2003 SUBARU WRX

2 recalls, 65 complaints - 45 TSBs

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.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Defect Description

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 ASSOCIA... Read more

Consequence

LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH

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.

87,745 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: AAI MOTORSPORTS USA, LLC

Complaint Statistics

65 total complaints 16 crashes 3 fires 8 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP	19
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE	11
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS	4
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	4
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	3
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD	2
STEERING	2
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	2
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER	2

Incident date: Feb 1, 2019

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 AUT... Read more

Incident date: Jan 2, 2018

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.

Incident date: Nov 9, 2015

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). T... Read more

Incident date: Oct 30, 2015

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 ISS... Read more

Incident date: Sep 20, 2013

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 M... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Sep 20, 2013

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Sep 20, 2013

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Jan 7, 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. SUBA... Read more

Incident date: Feb 3, 2014

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 T... Read more

Incident date: Jun 19, 2010

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 REP... Read more

Incident date: Jan 5, 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

Incident date: Aug 15, 2009

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 ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 15, 2009

THERE HAS BEEN NO ACCIDENT OR CRASH. THIS IS AN ONGOING SAFETY PROBLEM WITH A MODEL OF TIRES. THE TIRES ARE KUMHO SPT 225/45R-17. THESE TIRES HAVE SERIOUS DIRECTIONAL STABILITY ISSUES. THEY MAKE THE CAR VERY SCARY TO DRIVE IN CROSS WINDS. IN CORNERS, THE CAR ALWAYS FEELS LIKE IT IS SQUIRMING ARO... Read more

Incident date: Nov 5, 2008

2003 SUBARU WRX, RAW FUEL SMELL IN CABIN BEFORE ENGINE IS WARM AND COOLANT TEMPERATURES ARE WARM. HAPPENS INFREQUENTLY BUT WOULD LIKE TO GET RID OF THE SMELL. SEEMS LIKE IT'S A POPULAR PROBLEM FOR THE CARS IN THIS PRODUCTION RANGE. FIRST NOTICED IT ON THE DATE SHOWN BUT OCCURS MORE OFTEN WHEN TEMPER... Read more

Incident date: Dec 10, 2008

I HAVE A 2003 SUBARU WRX WAGON. AS TEMPERATURES APPROACH FREEZING THE FUEL LINES ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE ENGINE BEGIN TO LEAK, HEAVILY, DURING COLD START UP. THIS CAUSES RAW FUEL SMELL TO ENTER THE CABIN AS WELL AS CREATING A POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS SITUATION WITH RAW FUEL OPENLY POOLING ON TH... Read more

Incident date: Jan 10, 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 WI... Read more

Incident date: Feb 16, 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 RE... Read more

Incident date: Dec 4, 2008

I HAVE A 2003 SUBARU WRX. MY CAR STARTED TO SMELL LIKE SOMETHING WAS BURNING A FEW DAYS AGO IN THE ENGINE BAY. I HAVE ALSO NOTICED THAT WHEN THE TEMPERATURE GOES BELOW 30 DEGREES THE INSIDE CABIN STARTS TO STRONGLY SMELL LIKE RAW FUEL. THE VAPORS CAN CAUSE HARMFUL AND EVEN DEADLY CONSEQUENCES. I HAV... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Nov 1, 2006

I AM WRITING WITH RESPECT TO THE INVESTIGATIONS CONCERNING FUEL LEAKS IN THE 2002-2003 MODELS OF THE SUBARU IMPREZA WRX MODELS. I PURCHASED A WRX IN FEBRUARY OF 2003. LIKE OTHER REPORTS, MY CAR INITIALLY EMITTED A FUEL ODOR ONLY ON COLD DAYS. I TOOK THE CAR TO MY LOCAL SUBARU DEALERSHIP, BEL AIR ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 19, 2008

