2003 Subaru WRX Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 7%of 60 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 56,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 Subaru WRX, 7% of the 60 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 56,500 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10258934, filed 2009-02, 82,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10239073, filed 2008-08, 121,929 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10339906, filed 2010-06, 31,000 milesRelated 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.
- 10173117Mar 10, 2020This Bulletin provides information regarding DTC P0606 related specifically to the determination of this code on Forester Turbo and applicable WRX models.
- 10233107Jan 25, 2016Launch of Remanufactured Turbochargers
Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 Subaru WRX
20 complaintsFuel system
20 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Subaru WRX
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