- The problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- The risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-20.
Vehicle safety record
2003 Subaru Legacy Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 62 complaints about the 2003 Subaru Legacy with NHTSA, most often about the airbags (16) and the engine & cooling (14). Those complaints describe 4 crashes and 4 injuries. It is covered by 15 recalls, the latest in January 2020 for the inflator module. For comparison, the 2002 has 58 and the 2004 has 49.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical Legacy year, for its age
#150 most complained-about 2003 vehicle
- Complaints
- 62
- Recalls
- 15
- Crashes
- 4
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 4
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2003 Subaru Legacy problems
Share of all 62 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2003 Subaru Legacy recalls 15
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 of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- The risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-20.
- The problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- The risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-20.
- The problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, and Baja vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming, or "Zone C.". These vehicles may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- The risk
- An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 24, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-16. Note: This recall covers vehicles that were not previously covered in 16V-358 for Zone A or 16V-359 for Zone B.
- The problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2006-2008 Impreza, Tribeca, 2006 Saab 9-2x, and 2003-2006 Baja vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." These vehicles may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- The risk
- An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 24, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-16. Note: This notice is only for vehicles that were not covered by 16V-358 for Zone A.
- The problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2009-2011 Legacy, Outback, Forester, 2006-2011 Impreza, Tribeca, 2003-2006 Baja, and 2006 Saab 9-2x vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." These vehicles may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- The risk
- An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 26, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Saab owners may contact GM at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-16.
- The problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Subaru Baja vehicles manufactured January 22, 2003, to July 21, 2004, 2004-2005 Impreza vehicles manufactured January 28, 2003, to May 31, 2005, 2003-2008 Subaru Legacy vehicles manufactured January 22, 2003, to May 2, 2008, 2003-2008 Subaru Outback vehicles manufactured February 18, 2003, to May 5, 2008, and 2005 Saab 9-2x vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, to March 17, 2005. The affected vehicles are equipped with a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture upon its deployment.
- The risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- Subaru will notify their owners and General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The Subaru recall began on June 17, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. The Saab recall began on July 27, 2015. Owners of Saab vehicles may call 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is WQR-53. Note: The recall completely supersedes recall 14V-399 (WQL-48) and partially supersedes recall 14V-763 (WQP-51) in that model year 2004 through 2005 Subaru Impreza and model year 2005 Saab 9-2x vehicles are now only part of this campaign. Note: On December 18, 2015 Subaru informed NHTSA of an expansion of this recall to include certain model year 2003-2004 Subaru Baja, 2003-2008 Subaru Legacy and 2003-2008 Subaru Outback vehicles.
- The problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy and Outback vehicles, and 2003-2005 Baja vehicles sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Puerto Rico, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Saipan, American Samoa, Florida and adjacent counties in southern Georgia, as well as the coastal areas of Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
- The risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- Subaru will notify their owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQP-51. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-471. This recall has been partially superseded by 15V-323. All 2005 model year Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles will now be repaired under recall 15V-323.
- The problem
- Airtex Products LP (Airtex) is recalling certain model E8598M, E8518M, E8600M, E8596M, and E8597M fuel pumps manufactured July 26, 2013, and July 29, 2013 and used as aftermarket replacements on Subaru Baja's, Outback's and Legacy's. The affected fuel pumps were sold or installed into the aftermarket applications on or after July 26, 2013, and may may leak fuel from the base of a fuel line connection when the gas tank is full.
- The risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- The fix
- Airtex will notify owners, and will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Recall is expected to begin on January 2, 2014. Customers may contact Airtex at 1-800-880-3056. The recall is expected to begin during January 2014. This recall is being conducted by Airtex, not by Subaru.
- 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
- On some passenger and sport utility vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, virginia, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia, certain left-hand front transverse link components were produced with poor paint quality. If the vehicle is operated form an extensive period in a salt-belt area, continued exposure to salt could cause the left front transverse link to rust and eventually break.
- The risk
- If the transverse link were to break due to rusting, control of the vehicle could be affected without prior warning, possibly resulting in a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will apply anti-rust material to the left front transverse link. Owner notification began august 1, 2003. Owners should contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
- The problem
- This recall applies to certain passenger vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, virginia, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia. Certain rear suspension subframe components were produced with poor paint quality which, after continued exposure to corrosive road salts for a period of several years, could result in rust-out of the component and possible breakage of the subframe.
