2003 Subaru Wrx problems
The Subaru WRX is an all-wheel drive sport compact car manufactured by the Japanese automaker Subaru, originally based on the Impreza created for the World Rally Championship in 1992. Subaru claimed the name WRX stands for "World Rally eXperimental". Starting with the 2015 models, the WRX lineup has been split from the Impreza, with a different body style that is not offered as an optional hatchback/wagon, being introduced as the separate Levorg model.
Impreza-based models (1992–2014)
The first three generations of the WRX, sold until the 2015 model year, were based on standard Impreza platforms, and replaced the Subaru RX hatchback and sedan.
The initial first-generation WRX models were based on the Impreza sedan (GC chassis code). They were followed by wagons (GF) in 1993 and the first upgraded WRX STi version, introduced in 1994. Several limited edition first-generation coupés were offered in the late 1990s and early 2000s which were never sold in the US and are highly sought after by Subaru enthusiasts.
The second-generation WRX (GD/GG chassis codes for the sedan/wagon, respectively) was brought over to the United States domestic market for model year 2002, with the STI being brought over for model year 2004. The initial "bugeye" front end styling (2000) was superseded by the "blobeye" in 2004 and the "hawkeye" in 2006. Under an agreement between Fuji Heavy Industries and General Motors, Saab sold its own version of the WRX, marketed as the Saab 9-2X, for the 2005 and 2006 model years. The 9-2X was available in both a standard (Linear) and performance (Aero) package, the latter was essentially identical to the second-generation WRX wagon, mechanically.
The third-generation WRX were sold as chassis codes GE (sedan) and GH (hatchback, replacing the earlier wagon version) initially; the third-generation WRX STI was sold with a widened chassis and was available only as a widebody hatch (GR). For the 2011 model year, the third-generation WRX sedan and hatch were moved to the GV and GR wide-body chassis variants, respectively, and a widebody sedan version of the STI (GV) was marketed. The Impreza was redesigned and the fourth-generation was first marketed for model year 2012, making it a distinct model from the WRX, which continued on the third-generation GV/GR chassis until 2014 in most markets.
The fourth-generation WRX were given the VA chassis designation and marketed as a separate model from the Impreza starting in 2015.
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Common 2003 Subaru Wrx problems
The Subaru WRX 2003 is known for several common problems that owners have reported. Here are some of the most frequently mentioned issues:
- Oil Leaks: One of the most common problems with the Subaru WRX 2003 is oil leaks. The valve cover gasket, cam seals, and rear main seal are the most common areas where oil leaks occur. The valve cover gasket is located on the outer side of the head, and it can sometimes go bad over time, causing oil leaks. Cam seals are located on the front of the engine, and they can also leak oil. The rear main seal is located on the back of the engine, and it is a more significant job to replace since it requires pulling the transmission.
- High Oil Consumption: The EJ205 motors in the Subaru WRX 2003 are known to consume a decent amount of oil. The turbo seals can go bad, causing the car to consume oil. The rings can also wear out, causing oil to be pulled through the crankcase into the combustion chamber and burned. In extreme cases, if the car has been tuned or if something goes catastrophically wrong, the pistons can fail, causing the car to consume even more oil.
- Head Gasket Failure: Head gasket failure is a common problem with the Subaru WRX 2003. The coolant overflow container should be checked to ensure that there is coolant at the line. A white creamy substance on top of the oil lid also indicates head gasket failure. The best way to check for head gasket failure is to make sure the previous owner has given a receipt or proof that the head gasket has been changed.
- Timing Belt and Water Pump: The timing belt and water pump are common problems with the Subaru WRX 2003. The timing belt should be replaced every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, and the water pump should be replaced at the same time. If the timing belt breaks, it can cause significant engine damage.
- Weak Transmissions: The transmissions in the Subaru WRX 2003 are known to be weak. The synchronizers can wear out, causing the car to have difficulty shifting. The transmission should be checked for any signs of wear or damage.
- Rubber Part Failure: The rubber parts in the Subaru WRX 2003 are known to fail. The most common rubber parts that fail are the wheel bearings and the rubber hoses. The wheel bearings can wear out, causing the car to have difficulty turning or vibrating. The rubber hoses can crack and leak, causing the car to lose coolant or oil.
