Owners have filed 64 complaints
about the 2003 Subaru Impreza with NHTSA between 2002 and 2022.
The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion.
Across this model's run it ranks 14 of 31 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 29
Against the median year of the Subaru Impreza. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
29.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 57
33% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
11.9%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
814.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
611.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
713.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
611.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
47.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1527.8%
150,000+ miles
713.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Nov 2002peak 3Jan 2022
NHTSA investigations into the 2003 Subaru Impreza
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE14016Opened 11 Jun 2014Closed 2 Mar 2015AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field fai...
PE11011Opened 7 Apr 2011Closed 23 Sep 2011SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
Front suspension control arm failure
On September 6, 2011, Fuji Heavy Industries USA, Inc, on behalf of Subaru of America, Inc notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) it would be conducting a safety recall of certain model year (MY) 2002 through 2007 Subaru Impreza, MY 2003 through 2008 Subaru Forester, and MY 2005 through 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold or currently registered in one the salt belt states including the District of Columbia (DC). For the purpose of this investigation, salt belt states include Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mis...
EA09011Opened 2 Jul 2009Closed 14 Dec 2009FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
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 WAS ONE ALLEGATION OF A FIRE INCIDENT IN WHICH THE OWNER HAD REPORTED THAT HE NOTICED FUEL ODOR A FEW DAYS EARLIER, BUT ODI COULD NOT CONFIRM THE ORIGIN OF THE FIRE. TO ADDRESS THIS I...
PE09017Opened 10 Mar 2009Closed 2 Jul 2009FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:CARBURETOR SYSTEM
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. ONCE THE ENGINE HAS WARMED, THE ODOR/LEAKAGE MAY CEASE.SUBARU REVISED THE FUEL PIPE/HOSE DESIGN FOR MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003-04 WRX VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER AUGUST 2003.SUBARU ALSO INTRODUCED A MY 2004 IMPREZA STI VEHICLE WITH A DIFFERENT ENGINE AND FUEL PIPE/HOSE LAYOUT.OUT OF THE TOTAL OF 994 COMPLAINTS, 944 CONCERN MY 2002-03 WRX VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH AUGUST 20...
PE04002Opened 7 Jan 2004Closed 27 May 2004FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
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 LINES ARE CONNECTED WITH A HOSE THAT BECOMES TOO STIFF IN VERY COLD TEMPERATURES TO CONFORM TO THE MISALIGNMENT. SUBARU HAS ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (SUBARU SERVICE...
Recalls on the 2003 Subaru Impreza
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
11V464000
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
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 JERSEY, OHIO, RHODE ISLAND, WEST VIRGINIA AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS MAY BREAK AT THE HANGER BRACKETS DUE TO CORROSION IF THE HANGER BRACKET IS EXPOSED TO SALTY AND HUMID ENVIRONMENTS SUCH AS ROADS CONTAINING SNOW MELTING AGENT.
Risk: A BROKEN CONTROL ARM CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
09V468000
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. DURING COLD STARTS, TYPICALLY UNDER EXTREMELY COLD TEMPERATURES, FUEL LEAKS IN THE FUEL DELIVERY LINE COULD OCCUR WHERE THE LINE CONNECTS WITH A RUBBER HOSE.
Risk: FUEL LEAKS, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
08V135000
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH
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 DROPPING DOWN.
Risk: 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.
04V342000
SEATS
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.
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DRIVER MAY SUSTAIN MORE SEVERE INJURIES DUE TO THE SEAT MOVEMENT.
04V128000
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
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.
Risk: IF THIS OCCURS DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, THE DRIVER COULD LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
02V282000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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.
Risk: THE VEHICLE COULD THEN MOVE/ROLL WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 201134459,432 units in Canada
Suspension
On certain vehicles, the front lower control arms could corrode due to exposure to humid environments and road de-icing chemicals. Over time, corrosion could progress causing thinning and perforation of the steel, which could allow the control arm to fracture near the forward pivot attachment to the chassis. Lower control arm failure could result in a loss of vehicle control and a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect the front lower control arms and, depending on the degree of corrosion exhibited, will either rustproof or replace them.
Recall 20080907,185 units in Canada
Other
On certain Impreza wagon, the liftgate stay damper bolts may not have received adequate tightening torque during vehicle assembly. After repeated rear gate operations, loose stud bolts can cause the welded nuts to fail, allowing the liftgate to drop suddenly, and placing anyone underneath or near the gate at risk of personal injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect and repair as necessary.