- The risk
- If such breakage occurs while the vehicle is being operated, control of the vehicle could be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will clean and rust-proof the rear suspension subframe. Owner notification began july 14, 2003. 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.
- 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.
- The problem
- On certain sport utility and passenger vehicles equipped with 4-cylinder engines, the water pump pulley center hole was improperly machined.
- The risk
- In some instances, the interference fit between the inner wall of the pulley center hole and the water pump drive shaft was not as tight as specified in the drawing specification. This could result in the water pump pulley dislodging from the water pump shaft, which can cause severe engine damage/seizure during vehicle usage.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the water pump. Owner notification began september 12, 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.
- The problem
- On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 6-cylinder engines, the aluminum wheels may have an off-center diameter.
- The risk
- This can result in the eventual loosening of the wheel hub-nuts during vehicle usage, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace all 4 aluminum wheels. Owner notification began september 12, 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
Be the first Legacy owner to share.
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
62 complaints about the 2003 Subaru Legacy
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 3.
Dealer has reported rear subframe if broken. I googled this and found recall 03v153000 which seems applicable but subaru says it does not apply to my car. Problem description seems identical.
The contact's daughter owns a 2003 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made squeaking sounds. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the rear lateral link had detached from the rear subframe, and that the rear strut was leaning against the rear driver's side tire. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the rear subframe was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was...
Read the full complaint
made aware of the failure but confirmed that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 03V153000 (Suspension) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
The contact owns a 2003 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated while driving 30 mph, the vehicle began to stall and then seized. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated a police officer assisted to push the vehicle out of the roadway. The contact stated he was able to restart the vehicle and drive to his destination. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact stated he and his daughter continued to experience...
Read the full complaint
the failure while driving the vehicle. The contact then took the vehicle to Fairway Subaru (2209 Laurens Rd, Greenville, SC 29607, (864) 242-5060) and the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact stated he continued to experience the failure. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
For the last 2 years the front brakes stalled 4 times on the high way. I had to pull over, wait 20 minutes and the brakes are working again. The mechanic's computer doesn't find anything wrong.
The electrical in my car sometimes works and sometimes not while driving the lights for notification of brake or ans go off and on. My headlights will occasionally blink too.
Brake line at rear wheel connector rusted through and literally broke a hole through the very rusted metal while driving at about 30 mph, but luckily this was on empty road and it eventually stopped, but the brake pedal lost effectiveness and the usability is now dangerous, so it is parked at home, while my registration, tax and inspection lives are only half used.
Deadly defective passenger airbag! Air bag recall. Reported on local news channel.
I have an airbag recall on this vehicle and have received a notice to get it serviced. When calling my local subaru dealership they told me I'd be put on a waiting list and that they are booked out through the end of the year. In the notice it states that this could kill me or my passengers. Waiting till the end of the year doesn't seem like they care about my safety. The dealership was gustman subaru of appleton wisconsin.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 subaru legacy. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v358000 (air bags). The vehicle was towed to hudiburg subaru (210 e interstate 240 service rd, oklahoma city, ok 73149, (844) 629-1630) where it was determined that the air bags were not takata air bags; therefore, they did not need to be replaced. The dealer stated that they would return the vehicle and wanted to charge the contact to tow the vehicle back to him. The manufacturer offered to possibly reimburse the contact for the towing cost. The contact felt that he was getting the run around and was out of a vehicle for a week. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 subaru legacy. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v358000 (air bags). The vehicle was taken to suburban subaru (14 hartford turnpike, vernon, ct 06066, 860-406-7281) where the contact stated that the air bag was inspected, but was not replaced. Approximately one month later, when the vehicle was started, the air bag indicator illuminated. The dealer was not called. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the air bag illumination was unrelated to the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 132,800.
Are the dealers required to turn in the old air bags that they replace on recall? After the dealer "checked" my airbag serial number, which took all day, even though all they had to do is open the glove compartment and look, the dealer had me sign two identical pieces of paper with large dollar amounts on them. The piece of paper I received had all zeros for the dollar amounts, since the dealer lied to me about having to remove the dashboard to check the airbag, I am suspicious. Could the dealer use the...
Read the full complaint
papers I signed to claim to have replaced the airbag, but not done so??? The likelihood of them getting caught would be very low. I know that the dashboard was not removed because of cobwebs that were not disturbed between the dash and the car. The dealer told me that the airbag did not need to be replaced after they checked the serial number.
