2003 Subaru Wrx: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 Subaru Wrx: 1 recall, 60 owner complaints.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #09V468000 · 2009 · 5,724 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E060000 · 2006 · 87,745 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and May possibly result in a vehicle crash
The fix: Aai motorsports will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. The recall began on August 1, 2006.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 5 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (20): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (5).
- Fuel system (16): the most common themes are leaks (10), fire / smoke (4).
- Engine & cooling (4): the most common themes are fire / smoke (3), leaks (2).
- Transmission & drivetrain (4): the most common themes are noise or vibration (2), hard / delayed shifting (2).
The 2003 Subaru Wrx has 60 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 24 Wrx model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 41). Complaints peaked in 2003 (15 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 23,800 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (427 complaints, 1 recalls), 2004 (42 complaints, 4 recalls).
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2003 Subaru Wrx.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2003 Subaru Wrx have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2003 Subaru Wrx, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2003 Subaru Wrx problems?
Owners have filed 60 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (20), fuel system (16), engine & cooling (4).
Where can I get a 2003 Subaru Wrx repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.