- Rust: The Subaru WRX 2003 is known to rust, especially in areas where salt is used on the roads. The undercarriage, wheel wells, and rocker panels are the most common areas where rust occurs. Rust can cause significant damage to the car's frame and body, so it is essential to check for any signs of rust.
In summary, the Subaru WRX 2003 is a fun and practical car, but it is not known for its reliability. Oil leaks, high oil consumption, head gasket failure, timing belt and water pump problems, weak transmissions, rubber part failure, and rust are the most common problems with this car. If you are considering purchasing a Subaru WRX 2003, it is essential to check for these common problems and address them before they become significant issues.
Is the 2003 Subaru WRX a good car?
The WRX is a small and competent all-wheel-drive sedan endowed with the handling and engine performance of a good sports car. It provides a reasonably comfortable ride and a quiet cabin, with well-suppressed exterior noise. A moderate thirst for premium fuel is its most serious drawback.
What is the biggest problem with the WRX?
Subaru WRX Reliability Problems
- CAN System Parasitic Drain on the Battery. Too many owners of newer Subaru vehicles are waking up to cars that won't start due to dead batteries. ...
- Lineartronic CVT Reliability. ...
- Rodents Chew Subaru's Soy Wires. ...
- Subaru EyeSight Problems. ...
- Rust and Corrosion Problems.
What are bad years for WRX?
The 2000-2002 and 2008-2016 versions are the worst on the market. There are some quality years available for the Subaru WRX STI if you're determined to invest in this vehicle. We recommend the 1992-1999, 2004-2007, or 2017-2022 selections for the best results.
Is the Subaru WRX a reliable car?
So which is the most reliable Subaru WRX year? According to RepairPal, the Subaru WRX has a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5.0, with a rank of 32nd out of 36 compact cars. Therefore, one can argue that the WRX isn't the most reliable compact car. However, it doesn't mean it's automatically an unreliable sedan.
2003 Subaru Wrx car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Subaru Wrx problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2003 Subaru Wrx vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2003 Subaru Wrx
The NHTSA has received 60 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Subaru Wrx. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2003 Subaru Wrx vehicles.
2019-02-22
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-02-01
- VIN: JF1GG29653G
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: CAR WAS RECALLED IN APPROXIMATELY 2009 FOR A FUEL LEAK WHICH COULD CAUSE AND ENGINE FIRE. I KNOW BECAUSE I'VE OWNED THIS CAR I BOUGHT IT NEW IN 2003. THE PROBLEM HAS REOCCURRED. TO FIX IT, THE INTAKE MANIFOLD HAD TO BE REMOVED AND 3 SHORT FUEL LINES HAD TO BE REPLACED. WORK WAS DONE BY ALPINE AUTOMOTIVE IN LAKE ZURICH, ILLINOIS. I'VE REACHED OUT TO SUBARU WHO SAY THEY KNOW OF NO ISSUE. HOWEVER, I FOUND AN ARTICLE PUBLISHED IN 2009 IN US NEWS & WORLD REPORT, SAYING THAT THE WARRANTY FOR THIS ISSUE WAS BEING EXTENDED BY 12 YEARS , WHICH PUTS THE CAR STILL IN WARRANTY FOR THIS ISSUE.. *BF
2018-01-17
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-01-02
- VIN: JF1GD29653G
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: FUEL LEAKING ONTO MY ENGINE BLOCK COULD RESULT IN MY CAR ENGULFING IN FLAMES, NO RECALL FOR IT ON MY CAR BUT I SEE IT EVERYWHERE AND IT'S A SUPER COMMON PROBLEM. THE CABIN OF THE CAR ALWAYS SMELLS LIKE GAS USUALLY IN THE COLD, BUT WHEN I SMELL THE ENGINE IT SMELLS BADLY OF RAW GASOLINE.