AS I PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE ENGINE DIED AND FLAMES ABOUT 2' TALL SHOT OUT FROM BETWEEN THE HOOD AND COWL AND OUT OF THE INTERCOOLER INLET IN THE CENTER OF THE HOOD. THE FLAMES WERE FOLLOWED BY ABOUT 10 SECONDS OF A HUGE SMOKE CLOUD. IT TOOK ME ABOUT 90 SECONDS TO GET A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AN... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Aug 19, 2008

Fire

Incident date: Jul 1, 2003

THE CRUISE CONTROL UNIT ON MY CAR WILL CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO REMAIN OPEN, EVEN IF THE CRUISE IS TURNED OFF. THIS CAN RESULT IN ANYTHING FROM HIGHER THAN NORMAL IDLE TO RANDOM INSTANCES OF WIDE OPEN, UNCONTROLLED ACCELERATION. THE CAR HAS BEEN TO 2 DIFFERENT SUBARU DEALERS FOR A TOTAL OF 7 TIMES OVER... Read more

Incident date: Mar 30, 2006

DRIVER SIDE FLOOR MAT WILL NOT STAY IN METAL ROD DESIGNED TO KEEP THE MAT FROM GOING FORWARD. MAT SLIDES UNDERNEATH THE PETALS AND HAS WORN THE UPHOLSTERY ON THE FLOOR AS WELL. PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN FIXED AS I DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO GET IT REPAIRED. *JB

Incident date: Jan 31, 2007

I OWN A 2003 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX WAGON. ON COLD MORNINGS (LIKE TODAY: 3F), THERE IS A RAW FUEL SMELL IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. I'VE TALKED TO OTHER IMPREZA OWNERS THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM, APPARENTLY THERE IS A DESIGN FLAW INVOLVING A FLEXIBLE FUEL HOSE CONNECTING THE RIGID FUEL LIN... Read more

Incident date: Jan 28, 2007

RAW FUEL SMELL IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT OF 2003 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX, A KNOWN PROBLEM ON 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX WITH FUEL PIPES/HOSES/CLAMPS. DEALERS DENY THERE IS A PROBLEM FOR 2003 MODELS. *NM

Incident date: Jan 25, 2007

STRONG GAS SMELL IN THE CABIN ON A COLD DAY PROBABLY A GAS LEAK. STRONGER WHEN VEHICLE IS STOP. SMELL ENOUGH TO GET A GOOD HEADACHE AND DIZZY. *NM

Incident date: Jan 18, 2007

GAS SMELL COMING THROUGH AIR VENTS OF 2003 SUBARU WRX WHEN VEHICLE IS STOPPED WITH OUTSIDE AIR VENTS OPEN. PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT. NHTSA HAS A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS OF THIS SAME PROBLEM IN 2002-2003 WRX MODELS, AND A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF INTERNET AUTOMOTIVE WEBSITES DISCUSS THIS PROBL... Read more

Incident date: Dec 11, 2006

WHEN USING WINDSHIELD WIPERS IN THE RAIN, DRIVER SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER ARM SLIDES PAST AREA OF WINDSHIELD AND GETS STUCK ON SIDE PILLAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED FIVE TIMES ON THE SAME TRIP WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OVER 50 M.P.H. ON FREEWAY. WINDSHIELD WIPERS THEN BECOME INOPERABLE UNTIL WIPER ARM IS FREE... Read more

Incident date: Feb 24, 2006

1. FUEL LEAKS FROM THE FUEL RAIL WHEN DRIVING IN COLD WEATHER. 2. FUEL LEAKS FROM FUEL RAIL AND RUBBER FUEL LINE THAT IS POSITIONED UNDER THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WHILE OPERATING IN COLD CLIMATE. THIS CONDITION CAUSES FUEL TO LEAK ON TO THE HOT ENGINE CAUSING SMOKE TO RISE FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND POSSI... Read more

Incident date: Nov 28, 2005

FUEL LEAKAGE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF MY 2003 SUBARU WRX IMPREZA. THERE WAS A BULLETIN ON 2002 MODELS. I HAVE HAD FUEL LEAKAGE WHEN TEMPERATURES ARE BELOW 32 DEGREES. SUBARU SAYS THAT MY YEAR DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR REPAIR. BUT THIS SEEMS TO BE THE SAME PROBLEM PREVIOUSLY REPORTED IN EARLIER MODELS.*JB