Recall 200424211,934 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
On certain vehicles, the left front bolt that retains the forward part of the driver's seat to the seat slide rail may loosen due to stress forces applied to the seat as the seat is used. If the seat slide rail retaining bolt loosens and falls out, there is the possibility that the seat may separate from the seat slide in a crash, which might cause more severe injuries to the driver. Correction: Dealers will install a new left hand driver's seat rail mounting bolt.
Recall 200220011,597 units in Canada
Powertrain
On certain vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions, the parking pawl actuating rod ("parking rod") spring retainer may be defective. The parking pawl may not engage the parking gear fully and could cause the vehicle to move if the parking brake is not applied. Correction: Dealers will replace the automatic transmission parking rod assembly. Replacement parts will not be available until January 2003.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 140,000 milesPutnam, ILCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
TAKATA AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. SIDE IMPACT SENSOR DID NOT WORK. THE CAR TRAVELED SIDEWAYS INTO A LARGE OAK TREE IN EXCESS OF 35 MPH . THE POINT OF IMPACT WAS WHERE THE SIDE IMPACT SENSOR WAS LOCATED . NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED . SUBARU HAS BEEN VERY UNCOOPERATIVE WITH ANSWERS AS TO WHY THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY . THIS HAPPENED UPON A RURAL ROAD IN THE FOG . NO OTHER VEHICLES WERE INVOLVED .
NHTSA complaint #10915984 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesPutnam, ILCrash2 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
TAKATA AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. SIDE IMPACT SENSOR DID NOT WORK. THE CAR TRAVELED SIDEWAYS INTO A LARGE OAK TREE IN EXCESS OF 35 MPH . THE POINT OF IMPACT WAS WHERE THE SIDE IMPACT SENSOR WAS LOCATED . NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED . SUBARU HAS BEEN VERY UNCOOPERATIVE WITH ANSWERS AS TO WHY THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY . THIS HAPPENED UPON A RURAL ROAD IN THE FOG . NO OTHER VEHICLES WERE INVOLVED .
NHTSA complaint #10915984 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesPutnam, ILCrash4 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
HTTPS://SERVICES.NEFRAMEWORK.COM/IMAGERETRIEVAL.ASPX?ID=974F272D-0461-4FF2-97A8-B175C14EC539 THAT DESCRIBES HOW THE CRASH HAPPENED. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I SUFFERED BROKEN LEFT ELBOW, FRACTURE IN MY SKULL,RIBS AND SHOULDER. ALSO SEVERE BRAIN TRAUMA. I HAVE A LOT OF PICTURES, BUT IT WILL ONLY LET ME ATTACH ONE. THERE IS FRONTAL DAMAGE FROM A SMALLER TREE, BUT THE MAJORITY IS ON THE DRIVERS SIDE(MY SIDE) FROM SLAMMING INTO A LARGE TREE.
NHTSA complaint #10906741 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 126,000 milesBell, CACrash
AIR BAGS
CAR WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON CRASH AT ABOUT 45 MPH INTO A FIRE HYDRANT IN THE CITY OF BELL. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS EXPANDED AT THE TIME OF THE CRASH. SAFETY ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10514516 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesEaston, KSCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS IN AN ACCIDENT IN WHICH IT WAS HIT ON THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE WHILE DRIVING AT 10 MPH AND CROSSING A STOP LIGHT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WEATHER WAS NICE THAT DAY. UPON IMPACT, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE BOTH 50,000.
NHTSA complaint #10184951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,000 milesCarrollton, TXFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS IN COLD WEATHER, USUALLY BELOW 32 DEGREES, THE SMELL OF GASOLINE EXISTED IN THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. I HAD IT CHECKED DURING AN LOCAL STATE INSPECTION AND DISCOVERED FUEL WAS LEAKING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THIS. I CONTACTED THREE(3) LOCAL DEALERS, THAT ALL NEW ABOUT TSB 09-36-03. THEY ALL QUOTED THE SAME $500 ESTIMATE TO REPAIR. TWO OF THE DEALERS, SUBARU OF DALLAS AND HUFFINES SUBARU IN DALLAS TEXAS INFORMED ME THAT FAILURE TO CORRECT THE CONDITION COULD RESULT IN AN ENGINE FIRE. GIVEN THE SEVERE NATURE OF THE DEFECT, THAT THE MANUFACTURER CLEARLY KNOWS ABOUT, THIS SHOULD BE UPGRADED TO A RECALL. 1) THE DANGER OF LEAKING FUEL DUE TO A MANUFACTURE DEFECT. 2) THE HAZARDS OF INHALING GASOLINE FUMES 3) THE ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD AND VIOLATIONS OF EPA REGULATIONS RELEASE GASOLINE AND GASOLINE VAPORS INTO THE ENVIRONMENT.
