2003 Subaru WRX
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 427 |
| 2003 | 60 |
| 2004 | 42 |
| 2005 | 19 |
| 2006 | 14 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2008 | 65 |
| 2009 | 41 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2011 | 4 |
| 2012 | 2 |
| 2013 | 7 |
| 2014 | 6 |
| 2015 | 52 |
| 2016 | 31 |
| 2017 | 53 |
| 2018 | 42 |
| 2019 | 30 |
| 2020 | 17 |
| 2021 | 13 |
| 2022 | 25 |
| 2023 | 8 |
| 2024 | 13 |
| 2025 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
33% of complaints: service brakes — 20 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH INJURY27% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hoses, lines/piping, and fittings and delivery.
FIRE7% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 4 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190222
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180117
7% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine.
FIRE7% of complaints: power train — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing manual transmission and column shift assembly.
SAFETY TIMELINE
BRAKING SYSTEM/ABS
EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES
FUEL LINE LEAKAGE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT
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 RE
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.
Campaign 06E060000 — check if this car was fixed
FUEL LINE LEAK
FUEL LINE LEAK
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, MONT
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.
Campaign 09V468000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Subaru WRX — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (20 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06E060000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09V468000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2003 Subaru WRX reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Subaru WRX is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Subaru WRX?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Subaru WRX have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.