VehicleVerdict

2003 Subaru WRX fuel system problems

The 2003 Subaru WRX has 20 fuel system complaints filed with NHTSA — 31% of the year's total, and down from the prior model year.

20

Fuel System complaints

31%

Share of year

0

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Fuel System complaints by year

Related recalls

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.

What owners report

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

Common questions

How many fuel system complaints does the 2003 Subaru WRX have?

NHTSA has 20 complaints about the 2003 Subaru WRX fuel system — 31% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2003 Subaru WRX fuel system?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the fuel system: 09V468000.

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.