2017-08-16
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-11-09
- VIN: JF1GD29663G
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU WRX. THE CONTACT NOTICED A STRONG FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BYERS AIRPORT SUBARU (LOCATED AT 401 N HAMILTON RD, COLUMBUS, OH 43213). THE DEALER WOULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V468000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DEMANDED THE DEALER TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE RECALL HAD EXPIRED AND HE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN. UPDATED 10/24/17*LJ UPDATED 10/25/2017*JS
2015-11-04
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-10-30
- VIN: JF1GG29683H
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: WHEN IT GET COLD OUT, THE FUEL LINE STARTS LEAKING AND THERE IS THE SMELL OF GAS IN THE CAR. THERE HAS BEEN A LIMITED RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE DEPENDING ON WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. I LIVE IN A STATE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AREA. THIS DOESN'T CHANGE THE FACT THAT IT IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD CORRECT IT NO MATTER WHAT STATE I LIVE IN (ILLINOIS). THIS IS CLEARLY A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT AND ASK THAT THEY FIX THIS ISSUE.
2015-06-12
STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-09-20
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: MY DREAM CAR DEMOLISHED IN SPLIT SECOND. COULD HAVE VERY EASILY DIED AS WELL AS MY PASSENGER. I LOOKED UP THE RECALLS WHEN I GOT THE CAR AND IT WAS NOT LISTED YET, THE STEEL FRONT CONTROL ARMS IN THE SNOW BELT STATES RUST OUT AND CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO LOOSE CONTROL AND OR CRASH. WELL IT DID BOTH TO ME AS WELL AS EXCELERATE MY CAR. I WAS ON A DATE THAT NIGHT FOR THE FIRST TIME IN A WHILE. AND ON OUR WAY HOME, WE WERE COMING AROUND A SLIGHT BEND, I WAS GOING PROBABLY 35-40 MPH AND RIGHT WHEN I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL GOING AROUND THE BEND I HEARD A CRACK/THUD NOISE AND INSTANTLY I SWEAR ON MY DADS GRAVE THAT THE CAR ACCELERATED, IT WAS OBVIOUSLY OUT OF CONTROL, I COULD NOT STOP THE CAR IT KEPT GOING THE SAME WAY AS THE TURN, AND HIT AN EMBANKMENT ABOUT 3 1/2 FEET TALL THE FRONT DOOR OPENED SOMEHOW WHEN I HIT. IT BENT THE COMPLETE DOOR UP AND LOOKED LIKE A LAMBORGHINI DOOR. LUCKILY WE HAD ARE SEAT BELTS ON! THE CAR THE PROCEEDED TO FLIP ON TO ITS ROOF. BACK, FRONT SIDE WINDOWS BLOWN OUT. BOTH UPSIDE DOWN IN AWE. MADE SURE SHE WAS OK. SHE WAS CUT UP ON HER ARM AND HAD SEATBELT MARKS. AS FOR ME I KNOW I HIT MY HEAD BAD BUT I DON'T EVEN REMEMBER, IT HAPPENED SO FAST AND UNPREDICTABLE! I HAD THAT CAR PAID OFF. LOVED IT SO MUCH BUT I'M VERY DISAPPOINTED I WAS NEVER AWARE OF THE RECALL. I LOOKED UP MY VIN THE DAY OR SO AFTER, AND IT SAID THE CONTROL ARMS WERE NEVER REPLACED. A MONTH OR SO LATER I CHECK AGAIN, AND IT SAYS THEY WERE FIXED.. NOW COME ON, THAT'S A LITTLE WEIRD AND CONVIENENT IF I SO HAPPENED TO SUE SUBARU. I ALSO HAD MY CAR AT A LOCAL SUBARU DEALER 3 MONTHS BEFORE FOR A OVERALL MAINTENANCE CHECK AND LOOK OVER... WHY DID THEY NOT KNOW, WHY DID THEY NOT EVEN SEE THE CORROSION. I WAS SO IN SHAMBLES AFTER THE WRECK, THAT WHEN THE INSURANCE GUY CAME TO LOOK AT MY CAR IT WAS TOTALED OBVIOUSLY. I TRIED POINTING OUT WHAT HAPPENED, HE REALLY COULD OF CARED LESS.
2015-01-07
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-01-07
- VIN: JF1GG29653G
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: IN COLD WEATHER THE FUEL LINES LEAK ON THE 2003 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX! THERE WAS A LIMITED RECALL IN CERTAIN NORTHERN STATES, HOWEVER IT GETS COLD IN MANY STATES WHERE THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE CAR HAS BECOME DANGEROUS TO DRIVE B/C I CAN SMELL THE GAS WHICH MEANS THERE IS THE DANGER OF IGNITION. SUBARU KNOWS OF THIS ISSUE AND SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL FOR ALL CARS AFFECTED. *TR
2014-02-04
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-02-03
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: ON THE MORNING OF FEB 3, 2014 I STARTED MY CAR AND IT SMELLED VERY STRONGLY OF RAW GAS. I TURNED OFF THE CAR AND HAD IT TOWED TO MY LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. THE TOW COST $84.70. I FOUND OUT LATER THAT MORNING THAT SUBARU ISSUED A RECALL BEGINNING DECEMBER 31, 2009 FOR 2002 AND 2003 SUBARU WRXS WHERE THE FUEL LINE LEAKS IN EXTREME COLD. UNFORTUNATELY, THE RECALL INCLUDED ONLY 16 STATES, AND OFFERED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY TO THE OTHER 34 STATES NOT NAMED IN THE RECALL (I RESIDE IN ONE OF THE 34 FOR THE "EXTENDED WARRANTY"). I PROMPTLY PHONED SUBARU OF AMERICA AND MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP, WEBSTER GROVES SUBARU ABOUT THE ISSUE. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEE, [XXX], ADVISED ME TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE OVER TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT. CONSIDERING THIS IS TALKING ABOUT RAW GAS AND AT LEAST ONE FIRE HAS BEEN REPORTED IN RELATION TO THE RECALL, I DO NOT AGREE WITH THIS SUGGESTION. BOTH SUBARU OF AMERICA AND THE DEALERSHIP AFFIRMED THAT THE CAR WOULD HAVE TO BE TAKEN TO A DEALERSHIP TO SEE IF IT MIGHT BE CONSIDERED FOR THE RECALL. AFTER DIRECTLY TELLING [XXX] I WILL NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE SINCE IT IS DANGEROUS (THE RECALL EVEN STATES THAT IT IS DANGEROUS!), SHE AGREED TO CALL HER DISTRICT MANAGER THEN RETURN MY CALL. THIS IS NOT THE WHOLE OF MY CONCERN. WE HAVE HAD COLDER WEATHER ALL OVER THE UNITED STATES THIS YEAR AND I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS ISSUE. I WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE EXTENDED WARRANTY OR THE ISSUE BY SUBARU, AND I GATHER OTHER INDIVIDUALS WERE NOT AS WELL AND THEIR SAFETY COULD BE AT RISK. WHILE IT WOULD BE IDEAL FOR SUBARU TO PAY FOR THE NECESSARY REPAIRS TO MY VEHICLE, I ULTIMATELY HOPE THEY WILL NOTIFY ALL 2002 AND 2003 SUBARU WRX OWNERS OF THIS POTENTIAL HAZARD FOR THE SAFETY OF EVERYONE! THIS IS NOT JUST A SMALL OPTIONAL RECALL, BUT ONE THAT COULD CAUSE SERIOUS HARM TO DRIVERS, THEIR PASSENGERS AND FELLOW DRIVERS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
2010-06-24
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-06-19
- VIN: JF1GD29643G
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU WRX. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE BEGAN LEAKING OIL FROM THE AVCS LINE AND WOULD LEAK ONTO THE MANIFOLD, CREATING A FIRE HAZARD. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE AND ANY REPAIRS WOULD BE THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 31,000.