Incident date: Sep 30, 2005

IN MY 2003 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX, ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, WHEN I HIT A SMALL BUMP IN THE ROAD (COULD BE AN EXPANSION JOINT IN A BRIDGE OR A CRACK IN THE ROAD SURFACE THAT HAS BEEN PATCHED) WHILE BRAKING, THE ABS KICKS IN AND DOES NOT ALLOW ME TO BRAKE. AFTER ABOUT ONE SECOND HAS PASSED, THE ABS TURNS O... Read more

Incident date: Sep 30, 2005

Incident date: Sep 25, 2002

THE BRAKING SYSTEM IN THE VEHICLE MALFUNCTIONS UNDER THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS CROSSING OVER A SHARP TRANSITION (BREAK IN PAVEMENT, TRAIN TRACKS OR CHOPPY ROUGH PAVEMENT) IN THE ROAD AND UNDERGOING LIGHT TO MODERATE BRAKING, THE VEHICLE STOPS DECELERATING FOR ABOUT 1/2 TO 1 SECON... Read more

Incident date: Mar 7, 2005

THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED SUDDENLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND COLLIDED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. NO INJURIES TO REPORT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB

Crash

Incident date: Feb 7, 2005

THE DRIVER WAS SHIFTING TO SECOND GEAR WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN HE HEARD A POP, AND WAS UNABLE TO CHANGE GEARS, PREVENTING THE VEHICLE FROM MOVING. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR CHECKUP, AND RESULTS SHOWED THAT SECOND GEAR WAS BROKEN, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*AK

Incident date: Jan 22, 2005

AFTER A COLD WEEKEND THE INSIDE OF THE CABIN SMELLS OF RAW FUEL. I SEE THE MANUFACTURER HAS A TSB FOR FIXING THIS IN THE NORTH AND CANADA, BUT NO MENTIONS OF IT IN THE SOUTH. ALSO, THEY SAY IT HAPPENS IN 02 VEHICLES, BUT I HAVE AN 03 AND IT JUST STARTED. *NM

Incident date: Oct 19, 2004

WHILE TAKING A RIGHT HAND UPHILL TURN OVER A BUMP, ABS APARENTLY ACTIVATED AND STOPPED BRAKING FUNCTIONS. I WAS UNABLE TO SLOW DOWN OR STOP AND HIT A CURB, CAUSING SEVERE DAMAGE TO CAR. I HAD PREVIOUSLY HAD ISSUES WITH ABS ACTIVATING WHEN IT WAS NOT SUPPOSED TO IN MODERALTY LIGHT RAIN, WHICH WAS ... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Sep 20, 2003

FOLLOW-UP ON PREVIOUS COMPLAINT NUMBER: 04V342000.DRIVER WAS RESTRAINED BY A SEAT BELT. MEDICAL COMPLAINTS: 2 CERVICAL VERTABRAE FRACTURES, PATELLA (KNEE) FRACTURE AND PNUEMOTHORAX.*AK

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Sep 20, 2003

FOLLOW-UP ON PREVIOUS COMPLAINT NUMBER: 04V342000.DRIVER WAS RESTRAINED BY A SEAT BELT. MEDICAL COMPLAINTS: 2 CERVICAL VERTABRAE FRACTURES, PATELLA (KNEE) FRACTURE AND PNUEMOTHORAX.*AK

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Oct 1, 2003

I JUST HAD THE CAR IN WITH 6600 MILES FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND THEY PERFORMED THE 7500 MILE CHECK UP AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. THAT AFTERNOON I FIRST NOTICE THE BRAKES FEEL SOFT AND NOT SLOW THE CAR I SHOOK IT OFF THINKING I FELT IT WRONG. I NOTICED IT 2 DAYS LATER AGAIN AND DECIDED I SHOUL... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Aug 10, 2003

