2003 Subaru WRX Recalls

Recalls on record Updated July 2026

The 2003 Subaru WRX has 1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting an estimated 5,724 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 65 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the service brakes, hydraulic. Last updated July 5, 2026.

Recall campaigns

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 09V468000 2009-12-04 5,724 affected
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,…

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.

Complaints by component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
19
7crashes1injuries
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
11
1fires
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
4
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
4
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
3
1fires
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
2
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
2
2crashes2injuries
STEERING
2
1crashes1fires1injuries
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2
1crashes1injuries
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2
2crashes1injuries
Total complaints65

What owners report

Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.

“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…”

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM · reported 2019-02-01

“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.”

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM · reported 2018-01-02

“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).…”

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM · reported 2015-11-09

“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…”

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM · reported 2015-10-30

“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.…”

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE · reported 2015-01-07

“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 SYSTEM, GASOLINE · reported 2014-02-03

“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…”

STEERING · reported 2013-09-20

“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…”

UNKNOWN OR OTHER · reported 2013-09-20

Defect investigations

Investigation EA03024 Opened 2003-11-19 · closed 2005-07-12

EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES

DURING THE EA, ODI AND VRTC PERFORMED THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES:1.CONDUCTED A MAIL SURVEY OF 246 SUBJECT VEHICLE OWNERS TODETERMINE THE ROADWAY SURFACE THAT CAUSED OWNERS' CONCERN;2.INTERVIEWED COMPLAINING OWNERS;3.CONDUCTED FIELD INSPECTIONS OF SEVEN (7) COMPLAINT VEHICLES;4.INSTRUMENTED TESTING AT VRTC OF COMPLAINT…

Investigation EA09011 Opened 2009-07-02 · closed 2009-12-14

FUEL LINE LEAK

THE DESIGN OF THE FUEL LINE (METAL RAIL/RUBBER HOSE INTERFACE) IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO FUEL ODOR AND/OR SEEPAGE IN EXTREME COLD TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS.OWNERS MOST OFTEN NOTICED FUEL ODOR IN THE OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT AREA DURING INITIAL COLD ENGINE START-UP.ONCE THE ENGINE IS WARMED, THE ODOR/SEEPAGE ISSUE DISSIPATES.FROM…

Investigation PE03029 Opened 2003-07-08 · closed 2003-11-19

BRAKING SYSTEM/ABS

SUBARU'S SUPPLEMENTAL RESPONSE OF SEPTEMBER 29, 2003, IDENTIFIED THAT THE 2002, 2003 SUBARU WRX MODELS AREEQUIPPED WITH THE BOSCH 5.3 ABS SYSTEM, AND IDENTIFIED THAT OTHER MODEL SUBARU VEHICLES ARE ALSO EQUIPPED WITH THE BOSCH 5.3 ABS SYSTEM, BUT HAVE DIFFERENT CALIBRATIONS THAN THE WRX MODEL VEHICLES.SUBARU…

Investigation PE04002 Opened 2004-01-07 · closed 2004-05-27

FUEL LINE LEAKAGE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT

SUBARU REPORTS THAT THE FUEL ODOR IS CAUSED BY FUEL SEEPAGE DURING COLD START OF THE ENGINE UNDER EXTREMELY COLD TEMPERATURES. THE LEAK OCCURS IN A FUEL LINE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.IT REPORTS THAT THE FAILURE IS DUE TO THE MISALIGNED ANGLE BETWEEN TWO FUEL DELIVERY LINES WHICH RESULTED IN SUCH FUEL SEEPAGE DURING…

Investigation PE04002 Opened 2004-01-07 · closed 2004-05-27

FUEL LINE LEAKAGE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT

SUBARU REPORTS THAT THE FUEL ODOR IS CAUSED BY FUEL SEEPAGE DURING COLD START OF THE ENGINE UNDER EXTREMELY COLD TEMPERATURES. THE LEAK OCCURS IN A FUEL LINE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.IT REPORTS THAT THE FAILURE IS DUE TO THE MISALIGNED ANGLE BETWEEN TWO FUEL DELIVERY LINES WHICH RESULTED IN SUCH FUEL SEEPAGE DURING…

Investigation PE09017 Opened 2009-03-10 · closed 2009-07-02

FUEL LINE LEAK

COMPLAINANTS REPORT FUEL LEAKAGE MOST FREQUENTLY IN WINTER DURING INITIAL COLD ENGINE STARTUP.OWNERS WILL EITHER NOTICE A FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT OR FUEL ODOR/LEAKAGE AT THE FUEL LINES ON THE RIGHT SIDE ATOP THE ENGINE. ONCE THE ENGINE HAS WARMED, THE ODOR/LEAKAGE MAY CEASE.SUBARU REVISED THE FUEL…

Investigation PE09017 Opened 2009-03-10 · closed 2009-07-02

FUEL LINE LEAK

COMPLAINANTS REPORT FUEL LEAKAGE MOST FREQUENTLY IN WINTER DURING INITIAL COLD ENGINE STARTUP.OWNERS WILL EITHER NOTICE A FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT OR FUEL ODOR/LEAKAGE AT THE FUEL LINES ON THE RIGHT SIDE ATOP THE ENGINE. ONCE THE ENGINE HAS WARMED, THE ODOR/LEAKAGE MAY CEASE.SUBARU REVISED THE FUEL…