2010-01-06
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-01-05
- VIN: JF1GG29643H
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL LINE LEAKS RAW GASOLINE FUMES INTO PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND OUTSIDE OF VEHICLE DURING COLD WEATHER. GAS FUMES ARE OVERPOWERING INSIDE THE VEHICLE, AND POSSIBLY CREATES A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD OF FIRE/ EXPLOSION. *TR
2009-11-25
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-08-15
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: OCCASIONALLY MY WRX SMELLS LIKE RAW GAS. THREE TIMES WHEN I HAVE BEEN DRIVING TO MT. LEMON, UP A VERY STEEP ROAD, I HAVE HAD A VERY STRONG (UNBEARABLE) GAS SMELL ENTER THE CAR. I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT I AM JUST "OVERFILLING THE TANK," HOWEVER, I NEVER TRY TO FILL THE TANK BEYOND THE AUTOMATIC SHUTOFF POINT ON THE GAS PUMP. I HAVE ALSO SMELLED GAS OCCASIONALLY WHEN DRIVING BUT NEVER AS STRONG AS WHEN I DRIVE TO MT. LEMON. *TR
2009-11-17
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-02-15
- VIN: JF1GD29623G
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: THERE HAS BEEN NO ACCIDENT OR CRASH. THIS IS AN ONGOING SAFETY PROBLEM WITH A MODEL OF TIRES. THE TIRES ARE KUMHO SPT 225/45R-17. THESE TIRES HAVE SERIOUS DIRECTIONAL STABILITY ISSUES. THEY MAKE THE CAR VERY SCARY TO DRIVE IN CROSS WINDS. IN CORNERS, THE CAR ALWAYS FEELS LIKE IT IS SQUIRMING AROUND AND YOU NEVER REALLY KNOW WHAT DIRECTION IT IS GOING TO GO. I'VE ALIGNED THE CAR TWICE, BOTH TIMES ADDING MORE REAR TOE IN TO INCREASE STABILITY. THIS HAS HAD ALMOST NO EFFECT. I'VE TRIED A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT TIRE PRESSURES. HIGHER PRESSURES (ABOVE 40PSI) HELP, BUT DO NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. I'VE USED SEVERAL OTHER TYPE AND BRAND OF TIRES ON THE CAR AND NEVER HAD ANY STABILITY ISSUES WITH ANY OF THEM. THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH ANY OF THE COMPONENTS IN THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM. I'VE SPENT OVER ONE MONTH WITH KUMHO TRYING TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM WITH THE TIRES. IN THAT TIME, I HAVE RECEIVED A SINGLE ONE SENTENCE RESPONSE TO MY E-MAILS. KUMHO HAS REPEATEDLY NOT RETURNED THE MAJORITY OF MY PHONE CALLS TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM. APPARENTLY THEY DO NOT THINK THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE TIRES, AS THEY HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO INTEREST IN HELPING TO FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM OR EVEN LOOKING AT THE TIRES. *TR
2009-11-12
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-11-05
- VIN: JF1GD29613G
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: 2003 SUBARU WRX, RAW FUEL SMELL IN CABIN BEFORE ENGINE IS WARM AND COOLANT TEMPERATURES ARE WARM. HAPPENS INFREQUENTLY BUT WOULD LIKE TO GET RID OF THE SMELL. SEEMS LIKE IT'S A POPULAR PROBLEM FOR THE CARS IN THIS PRODUCTION RANGE. FIRST NOTICED IT ON THE DATE SHOWN BUT OCCURS MORE OFTEN WHEN TEMPERATURES ARE BELOW 50F. *TR
2009-10-29
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-12-10
- VIN: JF1GG296X3G
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: I HAVE A 2003 SUBARU WRX WAGON. AS TEMPERATURES APPROACH FREEZING THE FUEL LINES ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE ENGINE BEGIN TO LEAK, HEAVILY, DURING COLD START UP. THIS CAUSES RAW FUEL SMELL TO ENTER THE CABIN AS WELL AS CREATING A POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS SITUATION WITH RAW FUEL OPENLY POOLING ON THE ENGINE. SUBARU AND THEIR DEALERS ARE AWARE OF THE SITUATION AND IT IS FIXABLE, HOWEVER IT REQUIRES REMOVAL OF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD - A VERY LABOR INTENSIVE JOB - WHICH MAKES IT A COSTLY REPAIR FOR THE CONSUMER TO BEAR. I ACQUIRED THE CAR LAST YEAR AND THE PROBLEM OCCURRED THROUGHOUT LAST WINTER AND HAS RECURRED ALREADY ONCE THIS FALL. *TR
