2003 Subaru Legacy Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 15%of 60 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 54,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 Subaru Legacy, 15% of the 60 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 54,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The car suddenly stalled. Suddenly I had nothing, no power to do anything. Then the transmission froze and I was in the middle of a freeway off ramp. I got out and motioned people around me. I took a deep breath. The car eventually unfroze and after several tries started up long enough for me to pull over. I took another deep breath, pulled towards the parking area but the car died before I pulled in. After a few minutes parked, it started up weakly and I was able to get it going. …”
NHTSA complaint #10043439, filed 2003-10, 5,530 miles“The car hesitated starting up, but drove ok to post office ( 5 miles from my house). When leaving the post office, the car stalls. It then started up, and then stalled again as it entered the highway. Had to physically get out of the car, unscrew the gas cap and start car in traffic. It died 500 feet later. I was able to steer the car to the edge of the road , where I unscrewed the gas cap and waited for 5 minutes. I got the car to start long enough to pull into the nearest store parking lot. It stalled again. Car wouldn't start at all. Went into store and shopped. …”
NHTSA complaint #10043440, filed 2003-10, 7,513 miles“Vehicle had coolant flush in dec 2007 (39,924 miles). Coolant leaked after this service. In jan 2008 (40,912 miles) Subaru dealer put additive in coolant to seal leak and indicated manufacturer extended drivetrain warranty for this model. In dec 08 coolant leaked. Head gasket replaced 6 weeks after warranty expired (46,457 miles). There was no extension to the drivetrain warranty despite being told such by service advisor (apparently that ended in 2002). Subaru did pay for all by $500 of work. …”
NHTSA complaint #10256592, filed 2009-01, 46,457 milesRelated recalls
- 02V240000Sep 13, 2002On certain sport utility and passenger vehicles equipped with 4-cylinder engines, the water pump pulley center hole was improperly machined.Covers: Subaru Legacy 2003, Outback 2003, Baja 2003
Related service bulletins
- 10198749Jun 7, 2021This bulletin is to advise of SOAâs revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
- 10186364Jan 12, 2021This bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing.
- 10179416Aug 26, 2020This service information bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing used on the models listed.
- 10020697Nov 8, 2006Throttle position sensor. Vehicles equiped with h-6 3.0l engines.
- 10019343Feb 1, 2006Rubbing mark on timing belt. Subaru.
- 10016869Sep 9, 20052.5l remanufactured sohc short block release.
- 10016482Sep 1, 2003Rough idle/check engine light after battery disconnect.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 17% |
| 2021 | 1 | 3% |
| 2016 | 1 | 1% |
| 2015 | 1 | 1% |
| 2013 | 2 | 3% |
| 2011 | 6 | 4% |
| 2010 | 4 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 2 | 6% |
| 2006 | 4 | 5% |
| 2005 | 29 | 16% |
| 2004 | 2 | 4% |
| 2003 | 9 | 15% |
| 2002 | 9 | 17% |
| 2001 | 11 | 14% |
| 2000 | 16 | 17% |
| 1999 | 11 | 12% |
| 1998 | 30 | 26% |
| 1997 | 31 | 22% |
| 1996 | 22 | 18% |
| 1995 | 17 | 9% |
| 1994 | 4 | 7% |
| 1993 | 17 | 22% |
| 1992 | 4 | 7% |
| 1991 | 6 | 8% |
| 1990 | 2 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2003 Subaru Legacy
16 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsEngine
4 complaintsTires
4 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsWheels
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Subaru Legacy
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology