Does the 2003 Subaru WRX have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 Subaru WRX, the most recent reported on December 4, 2009 (Fuel system, gasoline: delivery, fuel pump). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Subaru WRX?

Owners have filed 60 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is service brakes, hydraulic (20 complaints), followed by fuel system, gasoline (16).

How many 2003 Subaru WRX complaints mention a crash or fire?

13 of 60 complaints report a crash and 2 a fire; 5 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2003 Subaru WRX recalls and problems

1 recall and 60 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Subaru WRX.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2003 Subaru WRX recalls

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery, fuel pump

NHTSA campaign 09V468000 · reported December 4, 2009 · SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. · 5,724 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk: Fuel leaks, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Service brakes, hydraulic20
Fuel system, gasoline16
Engine and engine cooling4
Fuel/propulsion system4
Power train4
Vehicle speed control3
Visibility3
Air bags2
Seats2
Steering2

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Feb 22, 2019 · Fuel/propulsion system
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…

Jan 17, 2018 · Fuel/propulsion system · 100,000 miles
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.

Aug 16, 2017 · Fuel/propulsion system · 110,000 miles
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…

Nov 4, 2015 · Fuel/propulsion system · 105,000 miles
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…

Jun 12, 2015 · Steering · 153,000 miles · crash reported
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 ME AS WELL AS…

WRX model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2002	1	427	17	2
2003	1	60	13	2
2004	4	42	1	0
2005	4	19	0	0
2006	3	14	0	0

Across all years, the 2002 WRX has the most complaints (427). All Subaru WRX years →

Questions

Does the 2003 Subaru WRX have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 Subaru WRX, the most recent reported on December 4, 2009 (Fuel system, gasoline: delivery, fuel pump). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Subaru WRX?: Owners have filed 60 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is service brakes, hydraulic (20 complaints), followed by fuel system, gasoline (16).
How many 2003 Subaru WRX complaints mention a crash or fire?: 13 of 60 complaints report a crash and 2 a fire; 5 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received February 22, 2019.