- The problem
- 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, pennsylvania, vermont, wisconsin, connecticut, delaware, iowa, illinois, indiana, maine, minnesota, missouri, new jersey, ohio, rhode island, west virginia and the district of columbia. The front lower control arms may break at the hanger brackets due to corrosion if the hanger bracket is exposed to salty and humid environments such as roads containing snow melting agent.
- The risk
- A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- 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. Owners may contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Owners may contact saab at 1-800-955-9007.
Vehicle safety record
2003 Subaru Impreza Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 64 complaints about the 2003 Subaru Impreza with NHTSA, most often about the fuel system (26) and the brakes (14). Those complaints describe 8 crashes, 1 fire and 13 injuries. It is covered by 6 recalls, the latest in September 2011 for the lower arm. For comparison, the 2002 has 296 and the 2004 has 96.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical Impreza year, for its age
#149 most complained-about 2003 vehicle
- Complaints
- 64
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes
- 8
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 13
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2003 Subaru Impreza problems
Share of all 64 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2003 Subaru Impreza recalls 6
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- 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.
- The problem
- 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 gate inner panel at the welding nut may break, which will lead to detachment of the rear gate stay, and the rear gate dropping down.
- The risk
- 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.
- The fix
- 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, 2008. Owners may contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- In the event of a crash, the driver may sustain more severe injuries due to the seat movement.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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 and will remain in an open position.
- The risk
- If this occurs during vehicle operation, the driver could lose control of the vehicle, which could result in a crash.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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 vehicle, may not engage.
- The risk
- The vehicle could then move/roll without prior warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- 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 within a reasonable time should contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
What owners say
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64 complaints about the 2003 Subaru Impreza
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 3.
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 exact car (https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2009/RCONL-09V468-4248.pdf). But when I called the dealer (Michael's Bellevue Subaru), and then subsequently called Subaru (1-800-SUBARU3), they told me that they will not fix...
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this issue, since this recall does not apply to my state (Washington). I think that's not right. It is the exact same problem of cold weather causing this fuel line to leak, and they should honor this recall.
I noticed fresh smell of gasoline everytime I start the car. I look at the fuel line and its sipping fuel.
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.
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 structural integrity. Fortunately my car was at a low speed and I did not lose control (pictures attached). Had this happened while driving down the highway, this would have been a catastrophic failure and I would...
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have lost control of the vehicle the events on 12/6/2020 indicates the remediation steps proposed by subaru are not acceptable as this part failed catastrophically after these steps had been performed. The safety recall remediation steps in question are that of: "type: safety | safety recall: wvx34 | nhtsa campaign: 11v464000" according to subaru's website for this vehicle, the safety recall was completed: https://www.Subaru.Com/vehicle-recalls.Html/vin=[[redacted]] according to the carfax report, the safety recall was performed on 2/7/2012 only 5 months after the recall was issued. (Screenshot attached) the nature of the failure and the description of the original safety recall show that the testing steps and remediation steps are not suitable for a completed safety recall as the part did end up failing after the additional coating of anti-corrosive had been applied to the lower control arm of my vehicle. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6). *Tr
Head gasket issue. Weeping oil between the heads and the block. No longer own vehicle.
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 vehicle was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact to call nhtsa. The failure mileage was approximately 159,800.
Lower passenger control arm tore off. As a result, loss control of vehicle at high speed on the highway.
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.
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 the airbags did not deploy . This happened upon a rural road in the fog . No other vehicles were involved .
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 let me attach one. There is frontal damage from a smaller tree, but the majority is on the drivers side(my side) from slamming into a large tree.
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 [[redacted]] from clifton new jersey. My extended warranty expired in november. Isn't safety more important than a 3 month expired warranty? I work for nj transit, I know the dot would be concerned! Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6). *Tr
Extremely strong smell of gasoline in cabin in cold weather (below 32 degrees f.). *Tr
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. As a result, some of the fuel lines needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 160,000. Rk
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. Wvk-21. I believe my car should fall under this recall. I called subaru customer service and they told me that my car did not fall under this recall campaign. But the problems I've been having fit the description of the recall campaign. *Tr
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 states so if I move to newyork or michigan I would be covered well I like ohio so if this could get expanded that would be great. *Tr
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 southern california where night time temperatures are now low enough for issue to manifest. Since relocating to san joaquin valley, where overnight temperatures are significantly lower, problem occurs on every morning start in cold weather. *Tr
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
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
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 line and clamps were replaced. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign id number 09v468000 (fuel system, gasoline). The approximate failure mileage was 61,000.
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 system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump), but was told by the manufacturer that the vehicle was not included in the recall campaign. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileages were 137,000.
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 local mechanic where the contact was advised that the lower control arm on the left had rotted away. The lower control arm on both sides was repaired. The manufacturer would not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was 75,000.
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 - cooling system conditioner. Extensive documentation of similar issues with 2003 2.5L engines (example: http://allwheeldriveauto.Com/subaru-head-gasket-problems-explained/). Claim filed with subaru of america (file # [[redacted]]) which is currently under investigation. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6). *Tr
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 that the rear passenger tire exhibited an excessive separation in the sidewall. The tire was replaced with a spare tire. The contact is in the process of purchasing two new tires. The dot number was unavailable. The failure and current mileage were 70,000.
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 serious issue. *Tr
2003 Subaru wrx. Cold start raw fuel smell. Fuel leak under intake on passenger side. *Tr
Subaru Impreza: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 68 | 9 | C |
| 2006 | 56 | 10 | C |
| 2005 | 75 | 6 | C |
| 2004 | 96 | 8 | D |
| 2003 | 64 | 6 | C |
| 2002 | 296 | 6 | F |
| 2001 | 11 | 3 | A |
| 2000 | 41 | 4 | B |
| 1999 | 22 | 4 | A |
2003 Subaru Impreza vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 Subaru Impreza | 64 | 6 | C | |
| 2003 Toyota Corolla | 769 | 13 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Honda Civic | 524 | 24 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Volkswagen Jetta | 463 | 4 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Hyundai Elantra | 234 | 5 | C | Compare |
| 2003 Nissan Sentra | 180 | 10 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Toyota Prius | 111 | 1 | A | Compare |
| 2003 Volkswagen Golf | 31 | 6 | D | Compare |
| 2003 Ford Focus | 0 | 7 | C | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2003 Subaru Impreza
Does the 2003 Subaru Impreza have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2003 Subaru Impreza: lower arm (September 2011); fuel pump (December 2009); latch (March 2008); seats (July 2004) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Subaru Impreza?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the fuel system (26), brakes (14), engine & cooling (6).
How many complaints has the 2003 Subaru Impreza had?
64 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on November 1, 2002 and the latest on January 25, 2022. Of these, 8 describe a crash and 1 a fire, and together they report 13 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2003 Subaru Impreza a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 42 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Subaru Impreza year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Subaru Impreza years have the most complaints?
2002 (296), 2013 (251), 2012 (243). See every Subaru Impreza year compared.
What should I do if my 2003 Subaru Impreza has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data