HEADLIGHTS ARE GETTING TO BE HAZY AFTER 30000 MILES, VERY HARD TO SEE AT NIGHT. SUBARU SAYS NOT THERE PROBLEM.*AK

Incident date: Jul 9, 2004

HAD TO BRAKE HARD ON SEMI-BUMPY PAVEMENT AND ABS ACTIVATED AND LOST ALL STOPPING POWER. ABS IS WAY TOO SENSITIVE AND OVER-REATIVE. I ENDED UP SLIGHTLY CRASHING INTO VEHICLE IN FROT OF ME. THIS ABS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES AND I WAS WELL AWARE OF IT, HOWEVER I WAS STILL UNABLE TO COMPEN... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Dec 18, 2003

THE BRAKES ON MY CAR HAVE BEEN WORKED ON THREE TIMES SINCE I GOT MY CAR A YEAR AGO AND ABOUT TO GO AGAIN. THEY KEEP TRYING TO FIX THEM BUT I KEEP HAVING TO TAKE IT BACK. THE DATE BELOW IS THE FIRST TIME I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP.*AK

Incident date: Jul 4, 2003

THE ABS PROGRAM INSTALLED ON THIS CAR (WRX) IS EXTREMELY SENSITIVE. SNOW COVERED ROADS REQUIRE EXTREME CARE BECAUSE THE ABS ENGAGES AY TOO EASILY, RESULTING IN VERY LITTLE STOPPING POWER. ONE TIME I WAS MAKING A 90 DEGREE LEFT TURN ON WET ASPHALT; I HAD TO BRAKE SUDDENLY. THE ABS DIDN'T UNDERSTAND A... Read more

Showing 50 of 64 complaints.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2003 SUBARU IMPREZA

81 manufacturer communications from 50 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
350000 EQUIPMENT	21
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	6
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY	4
140000 AIR BAGS	4
060000 ENGINE (PWS)	3
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION	3
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	3
100000 POWER TRAIN	3

350000 EQUIPMENT

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.

170000 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin announces the recommended cleaning procedures to followed when encountering vehicles with long time exposure to pollen on painted surfaces on vehicles imported from Japan. This bulletin does not apply to SIA built vehicles.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic essential information during diagnosis and repair of the Infotainment concerns. (Applicable to all models with Harman or Denso CP1 Infotainment).

020000 SUSPENSION

Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has determined that affected vehicles listed, may have been manufactured with front lower control arms (transverse links) that could corrode in the hanger bracket area if exposed to salt for a prolonged period.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin is to advise of SOAa??s revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin is to advise of SOAa??s revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.

350000 EQUIPMENT

To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate Special Service Tool.

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

This bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing.

101000 POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY

This bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing.

350000 EQUIPMENT

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This service information bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing used on the models listed.

350000 EQUIPMENT

Special Service Tools Cross Reference List.

350000 EQUIPMENT

All Models (Vehicle Cleaning- COVID-19Best Practices)

030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

This Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips. This will prevent the pad from dragging due to corrosion buildup which may result in uneven o

350000 EQUIPMENT

Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newletter.

350000 EQUIPMENT

To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate Special Service Tool.

100000 POWER TRAIN

This Service Information bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing used on the models as listed above. During assembly of the bearing, a different type of grease is used which has a higher resistance to heat. In cases

100000 POWER TRAIN

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

350000 EQUIPMENT

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

This bulletin provides details regarding a new oil filler tube o-ring developed to address engine oil seepage concerns. This seepage may accumulate along the bottom sealing surface of the rocker cover. The new o-ring utilizes material whi

350000 EQUIPMENT

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

162000 STRUCTURE:BODY

( 2017-2018MY Impreza - 5 Dr Only)

350000 EQUIPMENT

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Revised TSB. The Subaru Lock Information Site (SLIS) is located at http://lockinfo.subaru.com, and provides information on how to obtain immobilizer codes and key cut codes for Subaru vehicles from the 2000MY to present. This bulletin iden

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

350000 EQUIPMENT

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

SOA is pleased to announce the launch of a new remanufactured turbocharger program. Supplies are now available at all RDC?s. When installing a remanufactured turbocharger follow the procedure outlined in Service Bulletin 02-106-08R and

061120 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER

Launch of Remanufactured Turbochargers

140000 AIR BAGS

SERVICE MEMO: WQL?\48 FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG INFLATOR RECALL (NHTSA ID 14V?\399) ?C SECOND MAILING

