2003 Subaru WRX Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 33%of 60 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 76,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the fuel system of the 2003 Subaru WRX, 33% of the 60 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 76,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11063189, filed 2018-01, 100,000 miles“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 issue and the manufacturer should correct it no matter what state I live in (illinois). This is clearly a manufacturer's defect and ask that they fix this issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10788271, filed 2015-11, 105,000 miles“I would like to file this complaint after reading all of the complaints related to the same problem I am having with my 2003 Subaru WRX. Very strong raw gasoline fumes inside the passenger compartment during cold weather startup. I am the original owner of this car. This problem just started this winter. Yes Subaru of america it's happening on the 2003 models also. I would appreciate some direction as how to proceed with this developing safety problem with my car. Thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #10261738, filed 2009-03, 60,000 miles“I own a 2003 Subaru impreza WRX wagon. On cold mornings (like today: 3f), there is a raw fuel smell in the passenger compartment. I've talked to other impreza owners that have experienced the same problem, apparently there is a design flaw involving a flexible fuel hose connecting the rigid fuel lines. I've just tried contacting Subaru of america (soa) regarding this problem, but they seem to be fighting many owners on covering this obvious safety issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10181274, filed 2007-01, 57,000 miles“After a cold weekend the inside of the cabin smells of raw fuel. I see the manufacturer has a TSB for fixing this in the north and canada, but no mentions of it in the south. Also, they say it happens in 02 vehicles, but I have an 03 and it just started.”
NHTSA complaint #10107854, filed 2005-01, 34,035 milesRelated recalls
- 09V468000Dec 4, 2009Subaru is recalling certain model year 2002 and 2003 impreza wrx vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of south dakota, nebraska…Covers: Subaru WRX 2002–2003, Impreza 2002–2003
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 4% |
| 2021 | 1 | 8% |
| 2020 | 1 | 6% |
| 2019 | 3 | 10% |
| 2018 | 7 | 16% |
| 2017 | 3 | 6% |
| 2016 | 2 | 6% |
| 2015 | 5 | 10% |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2008 | 2 | 3% |
| 2006 | 4 | 29% |
| 2005 | 12 | 63% |
| 2004 | 35 | 83% |
| 2003 | 20 | 33% |
| 2002 | 295 | 69% |
Other parts of the 2003 Subaru WRX
20 complaintsEngine cooling
4 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 29, 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