NHTSA complaint #10183290 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Sammamish, WA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My 2003 Subaru Impreza WRX has a very strong fuel odor that is coming into the cabin when I start my car up on cold days. It's been unusually cold here in Washington state this winter with temperatures in Seattle dipping well below freezing. I see that there is a recall for this exact problem for my exact car (https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2009/RCONL-09V468-4248.pdf). But when I called the dealer (Michael's Bellevue Subaru), and then subsequently called Subaru (1-800-SUBARU3), they told me that they will not fix this issue, since this recall does not apply to my state (Washington). I think that's not right. It is the exact same problem of cold weather causing this fuel line to leak, and they should honor this recall.
NHTSA complaint #11448826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesFairfield, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I NOTICED FRESH SMELL OF GASOLINE EVERYTIME I START THE CAR. I LOOK AT THE FUEL LINE AND ITS SIPPING FUEL.
NHTSA complaint #11405009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesTrumbull, CT
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
SUBARU OF AMERICA RECALL WVK-21 OCCURED WHILE DRIVING AT OPERATING TEMPERATURE, CAUSING SMOKE TO RISE FROM ENGINE BAY. SUBARU OF AMERICA REFUSED TO FIX THE ISSUE AS MY VIN DID NOT COME UP IN THEIR SYSTEM WITH THE RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #11399684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 205,000 milesSaint Peters, MO
SUSPENSION
ON THE NIGHT OF 12/6/2020 I WAS BACKING OUT OF A FRIENDS DRIVEWAY TO DRIVE HOME, WHEN I REACHED THE STREET, I HEARD A LOUD CLUNK AND A GRINDING NOISE. I GOT OUT OF MY CAR TO INVESTIGATE WHAT HAD JUST HAPPENED AND THE FRONT PORTION OF MY PASSENGER SIDE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM HAD COMPLETELY LOST ALL STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY. FORTUNATELY MY CAR WAS AT A LOW SPEED AND I DID NOT LOSE CONTROL (PICTURES ATTACHED). HAD THIS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE AND I WOULD HAVE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE THE EVENTS ON 12/6/2020 INDICATES THE REMEDIATION STEPS PROPOSED BY SUBARU ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE AS THIS PART FAILED CATASTROPHICALLY AFTER THESE STEPS HAD BEEN PERFORMED. THE SAFETY RECALL REMEDIATION STEPS IN QUESTION ARE THAT OF: "TYPE: SAFETY | SAFETY RECALL: WVX34 | NHTSA CAMPAIGN: 11V464000" ACCORDING TO SUBARU'S WEBSITE FOR THIS VEHICLE, THE SAFETY RECALL WAS COMPLETED: HTTPS://WWW.SUBARU.COM/VEHICLE-RECALLS.HTML/VIN=[XXX] ACCORDING TO THE CARFAX REPORT, THE SAFETY RECALL WAS PERFORMED ON 2/7/2012 ONLY 5 MONTHS AFTER THE RECALL WAS ISSUED. (SCREENSHOT ATTACHED) THE NATURE OF THE FAILURE AND THE DESCRIPTION OF THE ORIGINAL SAFETY RECALL SHOW THAT THE TESTING STEPS AND REMEDIATION STEPS ARE NOT SUITABLE FOR A COMPLETED SAFETY RECALL AS THE PART DID END UP FAILING AFTER THE ADDITIONAL COATING OF ANTI-CORROSIVE HAD BEEN APPLIED TO THE LOWER CONTROL ARM OF MY VEHICLE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11382853 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesKing OF Prussia, PA
ENGINE
HEAD GASKET ISSUE. WEEPING OIL BETWEEN THE HEADS AND THE BLOCK. NO LONGER OWN VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11318563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 159,800 milesSAN Diego, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT SMELLED FUEL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE ENGINE BAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V468000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). KEARNY MESA SUBARU (4797 CONVOY ST, SAN DIEGO, CA 92111, (858) 278-7100) WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO CALL NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 159,800.
NHTSA complaint #11181362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesGlenview, IL
SUSPENSION
LOWER PASSENGER CONTROL ARM TORE OFF. AS A RESULT, LOSS CONTROL OF VEHICLE AT HIGH SPEED ON THE HIGHWAY.