141320 AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.

140000 AIR BAGS

PARTS MEMO: WQL48, WQM49 TAKATA FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG INFLATOR RECALLS

140000 AIR BAGS

PARTS REMINDER: RETURNS TO TAKATA FOR WQL48 AND WQM49 AIR BAG INFLATOR

140000 AIR BAGS

RETURNS TO TAKATA FOR WQL48 AND WQM49 AIR BAG INFLATOR

116340 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER

Replacement Key and Immobilizer Info

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

REPAIR PROCEDURE FOR HIGH-PITCHED SOUND FROM EXTENSION HOUSING AREA USING LATEST GENERATION PRODUCTION PARTS - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES PRODUCTION CHANGE, REPAIR PROCEDURE AND PARTS INFORMATION TO ADDRESS A CUSTOMER CONCERN OF A HIGH-PITCHED

095400 FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:KINETIC:HOUSING/CASE

Repair Procedure for High-Pitched Sound from Extension Housing Area Using Latest Generation Production Parts

100000 POWER TRAIN

This Bulletin provides production change, repair procedure and parts information to address a customer concern of a high-pitched sound coming from the transmission extension housing area.

116340 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER

Replacement Key and Immobilizer info

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES PRODUCTION CHANGE, REPAIR PROCEDURE AND PARTS INFORMATION TO ADDRESS A CUSTOMER CONCERN OF A HIGH-PITCHED SOUND COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION EXTENSION HOUSING AREA. IN COLD TEMPERATURES, THERMAL CONTRACTION CAUSES SHR

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

Repair Procedure for High-Pitched Sound

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Repair Procedure for High-Pitched Sound from Extension Housing Area Using Latest Generation Production Parts

350000 EQUIPMENT

REPAIR PROCEDURE FOR HIGH-PITCHED SOUND FROM EXTENSION HOUSING AREA USING LATEST GENERATION PRODUCTION PARTS

103110 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Remanufactured Automatic Transaxle Program

105400 POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:CENTER SUPPORT BEARING

5MT Transfer Driven Gear Bearings

190000 TIRES

SUBARU: THERE IS A STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS DUE TO AN IMPORPER WHEEL BALANCE. *RM

072200 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

SUBARU: WRX COLD WEATHER FUEL LINE/HOSE SEEPAGE EXTENDED WARRANTY. VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A TEMPORARY FUEL SEEPAGE AT A SPECIFIC ENGINE FUEL DELIVERY PIPE/HOSE DURING COLD ENGINE START UP IN EXTREMELY COLD OUTSIDE TEMPERATURES. IF THIS

092200 FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

061110 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS

RUBBING MARK ON TIMING BELT. SUBARU. *TT

021400 SUSPENSION:FRONT:MACPHERSON STRUT

COUNTERMEASURE TO ELIMINATE FRONT STRUT NOISE. *TT

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

2.5L REMANUFACTURED SOHC SHORT BLOCK RELEASE. *TT

151400 SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

INFORMATION REGARDING SEAT BELT LATCH SLIDES TO THE LOWER SEAT BELT ANCHOR. *YH UPDATED *EH

036100 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

REPLACEMENT OF THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) FOR ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) REPAIR. *TT UPDATE. *TT

170000 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

2003MY KEYLESS ENTRY CONTROL MODULE INTERCHANGEABILITY. THIS INCLUDES 2003 SUBARU MODELS. *EH

185000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

CRUISE CONTROL CABLE RETAINING CLIP. *TT

034520 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS

DISC BRAKE PAD MODIFICATION FOR UNEVEN OR PREMATURE WORN BRAKE PADS. *TT

350000 EQUIPMENT

SPEAKER PERFORMANCE. *TT

162300 STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

CREAKING NOISE FROM DOOR CHECKER. *SC

022000 SUSPENSION:REAR

ON THE CAR REAR WHEEL BEARING REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE. *SC

357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

COUNTERMEASURE TO PREVENT ICING IN THE EVAPORATOR ON AIR CONDITIONED VEHICLES CORRECTION. *TT

062100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY

NEW WRX RADIATOR. *TT

101000 POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY

CLUTCH PEDAL STICKING. *TT

350000 EQUIPMENT

FLOOR MAT HOOK REPAIR. *TT

357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

COUNTERMEASURE TO PREVENT ICING IN THE EVAPORATOR ON AIR CONDITIONED VEHICLES. *TT

021600 SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING

NEW PROCEDURE FOR REPLACING REAR WHEEL BEARINGS. *TT

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED 4EAT TRANSMISSION PARKING PAWL ROD. *TT

