2003 Subaru Impreza Recalls
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2003 Subaru Impreza. A recall applies only to vehicles built within the affected range, so check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for recalls are free at a franchised dealer.
- Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower armCovers: Subaru Impreza 2002–2007, Forester 2003–2008, Saab 9-2X 2005–2006
Reported issue: Subaru is recalling certain model year 2002-2007 impreza, model year 2003-2008 forester, and model year 2005-2006 saab 9-2x vehicles manufactured from september 5, 2000 through november 26, 2007 originally sold, or currently registered in, massachusetts, maryland, michigan, new hampshire, new york, pennsylvania, vermont, wisconsin, connecticut, delaware, iowa, illinois, indiana, maine, minnesota, missouri, new…
Possible consequence: A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will handle their vehicles and saab will handle theirs. Dealers will inspect the degree of corrosion of the front lower control arms, and will either rustproof or replace them. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during december 2011. Owners may contact subaru…
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pumpCovers: Subaru Impreza 2002–2003, WRX 2002–2003
Reported issue: 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…
Possible 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.
- Latches/locks/linkages › Tailgate › LatchCovers: Subaru Impreza 2002–2003
Reported issue: Subaru is recalling 36,791 my 2002-2003 impreza wagons. The stud bolt(s) of rear gate stay may have been tightened with insufficient tightening torque and a gap may have resulted between the rear gate panel and stud bolt base. After repeated rear gate operations (opening and closing), the rear gate inner panel at the welding nut may break, which will lead to detachment of the rear gate stay, and the rear gate…
Possible consequence: In case someone is underneath or near the rear gate, there is a possibility that a dropping rear gate panel may hit them increasing the risk of injuries.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect to see if there is any gap at the stud bolt of the rear gate stay installation. If a gap is found, the stud bolt will be removed to check for damage to the welding nut. If the weld nut is cracked, the rear gate stay will be replaced free of charge. The recall began on june 2, 2008. Owners may…
- SeatsCovers: Subaru Impreza 2002–2003
Reported issue: On certain sedan and wagon model vehicles, the left front bolt that retains the forward part of the driver's seat to the seat slide rail may loosen. If the seat slide rail bolt loosens, it will eventually fall out, and the seat may separate from the seat slide.
Possible consequence: In the event of a crash, the driver may sustain more severe injuries due to the seat movement.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new left hand driver's seat rail mounting bolt. The recall began on august 20, 2004. Owners should contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
- Vehicle speed control › CablesCovers: Subaru Impreza 2002–2004, Legacy 2001–2004, Outback 2001–2004
Reported issue: On certain passenger sedans, wagons, and sport utility vehicles, the cruise control cable could come out of its track on the cruise control lever and lodge on the control lever tab when the accelerator pedal is released. If this condition occurs, the throttle will not return to the idle position and will remain in an open position.
Possible consequence: If this occurs during vehicle operation, the driver could lose control of the vehicle, which could result in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install a cruise control cable retaining clip to the cruise control lever tab on the throttle shaft in order to prevent the cruise control cable from coming out of its track. Owner notification began on april 12, 2004. Owners should contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
- Power train › Automatic transmissionCovers: Subaru Impreza 2002–2003, Legacy 2001–2003, Outback 2001–2003 +2 more
Reported issue: Certain sport utility and passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions were produced with an improperly manufactured transmission parking rod. When the transmission selector lever is placed in the "p" (park) position, the transmission park mechanism, that is intended to hold your vehicle, may not engage.
Possible consequence: The vehicle could then move/roll without prior warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the automatic transmission parking rod assembly. Owner notification january 8, 2003. An interim owner notification will be sent during november 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time…
NHTSA investigations
- EA09011FUEL LINE LEAKClosed · Jul 2, 2009
- PE09017FUEL LINE LEAKClosed · Mar 10, 2009
- PE04002Fuel line leakage in engine compartmentClosed · Jan 7, 2004
← All problems reported for the 2003 Subaru Impreza
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.