NHTSA complaint #11160641 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 148,000 milesBroomfield, CO
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL LINE LEAKING GAS IN COLD WEATHER. I REALLY DON'T THINK IT'S SAFE TO DRIVE WITH QUITE A BIT OF GAS LEAKING ALL OVER THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ENGINE THAT GETS VERY HOT AND COULD CAUSE A FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10930227 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesPutnam, ILCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
TAKATA AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. SIDE IMPACT SENSOR DID NOT WORK. THE CAR TRAVELED SIDEWAYS INTO A LARGE OAK TREE IN EXCESS OF 35 MPH . THE POINT OF IMPACT WAS WHERE THE SIDE IMPACT SENSOR WAS LOCATED . NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED . SUBARU HAS BEEN VERY UNCOOPERATIVE WITH ANSWERS AS TO WHY THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY . THIS HAPPENED UPON A RURAL ROAD IN THE FOG . NO OTHER VEHICLES WERE INVOLVED .
NHTSA complaint #10915984 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesPutnam, ILCrash2 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
TAKATA AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. SIDE IMPACT SENSOR DID NOT WORK. THE CAR TRAVELED SIDEWAYS INTO A LARGE OAK TREE IN EXCESS OF 35 MPH . THE POINT OF IMPACT WAS WHERE THE SIDE IMPACT SENSOR WAS LOCATED . NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED . SUBARU HAS BEEN VERY UNCOOPERATIVE WITH ANSWERS AS TO WHY THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY . THIS HAPPENED UPON A RURAL ROAD IN THE FOG . NO OTHER VEHICLES WERE INVOLVED .
NHTSA complaint #10915984 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesPutnam, ILCrash4 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
HTTPS://SERVICES.NEFRAMEWORK.COM/IMAGERETRIEVAL.ASPX?ID=974F272D-0461-4FF2-97A8-B175C14EC539 THAT DESCRIBES HOW THE CRASH HAPPENED. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I SUFFERED BROKEN LEFT ELBOW, FRACTURE IN MY SKULL,RIBS AND SHOULDER. ALSO SEVERE BRAIN TRAUMA. I HAVE A LOT OF PICTURES, BUT IT WILL ONLY LET ME ATTACH ONE. THERE IS FRONTAL DAMAGE FROM A SMALLER TREE, BUT THE MAJORITY IS ON THE DRIVERS SIDE(MY SIDE) FROM SLAMMING INTO A LARGE TREE.
NHTSA complaint #10906741 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 183,000 milesClifton, NJ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
MY CAR IS LEAKING FUEL. I SMELL THE POISONOUS FUEL INSIDE MY VEHICLE EVERY TIME I AM INSIDE IT. I AM LOSING 50 MILES PER FULL TANK. CAN THIS LEAK CAUSE MY CAR TO BLOW-UP AND KILL ME OR OTHERS? I AM SCARED. MY NAME IS [XXX] FROM CLIFTON NEW JERSEY. MY EXTENDED WARRANTY EXPIRED IN NOVEMBER. ISN'T SAFETY MORE IMPORTANT THAN A 3 MONTH EXPIRED WARRANTY? I WORK FOR NJ TRANSIT, I KNOW THE DOT WOULD BE CONCERNED! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10683479 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,000 milesSwarthmore, PA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
EXTREMELY STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE IN CABIN IN COLD WEATHER (BELOW 32 DEGREES F.).
NHTSA complaint #10672622 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesParadise, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FUEL FUMES WERE EMITTED IN AND AROUND THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A FUEL LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN CONFIRMED THE FAILURE. AS A RESULT, SOME OF THE FUEL LINES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 160,000. RK
NHTSA complaint #10565949 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,800 milesGlenview, IL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
IT HAS RECENTLY BEEN EXTREMELY COLD IN CHICAGO AND UPON INITIAL STARTUP OF THE VEHICLE THERE IS A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE INSIDE THE CABIN. THE SMELL DOES NOT GO AWAY UNTIL THE CAR IS COMPLETELY WARMED UP. I NOTICED THAT THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL FOR THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM. IT WAS SUBARU RECALL NO. WVK-21. I BELIEVE MY CAR SHOULD FALL UNDER THIS RECALL. I CALLED SUBARU CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY TOLD ME THAT MY CAR DID NOT FALL UNDER THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN. BUT THE PROBLEMS I'VE BEEN HAVING FIT THE DESCRIPTION OF THE RECALL CAMPAIGN.