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

SUBJECT REGARDING GAUGE PACK REPAIR KIT. *JG

350000 EQUIPMENT

SUBJECT REGARDING AUTO DIMMING ELECTROCHROMIC COMPASS MIRROR TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE. *SLC

NHTSA Safety Investigations, SUBARU IMPREZA

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2012

Passenger Front Air Bag Suppression

The Office of Defects Investigation opened this investigation on April 10, 2015 based on 26 Vehicle Owner Questionnaire reports involving the passenger frontal air bag in MY 2012 Subaru Impreza vehicles.These vehicles use a capacitive type Occupant Detection System (ODS), which is intended to classi... Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 2002

FUEL LINE LEAK

THE DESIGN OF THE FUEL LINE (METAL RAIL/RUBBER HOSE INTERFACE) IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO FUEL ODOR AND/OR SEEPAGE IN EXTREME COLD TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS.OWNERS MOST OFTEN NOTICED FUEL ODOR IN THE OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT AREA DURING INITIAL COLD ENGINE START-UP.ONCE THE ENGINE IS WARMED, THE ODOR/SEEPAGE ISSUE ... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2002

FUEL LINE LEAK

COMPLAINANTS REPORT FUEL LEAKAGE MOST FREQUENTLY IN WINTER DURING INITIAL COLD ENGINE STARTUP.OWNERS WILL EITHER NOTICE A FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT OR FUEL ODOR/LEAKAGE AT THE FUEL LINES ON THE RIGHT SIDE ATOP THE ENGINE. ONCE THE ENGINE HAS WARMED, THE ODOR/LEAKAGE MAY CEASE.SUBARU ... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2002

FUEL LINE LEAKAGE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT

SUBARU REPORTS THAT THE FUEL ODOR IS CAUSED BY FUEL SEEPAGE DURING COLD START OF THE ENGINE UNDER EXTREMELY COLD TEMPERATURES. THE LEAK OCCURS IN A FUEL LINE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.IT REPORTS THAT THE FAILURE IS DUE TO THE MISALIGNED ANGLE BETWEEN TWO FUEL DELIVERY LINES WHICH RESULTED IN SUCH FU... Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1994

OVERSENSITIVE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT

IN ITS LETTER DATED DECEMBER 21, 1998, SUBARU STATED THAT THE VEHICLES IDENTIFIED ABOVE WILL BE RECALLED.SUBARU DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE FRONT TOWING/TIE-DOWN HOOKS.REFER TO NHTSA RECALL NO. 98V-315 FOR DETAILS.

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1994

OVERSENSITIVE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT

ODI HAS REVIEWED 33 COMPLAINTS OF OVERSENSITIVE' AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT (I.E., ANY NON-CRASH DEPLOYMENT) RECEIVED BY ODI AND SUBARU INVOLVING MODEL YEAR 1995 SUBARU IMPREZA & LEGACY VEHICLES AND ALL OTHER IMPREZA & LEGACY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR BAG SYSTEMS IDENTICAL OR SIMILAR TO THOSE IN THE 1995 I... Read more

SUBARU IMPREZA - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the SUBARU IMPREZA across all model years (1993, 2024).

175 Total Recalls

3,453 Total Complaints

6 Investigations

264 Reported Crashes

59 Reported Fires

4 Reported Deaths

SUBARU IMPREZA - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2026	0	1	View
2025	0	8	View
2024	2	52	View
2023	2	6	View
2022	1	15	View
2021	2	19	View
2020	1	100	View
2019	5	222	View
2018	5	181	View
2017	7	162	View
2016	1	108	View
2015	2	99	View
2014	3	157	View
2013	4	343	View
2012	6	337	View
2011	14	75	View
2010	15	61	View
2009	15	149	View
2008	15	249	View
2007	9	84	View
2006	10	68	View
2005	6	95	View
2004	8	113	View
2003 (current)	6	64
2002	6	339	View
2001	3	13	View
2000	4	54	View
1999	4	27	View
1998	3	55	View
1997	3	38	View
1996	3	25	View
1995	4	69	View
1994	3	8	View
1993	3	48	View
1990	0	2	View

Other SUBARU Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
LEGACY	307	4,132	View
OUTBACK	288	12,131	View
SOLTERRA	259	109	View
WRX	190	1,208	View
FORESTER	134	8,512	View
ASCENT	112	1,248	View
TRIBECA	70	51	View
CROSSTREK	42	1,453	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

2003 SUBARU IMPREZA

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

Technical Service Bulletins, 2003 SUBARU IMPREZA

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, SUBARU IMPREZA

SUBARU IMPREZA - All Years Overview

SUBARU IMPREZA - Year by Year

Other SUBARU Models