Takata recall. I am active duty military stationed overseas. I have been in touch with subaru america for over a year at this point trying to get my airbag replaced, and they have been unable to deliver on this. I have been driving a potentially unsafe car around since I was notified in sept 2016. I have called and emailed back and forth multiple times, and they have failed to do anything or follow through on their promises as well as treated me disrespectfully on the phone.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 subaru legacy. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel odor within the vehicle without warning. In addition, the contact observed a leak of fluid located under the front passenger side of the hood. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact mentioned that the odor was more stringent when the vehicle was idling. The dial for the air/heat was fractured and could not be turned off. The failure mileage was approximately 175,192.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 subaru legacy. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v358000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Subaru of sonora in sonora, california was made aware of the recall and stated that the parts were currently unavailable and would become available in 90 days. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
This system says my car is 2003 subaru legacy. This is not correct. My car is a 2003 subaru outback and has been recalled at least once. The vin as entered is correct.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 subaru legacy. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v361000 (air bags); however, the part needed for the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 subaru legacy. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v358000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Takata recall - I have been waiting for several months after responding to the recall notice and still no new airbag, dealership can't tell me when it will be fixed. This makes it difficult to keep driving this vehicle. *Tr
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 subaru legacy. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v358000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 subaru legacy. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v361000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
For at least 3 yrs now, we've been experiencing very strong raw fuel smell in the cabin in cold weather especially when the temp drops near freezing point in the winter. The fuel smell in the cabin happened when engine was on and the car was either stationary, in motion of any speed in cold weather. We didn't notice the fuel smell in the summer or in warm weather months. The fuel smell was so bad that at time we had to open the windows in the winter to air it out. Our biggest concern is that it might catch on...
Read the full complaint
fire and compromise our safety. Subaru has recall no. Wvk-21 for 2002-2003 subaru wrx models, but not for other models with the same engine and model years. Please see that subaru investigates the problem and makes the appropriate repairs. Many thanks, andrew
Fumes accumulate in the passenger compartment when driving in temperatures below freezing. Dealer states 'didn't smell any fumes'. Replacing exhaust system didn't fix the problem.
Car will leak gas as temperatures go below freezing. Leak is located in the engine compartment passenger side. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 subaru legacy. The contact stated that during colder weather, gasoline fuel fumes emitted into the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 113,000.
I have had several studs break off over the years and had to replace all of the studs on my 2003 subaru legacy last summer. The last event occurred last summer 2013. By the time I arrived at my 400 mile destination, I had only one stud holding my tire on. Either this is a huge metal defect with the studs or a potential criminal event against our family. I have kept all records from various garages which have replaced the studs over the years. *Tr
Subaru Legacy: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 33 | 9 | B |
| 2006 | 87 | 7 | C |
| 2005 | 184 | 9 | F |
| 2004 | 49 | 11 | C |
| 2003 | 62 | 15 | C |
| 2002 | 58 | 5 | C |
| 2001 | 80 | 8 | C |
| 2000 | 94 | 4 | C |
| 1999 | 97 | 3 | D |
2003 Subaru Legacy vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 Subaru Legacy | 62 | 15 | C | |
| 2003 Honda Accord | 2,013 | 24 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Nissan Altima | 883 | 10 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Toyota Camry | 819 | 1 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Volkswagen Passat | 641 | 7 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Hyundai Sonata | 199 | 6 | C | Compare |
| 2003 Mazda MAZDA6 | 175 | 9 | D | Compare |
| 2003 Kia Optima | 144 | 2 | B | Compare |
| 2003 Chevrolet Malibu | 0 | 3 | B | 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 Legacy
Does the 2003 Subaru Legacy have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 15 recalls for the 2003 Subaru Legacy: inflator module (January 2020); inflator module (January 2020); inflator module (January 2020); inflator module (May 2016) 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 Legacy?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the airbags (16), engine & cooling (14), fuel system (9).
How many complaints has the 2003 Subaru Legacy had?
62 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on December 30, 2002 and the latest on September 27, 2023. Of these, 4 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 4 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2003 Subaru Legacy a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 50 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Subaru Legacy 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 Legacy years have the most complaints?
1995 (186), 2005 (184), 2011 (167). See every Subaru Legacy year compared.
What should I do if my 2003 Subaru Legacy 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