Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Subaru WRX owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I have a 2003 Subaru WRX. My car started to smell like something was burning a few days ago in the engine bay. I have also noticed that when the temperature goes below 30 degrees the inside cabin starts to strongly smell like raw fuel. The vapors can cause harmful and even deadly consequences. I have done some research on this issue and it seems that its a widely common issue with Subaru WRX's from 2002 to 2004. I took the car to a mechanic shop and got the car examined. The mechanic told me that the clamps that hold the gas lines intact were very loose. He said that the during high fuel pressure the fuel lines could separate and cause a engine fire. I have called Subaru of America and they told me there's a bulletin on this issue. It seems that this can be a very dangerous safety issue, and it sounds to me that Subaru of America is not willing to repair the $500 issue. …
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). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and demanded the dealer to repair the vehicle; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised that the recall had expired and he would have to pay for the repair. The failure mileage and VIN were unknown. Updated 10/24/17 updated 10/25/2017
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.
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. Subaru knows of this issue and should issue a recall for all cars affected.
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.
I have a 2003 Subaru WRX wagon. As temperatures approach freezing the fuel lines on the passenger side of the engine begin to leak, heavily, during cold start up. This causes raw fuel smell to enter the cabin as well as creating a potentially hazardous situation with raw fuel openly pooling on the engine. Subaru and their dealers are aware of the situation and it is fixable, however it requires removal of the intake manifold - a very labor intensive job - which makes it a costly repair for the consumer to bear. I acquired the car last year and the problem occurred throughout last winter and has recurred already once this fall.
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 automotive in lake zurich, illinois. I've reached out to Subaru who say they know of no issue. However, I found an article published in 2009 in us news & world report, saying that the warranty for this issue was being extended by 12 years , which puts the car still in warranty for this issue..
1. Fuel leaks from the fuel rail when driving in cold weather. 2. Fuel leaks from fuel rail and rubber fuel line that is positioned under the intake manifold while operating in cold climate. This condition causes fuel to leak on to the hot engine causing smoke to rise from under the hood and possibly ignite raw fuel, it also causes the passenger compartment to fill with a strong gas smell. 3. Correction-replacement of fuel rail and rubber fuel line as indicated in the car makers service bulletin. Old part not available.
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.
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.
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
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.
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.
NHTSA investigations
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.
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 the first few seconds of cold engine start during these cold temperatures.Subaru reports that the two…
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 Subaru's data, odi notes that the incident rates are higher in states with colder temperatures.there…
Fuel System complaints in other WRX years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2003 Subaru WRX?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2003 Subaru WRX, 33% of the model year's 60 complaints. The component named most often is delivery › hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Subaru WRX fuel system problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 09V-468 (fuel pump, Dec 4, 2009). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2003 Subaru WRX fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 76,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to fuel & propulsion system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.