Investigation PE09017 Opened 2009-03-10 · closed 2009-07-02

FUEL LINE LEAK

COMPLAINANTS REPORT FUEL LEAKAGE MOST FREQUENTLY IN WINTER DURING INITIAL COLD ENGINE STARTUP.OWNERS WILL EITHER NOTICE A FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT OR FUEL ODOR/LEAKAGE AT THE FUEL LINES ON THE RIGHT SIDE ATOP THE ENGINE. ONCE THE ENGINE HAS WARMED, THE ODOR/LEAKAGE MAY CEASE.SUBARU REVISED THE FUEL…

Investigation PE09017 Opened 2009-03-10 · closed 2009-07-02

FUEL LINE LEAK

COMPLAINANTS REPORT FUEL LEAKAGE MOST FREQUENTLY IN WINTER DURING INITIAL COLD ENGINE STARTUP.OWNERS WILL EITHER NOTICE A FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT OR FUEL ODOR/LEAKAGE AT THE FUEL LINES ON THE RIGHT SIDE ATOP THE ENGINE. ONCE THE ENGINE HAS WARMED, THE ODOR/LEAKAGE MAY CEASE.SUBARU REVISED THE FUEL…

Investigation PE09017 Opened 2009-03-10 · closed 2009-07-02

FUEL LINE LEAK

COMPLAINANTS REPORT FUEL LEAKAGE MOST FREQUENTLY IN WINTER DURING INITIAL COLD ENGINE STARTUP.OWNERS WILL EITHER NOTICE A FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT OR FUEL ODOR/LEAKAGE AT THE FUEL LINES ON THE RIGHT SIDE ATOP THE ENGINE. ONCE THE ENGINE HAS WARMED, THE ODOR/LEAKAGE MAY CEASE.SUBARU REVISED THE FUEL…

Investigation PE09017 Opened 2009-03-10 · closed 2009-07-02

FUEL LINE LEAK

COMPLAINANTS REPORT FUEL LEAKAGE MOST FREQUENTLY IN WINTER DURING INITIAL COLD ENGINE STARTUP.OWNERS WILL EITHER NOTICE A FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT OR FUEL ODOR/LEAKAGE AT THE FUEL LINES ON THE RIGHT SIDE ATOP THE ENGINE. ONCE THE ENGINE HAS WARMED, THE ODOR/LEAKAGE MAY CEASE.SUBARU REVISED THE FUEL…

Investigation PE09017 Opened 2009-03-10 · closed 2009-07-02

FUEL LINE LEAK

COMPLAINANTS REPORT FUEL LEAKAGE MOST FREQUENTLY IN WINTER DURING INITIAL COLD ENGINE STARTUP.OWNERS WILL EITHER NOTICE A FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT OR FUEL ODOR/LEAKAGE AT THE FUEL LINES ON THE RIGHT SIDE ATOP THE ENGINE. ONCE THE ENGINE HAS WARMED, THE ODOR/LEAKAGE MAY CEASE.SUBARU REVISED THE FUEL…

Investigation PE09017 Opened 2009-03-10 · closed 2009-07-02

FUEL LINE LEAK

COMPLAINANTS REPORT FUEL LEAKAGE MOST FREQUENTLY IN WINTER DURING INITIAL COLD ENGINE STARTUP.OWNERS WILL EITHER NOTICE A FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT OR FUEL ODOR/LEAKAGE AT THE FUEL LINES ON THE RIGHT SIDE ATOP THE ENGINE. ONCE THE ENGINE HAS WARMED, THE ODOR/LEAKAGE MAY CEASE.SUBARU REVISED THE FUEL…

Investigation PE09017 Opened 2009-03-10 · closed 2009-07-02

FUEL LINE LEAK

COMPLAINANTS REPORT FUEL LEAKAGE MOST FREQUENTLY IN WINTER DURING INITIAL COLD ENGINE STARTUP.OWNERS WILL EITHER NOTICE A FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT OR FUEL ODOR/LEAKAGE AT THE FUEL LINES ON THE RIGHT SIDE ATOP THE ENGINE. ONCE THE ENGINE HAS WARMED, THE ODOR/LEAKAGE MAY CEASE.SUBARU REVISED THE FUEL…

Investigation PE09017 Opened 2009-03-10 · closed 2009-07-02

FUEL LINE LEAK

COMPLAINANTS REPORT FUEL LEAKAGE MOST FREQUENTLY IN WINTER DURING INITIAL COLD ENGINE STARTUP.OWNERS WILL EITHER NOTICE A FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT OR FUEL ODOR/LEAKAGE AT THE FUEL LINES ON THE RIGHT SIDE ATOP THE ENGINE. ONCE THE ENGINE HAS WARMED, THE ODOR/LEAKAGE MAY CEASE.SUBARU REVISED THE FUEL…

Investigation PE09017 Opened 2009-03-10 · closed 2009-07-02

FUEL LINE LEAK

COMPLAINANTS REPORT FUEL LEAKAGE MOST FREQUENTLY IN WINTER DURING INITIAL COLD ENGINE STARTUP.OWNERS WILL EITHER NOTICE A FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT OR FUEL ODOR/LEAKAGE AT THE FUEL LINES ON THE RIGHT SIDE ATOP THE ENGINE. ONCE THE ENGINE HAS WARMED, THE ODOR/LEAKAGE MAY CEASE.SUBARU REVISED THE FUEL…

Sources & methodology

Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL, FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 2003 Subaru WRX as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.