2009-03-13
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-01-10
- VIN: JF1GD29643G
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: I WOULD LIKE TO FILE THIS COMPLAINT AFTER READING ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS RELATED TO THE SAME PROBLEM I AM HAVING WITH MY 2003 SUBARU WRX. VERY STRONG RAW GASOLINE FUMES INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT DURING COLD WEATHER STARTUP. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THIS CAR. THIS PROBLEM JUST STARTED THIS WINTER. YES SUBARU OF AMERICA IT'S HAPPENING ON THE 2003 MODELS ALSO. I WOULD APPRECIATE SOME DIRECTION AS HOW TO PROCEED WITH THIS DEVELOPING SAFETY PROBLEM WITH MY CAR. THANK YOU. *TR
2009-02-17
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-02-16
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TOOK MY VEHICLE IN FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WHEN IT WAS FOUND TO HAVE A SIGNIFICANT GAS LEAK. SPECIFICALLY THE FUEL RAIL HAD SOMETHING LIKE 16 LEAKS. WHILE I NEVER HAD AN ENGINE FIRE THE POSSIBILITY FOR THAT HAPPENING WAS VERY REAL. THIS IS MY FAMILY CAR, WHICH I TRANSPORT MY CHILDREN IN. FROM READING OTHER EXPERIENCES ABOUT THIS I HAVE FOUND IT TO BE A FLAW IN DESIGN WITH THE 2003 SUBARU WRX. I WOULD HOPE THAT SUBARU WOULD VALUE ITS CUSTOMERS SAFETY AND MAKE A SAFETY RECALL ABOUT THIS ISSUE. *TR
2008-12-07
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-12-04
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JF1GD29603G
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: 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 HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH ON THIS ISSUE AND IT SEEMS THAT ITS A WIDELY COMMON ISSUE WITH SUBARU WRX'S FROM 2002 TO 2004. I TOOK THE CAR TO A MECHANIC SHOP AND GOT THE CAR EXAMINED. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THE CLAMPS THAT HOLD THE GAS LINES INTACT WERE VERY LOOSE. HE SAID THAT THE DURING HIGH FUEL PRESSURE THE FUEL LINES COULD SEPARATE AND CAUSE A ENGINE FIRE. I HAVE CALLED SUBARU OF AMERICA AND THEY TOLD ME THERE'S A BULLETIN ON THIS ISSUE. IT SEEMS THAT THIS CAN BE A VERY DANGEROUS SAFETY ISSUE, AND IT SOUNDS TO ME THAT SUBARU OF AMERICA IS NOT WILLING TO REPAIR THE $500 ISSUE. I HAVE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS ANOTHER FUEL ISSUE WITH ANOTHER SUBARU MODEL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V303000). THE SUBARU OUTBACK HAD A RECALL BECAUSE THERE WAS A LOOSE CLAMP AT THE FILLER CAP THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED A FUEL LEAK. WHY IS THERE NO RECALL FOR THE FUEL LEAK IN THE WRXS? THE LEAK HAPPENS VERY CLOSE TO THE ENGINE. ANY TYPE OF HEAT OR IGNITION COULD CAUSE A FIRE OR EVEN DEATH! PLEASE RESEARCH THIS ISSUE AS IT COULD BECOME A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM! *TR
2008-09-18
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-11-01
- VIN: JF1GD29663G
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: I AM WRITING WITH RESPECT TO THE INVESTIGATIONS CONCERNING FUEL LEAKS IN THE 2002-2003 MODELS OF THE SUBARU IMPREZA WRX MODELS. I PURCHASED A WRX IN FEBRUARY OF 2003. LIKE OTHER REPORTS, MY CAR INITIALLY EMITTED A FUEL ODOR ONLY ON COLD DAYS. I TOOK THE CAR TO MY LOCAL SUBARU DEALERSHIP, BEL AIR SUBARU, TO HAVE THE PROBLEM INVESTIGATED. THEY INFORMED MY THAT I HAD A FAULTY FUEL LINE, REPLACED THE FUEL LINE, AND CHARGED ME $800.00. THE FOLLOWING WEEK I STILL SMELLED FUEL. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP; THEY INFORMED ME THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANOTHER LEAK. I WAS TOLD BY THE SALES MANAGER TO "WAIT FOR THE PROBLEM TO FULLY MANIFEST ITSELF." IN THE MEANTIME, I RESEARCHED THE ISSUE ON YOUR WEBSITE. MY INTERPRETATION OF THE REPORT WAS THAT THIS WAS NOT A SAFETY CONCERN, SO I INITIALLY DROPPED THE ISSUE. HOWEVER, AS THE PROBLEM PROGRESSED, THE FUEL LEAK BEGAN TO OCCUR EVEN IN WARM WEATHER AND EVEN WHEN THE ENGINE WAS WARM. NOW, APPROXIMATELY 18 MONTHS FROM THE INITIAL REPAIR, I AM BEING TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT I HAVE A LEAK IN MY FUEL HOSES. THE DEALERSHIP INSISTS THAT THIS IS A SEPARATE REPAIR ISSUE THAT DID NOT EXIST WHEN THEY LOOKED AT THE CAR THE FIRST TIME. AGAIN, I HAVE BEEN QUOTED A PRICE OF $800.00 TO HAVE THE PROBLEM FIXED. I AM RELUCTANT TO SPEND $800.00 MORE DOLLARS TO TRY TO ELIMINATE THE FUEL LEAK AFTER THE RESULTS I GOT LAST TIME. IN LIGHT OF THE FACT THAT THE FUEL LEAKS IN THESE VEHICLES PROGRESS TO A LEAK THAT IS NO LONGER SIMPLY A COLD WEATHER PROBLEM, IS THIS NOW CONSIDERED A SAFETY ISSUE? SUBARU HAS BEEN UNHELPFUL IN HELPING ME SOLVE THIS DILEMMA. CAN YOU HELP? *TR
2008-08-20
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-08-19
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JF1GD29623G
- Components: STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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 AND GET THE FIRE PUT OUT. I EXAMINED THE DAMAGE. THE PRESSURE SIDE POWER STEERING HOSE WAS RUBBING AGAINST THE SHEET METAL HEAT SHIELD OVER THE TURBOCHARGER. AFTER A WHILE, THE RELATIVE MOTION AND HEAT RUBBED A HOLE IN THE POWER STEERING HOSE. THE POWER STEERING HOSE THEN PUMPED POWER STEERING FLUID ALL OVER THE TURBOCHARGER, EXHAUST MANIFOLD, HEAT SHIELDS, HOOD, FIREWALL, ETC. WHEN THE POWER STEERING FLUID HIT THE HEAT SHIELDS AND EXHAUST, IT STARTED BURNING AND THIS CAUSED THE FIRE. I HAVE NOT FINISHED REPAIRING THE VEHICLE YET SO I DON'T KNOW THE COMPLETE EXTENT OF THE DAMAGE. AT THIS POINT, AT LEAST THE POWER STEERING HOSE AND FLUID NEED TO BE CHANGED. THE PRESSURE SIDE POWER STEERING HOSE HAS NO BRACKETS TO HOLD IT IN POSITION WITHIN ABOUT 1' OF THE TURBOCHARGER HEAT SHIELD. THE OUTSIDE OF THE HOSE IS RUBBER. THERE IS NO HEAT SHIELD OVER IT. IT IS GUARANTEED TO RUB AGAINST THE HEAT SHIELD AND FAIL THIS WAY. THE POWER STEERING RETURN HOSE ALSO HAS NO BRACKETS WITHIN 1' OF THE TURBOCHARGER HEAT SHIELD, BUT IT DOES AT LEAST HAVE A CORRUGATED ALUMINUM HEAT SHIELD OVER IT. *TR
2008-01-14
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-07-01
- VIN: JF1GD29623G
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THE CRUISE CONTROL UNIT ON MY CAR WILL CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO REMAIN OPEN, EVEN IF THE CRUISE IS TURNED OFF. THIS CAN RESULT IN ANYTHING FROM HIGHER THAN NORMAL IDLE TO RANDOM INSTANCES OF WIDE OPEN, UNCONTROLLED ACCELERATION. THE CAR HAS BEEN TO 2 DIFFERENT SUBARU DEALERS FOR A TOTAL OF 7 TIMES OVER THE COURSE OF 5 YEARS, AND THE PROBLEM HAS YET TO BE RESOLVED. ALL APPLICABLE TSB'S AND RECALLS HAVE BEEN PERFORMED, BUT PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. *TR
2007-04-16
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-03-30
- VIN: JF1GG296X3G
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: DRIVER SIDE FLOOR MAT WILL NOT STAY IN METAL ROD DESIGNED TO KEEP THE MAT FROM GOING FORWARD. MAT SLIDES UNDERNEATH THE PETALS AND HAS WORN THE UPHOLSTERY ON THE FLOOR AS WELL. PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN FIXED AS I DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO GET IT REPAIRED. *JB
2007-01-31
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-01-31
- VIN: JF1GG29663G
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: I OWN A 2003 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX WAGON. ON COLD MORNINGS (LIKE TODAY: 3F), THERE IS A RAW FUEL SMELL IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. I'VE TALKED TO OTHER IMPREZA OWNERS THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM, APPARENTLY THERE IS A DESIGN FLAW INVOLVING A FLEXIBLE FUEL HOSE CONNECTING THE RIGID FUEL LINES. I'VE JUST TRIED CONTACTING SUBARU OF AMERICA (SOA) REGARDING THIS PROBLEM, BUT THEY SEEM TO BE FIGHTING MANY OWNERS ON COVERING THIS OBVIOUS SAFETY ISSUE.