I OWN A 2003 SUBARU WRX SEDAN WITH A MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND QUITE OFTEN WHEN SHIFTING GEARS 2ND,3RD,4TH AND ESPECIALY IN 5TH GEAR IT TENDS TO NOT SHIFT IN GEAR(GETS STUCK) AND GRINDS FROM TIME TO TIME. THIS SCARES ME WHEN I GET ON THE EXPRESSWAY AND I HAVE TO SHIFT GEARS TO GET IN THE FLOW OF TRAFF... Read more

Incident date: Apr 26, 2004

WHILE AT A FULL STOP, I WAS STRUCK FROM BEHIND (THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING ( 20MPH?) IN MY 2003 SUBARU WRX WAGON- RESULTING IN THE COLLAPSE OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT BACK AND IN DAMAGE TO THE SEAT RECLINER MECHANISM AND THE 'SEAT FRAME' (THE BODY SHOP'S TERM). *AK

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Apr 12, 2004

I OWN A 2003 SUBARU WRX 5 SPEED WAGON. I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING A DISTRESSING AND REPEATABLE LOSS OF BRAKING UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES. THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED MORE THAN ONCE SO THE PARTICULAR DATE DOESN'T SEEM THAT RELEVANT, BUT I WAS FORCED TO CHOSE ONE BELOW. THE CIRCUMSTANCES ARE AS FOL... Read more

Incident date: May 6, 2004

VEHICLE ABS UNNECESSARILY ENGAGES AND INCREASES THE STOPPING DISTANCE WHEN TIRES ROLL OVER BUMPS, WAVY PAVEMENT OR HOLES. IT REQUIRES QUICK RELEASE OF BRAKE PEDAL AND REENGAGEMENT TO DEACTIVATE ABS AND BE ABLE TO STOP ADEQUATELY. POTENTIAL FOR ACCIDENT IF STOPPING DISTANCE IS LONGER THAN REQUIRED ST... Read more

Incident date: Jan 22, 2004

I SEEM TO BE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM THAT IS BEING INVESTIGATED CURRENTLY BY YOU. THE NHTSA # IS: EA03024 I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT IN WHICH MY ABS BRAKES OF MY 2003 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX DID NOT ENGAGE. I APPLIED THE BRAKES JUST LIKE I NORMALLY DO AND THE BRAKE SANK VERY QUICKLY, AND THEN SUPPL... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Apr 1, 2004

WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND ROLLED OVER SEVERAL TIMES. UPON IMPACT, DUAL AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER SUSTAINED SEVERE BACK AND NECK INJURIES. *AK

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Feb 14, 2004

CRACKED WINDSHIELD -- IT HAPPENED WITH A SMALL PEBBLE. *JB

Incident date: Feb 12, 2004

I WAS DRIVING TO WORK THIS YESTERDAY (2/12/04) MORNING, AND WAS JUST CROSSING AN INTERSECTION. I WAS GOING ABOUT 15MPH, AND SAW THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME HIT THERE BREAKS. I PUSHED DOWN THE PEDAL, AND TO MY HORROR, IT SEEMED TO GO ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR WITHOUT MY CAR STOPPING AT ALL. NEXT THING I KN... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Jan 19, 2004

I HAVE A 2003 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STATION WAGON WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THE INCIDENT ON JANUARY 19, 2004 IS ONLY ONE OF AT LEAST FIVE EXAMPLES OF THE PROBLEM DETAILED BELOW. *AK HERE IS THE RECURRING PROBLEM: WHENEVER I BRAKE AT RELATIVELY LOW SPEEDS (UNDER 30MPH AS FAR AS I REMEMBER) OV... Read more

Incident date: Jan 17, 2004

BRAKE FAILURE. *CB

Crash

Showing 50 of 65 complaints.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2003 SUBARU WRX

45 manufacturer communications from 22 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
350000 EQUIPMENT	17
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	5
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	3
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY	2
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL	2
140000 AIR BAGS	2
060000 ENGINE (PWS)	2
030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC	2

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.

