VehicleVerdict

2003 Subaru WRX problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 65 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.8 times the median WRX year — the 2003 model ranks #6 of 24 WRX years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Fuel System leads the complaint categories with 20 reports (31% of the total).

65

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

5

Investigations

16

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

8

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other WRX years?

WRX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted461 complaints2002: 461 complaints2003: 65 complaints2004: 46 complaints2005: 24 complaints2006: 14 complaints2007: 0 complaints2008: 119 complaints2009: 72 complaints2010: 3 complaints2011: 5 complaints2012: 4 complaints2013: 11 complaints2014: 9 complaints2015: 73 complaints2016: 40 complaints2017: 73 complaints2018: 62 complaints2019: 44 complaints2020: 23 complaints2021: 21 complaints2022: 33 complaints2023: 7 complaints2024: 15 complaints2025: 4 complaints
WRX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all WRX years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Subaru WRX problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System2031%
Brakes2031%
Engine46%
Transmission46%
Visibility & Wipers35%
Speed Control35%
Seats23%
Other23%
Airbags23%
Steering23%
Tires & Wheels23%
Electrical System12%

Does the 2003 Subaru WRX have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09V468000Fuel SystemDecember 4, 2009 · 5,724 units

Defect

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.

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.

06E060000LightingJune 29, 2006 · 87,745 units

Defect

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 ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · December 4, 2008 · fire

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 19, 2004 · crash

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 7, 2005

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 19, 2008 · fire

“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 FREED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · December 11, 2006

2003 Subaru WRX — common questions

Is the 2003 Subaru WRX reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 65 complaints put the 2003 model at #6 of 24 WRX years. It is one of the WRX years to avoid.

What are the most common 2003 WRX problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (20 complaints), brakes (20 complaints), engine (4 complaints).

Does the 2003 Subaru WRX have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2003 Subaru WRX. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2003 Subaru WRX under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 5 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Subaru WRX years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the WRX years to avoid are 2002, 2008, 2017, 2015, 2009, 2003, 2018, 2004, 2019, 2016. The cleanest record among WRX years belongs to 2007.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.