2007-01-28
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-01-28
- VIN: JF1GG29643H
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: RAW FUEL SMELL IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT OF 2003 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX, A KNOWN PROBLEM ON 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX WITH FUEL PIPES/HOSES/CLAMPS. DEALERS DENY THERE IS A PROBLEM FOR 2003 MODELS. *NM
2007-01-27
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-01-25
- VIN: JF1GD29613G
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: STRONG GAS SMELL IN THE CABIN ON A COLD DAY PROBABLY A GAS LEAK. STRONGER WHEN VEHICLE IS STOP. SMELL ENOUGH TO GET A GOOD HEADACHE AND DIZZY. *NM
2007-01-25
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-01-18
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: GAS SMELL COMING THROUGH AIR VENTS OF 2003 SUBARU WRX WHEN VEHICLE IS STOPPED WITH OUTSIDE AIR VENTS OPEN. PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT. NHTSA HAS A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS OF THIS SAME PROBLEM IN 2002-2003 WRX MODELS, AND A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF INTERNET AUTOMOTIVE WEBSITES DISCUSS THIS PROBLEM. SINCE GASOLINE IS FLAMMABLE, AND AUTOMOBILE FIRES ARE DANGEROUS, I AM REQUESTING NHTSA TO REOPEN ITS FILE ON THIS MATTER AND TO ISSUE A RECALL SINCE NHTSA HAS ALREADY FOUND THAT A FUEL HOSE ON THE ENGINE, IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, IS LEAKING. *JB
2006-12-11
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-12-11
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: 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 FROM SIDE PILLAR. FREEING WIPER ARM REQUIRED DRIVING TO NEAREST FREEWAY EXIT IN THE RAIN WITH INOPERABLE WINDSHIELD WIPERS. CHECKED TIGHTNESS OF WIPER ARM AND WAS FOUND TO BE TIGHT AND SECURE. HOWEVER, WIPER ARM WAS FOUND TO HAVE A LOT OF "PLAY" IN IT. *JB
2003 Subaru Wrx recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2003 Subaru Wrx.
2009-12-04
- Manufacturer: SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Summary: 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.
2006-06-29
- Manufacturer: AAI MOTORSPORTS USA, LLC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2003 Subaru Wrx problems:
what are common problems with 2002/2003 WRX model? : r ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/subaruimpreza/comments/w2dzzb/what_are_common_problems_with_20022003_wrx_model/
Jul 18, 2022 ... I'm looking to buy a 2002/2003 Subaru Impreza WRX and I was wondering what kind of things I have to look out for/ask when viewing a car, any ...
What are the common problems with the 02-03 WRX? | Subaru WRX ...
https://www.clubwrx.net/threads/what-are-the-common-problems-with-the-02-03-wrx.135599/
Apr 1, 2006 ... The most common problem for the 02's would have to be "cold clutch shudder". This is TSB, so it should be repairable. I had the problem and took ...
Greetings! Wanting to know common problems on early WRX ...
https://www.wrxtuners.com/threads/greetings-wanting-to-know-common-problems-on-early-wrx.27845/
Dec 23, 2009 ... ... common problems that occurs from these early generations! I know there bugs and quirks with the early generations (I own a 2003 350z, I can ...
Common Problems | Subaru WRX Forum
https://www.clubwrx.net/threads/common-problems.54974/
Mar 5, 2004 ... in 02: clutch chadder, weak transmissions, hard time getting into reverse and 1st gear sometime (common in many manual cars), ...
2003 WRX EJ205 head gasket problem? - NASIOC
https://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2779331
Mar 15, 2016 ... Is head gasket failure a common problem in the EJ205s of WRX 2002-2005? I've been reading up on the head gasket issue online, and while most ...
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