140000 AIR BAGS

Takata Front Passenger Airbag Module / Inflator a??Like for Likea?? Recall

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).

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.

350000 EQUIPMENT

Special Service Tools Cross Reference List.

350000 EQUIPMENT

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

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

This Bulletin provides information regarding DTC P0606 related specifically to the determination of this code on Forester Turbo and applicable WRX models.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This Bulletin provides information regarding DTC P0606 related specifically to the determination of this code on Forester Turbo and applicable WRX models.

111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

This Bulletin provides information regarding DTC P0606 related specifically to the determination of this code on Forester Turbo and applicable WRX models.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This Bulletin provides information regarding DTC P0606 related specifically to the determination of this code on Forester Turbo and applicable WRX models.

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.

034510 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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 whic

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

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.

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

Launch of Remanufactured Turbochargers

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

140000 AIR BAGS

"SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. (SOA) HAS DETERMINED THAT A DEFECT, WHICH RELATES TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY, MAY EXIST ON CERTAIN 2003-2004 MODEL YEAR SUBARU LEGACY, OUTBACK, AND BAJA VEHICLES, AND CERTAIN 2004 MODEL YEAR SUBARU IMPREZA (INCLUDING W

141320 AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.

350000 EQUIPMENT

New Vehicle Receipt- Navigation SD Card Transit Storage Location Change

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

Replacement Key and Immobilizer Info

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

Replacement Key and Immobilizer info

190000 TIRES

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

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

(ABS) ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM CONTROL UNIT CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM. *TT

NHTSA Safety Investigations, SUBARU WRX

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

EA, Closed , Model Year: 2002

EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES

DURING THE EA, ODI AND VRTC PERFORMED THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES:1.CONDUCTED A MAIL SURVEY OF 246 SUBJECT VEHICLE OWNERS TODETERMINE THE ROADWAY SURFACE THAT CAUSED OWNERS' CONCERN;2.INTERVIEWED COMPLAINING OWNERS;3.CONDUCTED FIELD INSPECTIONS OF SEVEN (7) COMPLAINT VEHICLES;4.INSTRUMENTED TESTING AT ... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2002

BRAKING SYSTEM/ABS

SUBARU'S SUPPLEMENTAL RESPONSE OF SEPTEMBER 29, 2003, IDENTIFIED THAT THE 2002, 2003 SUBARU WRX MODELS AREEQUIPPED WITH THE BOSCH 5.3 ABS SYSTEM, AND IDENTIFIED THAT OTHER MODEL SUBARU VEHICLES ARE ALSO EQUIPPED WITH THE BOSCH 5.3 ABS SYSTEM, BUT HAVE DIFFERENT CALIBRATIONS THAN THE WRX MODEL VEHICL... Read more

SUBARU WRX - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the SUBARU WRX across all model years (2002, 2023).

109 Total Recalls

1,232 Total Complaints

2 Investigations

78 Reported Crashes

13 Reported Fires

1 Reported Deaths

SUBARU WRX - Year by Year

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

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2025	0	4	View
2024	0	15	View
2023	1	7	View
2022	1	36	View
2021	1	21	View
2020	1	23	View
2019	2	44	View
2018	2	63	View
2017	1	73	View
2016	3	40	View
2015	3	73	View
2014	10	9	View
2013	11	11	View
2012	12	4	View
2011	11	5	View
2010	12	3	View
2009	10	72	View
2008	7	119	View
2007	3	0	View
2006	4	14	View
2005	5	24	View
2004	5	46	View
2003 (current)	2	65
2002	2	461	View

Other SUBARU Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
IMPREZA	321	3,425	View
LEGACY	307	4,132	View
OUTBACK	288	12,131	View
SOLTERRA	259	109	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 WRX

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

Technical Service Bulletins, 2003 SUBARU WRX

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, SUBARU WRX

SUBARU WRX - All Years Overview

SUBARU WRX - Year by Year

Other SUBARU Models