NHTSA complaint #10564399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,000 milesYoungstown, OH
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
ONLY ON COLD DAYS I SMELL FUEL WHILE DRIVING, UPON INVESTAGATION I FOUND THAT THE LITTLE RUBBER LINES UNDER THE INTAKE WERE LEAKING FUEL ON TO THE TOP OF THE ENGINE. I CALLED SUBARU AND THEY SAID THE THEY KNOW ABOUT THE PROBLEM BUT MY CAR IS NOT IN THE RECALL BECAUASE I DON;T LIVE IN THE AFFECTED STATES SO IF I MOVE TO NEWYORK OR MICHIGAN I WOULD BE COVERED WELL I LIKE OHIO SO IF THIS COULD GET EXPANDED THAT WOULD BE GREAT.
NHTSA complaint #10560917 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesArcadia, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FOLLOWING INITIAL STARTUP IN COLD WEATHER, FUEL LEAK OCCURS IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT. LEAK CAUSES GASOLINE ODOR IN VEHICLE CABIN AND POSES FIRE HAZARD. ONCE ENGINE IS WARM, AFTER A FEW MINUTES, LEAK AND ODOR DISSIPATE. INITIAL OCCURRENCE WAS IN 2008 AT HIGH ALTITUDE. PROBLEM DID NOT RESURFACE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WHERE NIGHT TIME TEMPERATURES ARE NOW LOW ENOUGH FOR ISSUE TO MANIFEST. SINCE RELOCATING TO SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY, WHERE OVERNIGHT TEMPERATURES ARE SIGNIFICANTLY LOWER, PROBLEM OCCURS ON EVERY MORNING START IN COLD WEATHER.
NHTSA complaint #10558335 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 142,800 milesLouisville, KY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
OUTSIDE AIR TEMPERATURE WAS MODERATE(75F), BUT ENGINE WAS COLD. UPON ENGINE START STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE IN CABIN AND IN ENGINE BAY AROUND THE PASSENGER SIDE INTAKE MANIFOLD.
NHTSA complaint #10534734 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 126,000 milesBell, CACrash
AIR BAGS
CAR WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON CRASH AT ABOUT 45 MPH INTO A FIRE HYDRANT IN THE CITY OF BELL. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS EXPANDED AT THE TIME OF THE CRASH. SAFETY ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10514516 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 61,000 milesBoise, ID
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 1 MPH AFTER ACCELERATING FROM A COMPLETE STOP, A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL WAS SMELLED INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO VISIBLE SIGN OF A LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE FUEL LINE AND CLAMPS WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V468000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,000.
NHTSA complaint #10496089 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 137,000 milesBlasedell, NY
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE SMELLED OF GASOLINE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A LEAK COMING FROM THE FUEL DELIVERY LINE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V468000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: DELIVERY: FUEL PUMP), BUT WAS TOLD BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 137,000.
NHTSA complaint #10487971 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesSomers, NY
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 60 MPH AND NOTICED AN ABNORMAL VIBRATION FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE HAD COLLAPSED. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL HAS ALSO COLLAPSED INWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM ON THE LEFT HAD ROTTED AWAY. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM ON BOTH SIDES WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
NHTSA complaint #10350229 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 56,000 milesMinneapolis, MN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2003 SUBARU IMPREZA, 56,000K WITH LEAKING HEAD GASKET (BOTH SIDES) AND ROD KNOCK. WELL MAINTAINED CAR WITH WELL-DOCUMENTED SERVICE HISTORY. RECOMMEND REPLACEMENT OF SHORT BLOCK/HEAD GASKETS. SAME ISSUE AND SAME ENGINE AS ADDRESSED IN PHASE II EJ25 HEAD GASKET LEAK / WWP-99 SERVICE CAMPAIGN - COOLING SYSTEM CONDITIONER. EXTENSIVE DOCUMENTATION OF SIMILAR ISSUES WITH 2003 2.5L ENGINES (EXAMPLE: HTTP://ALLWHEELDRIVEAUTO.COM/SUBARU-HEAD-GASKET-PROBLEMS-EXPLAINED/). CLAIM FILED WITH SUBARU OF AMERICA (FILE # [XXX]) WHICH IS CURRENTLY UNDER INVESTIGATION. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10328339 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesFresh Meadows, NY
TIRES
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH BRIDGESTONE POTENZA RE 92 TIRES, TIRE SIZE 205/55/16. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS AND HEARD A LOUD NOISE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DROVE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE AND OBSERVED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE EXHIBITED AN EXCESSIVE SEPARATION IN THE SIDEWALL. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED WITH A SPARE TIRE. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF PURCHASING TWO NEW TIRES. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #10298971 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,850 milesLOS Alamos, NM
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
FUEL LEAKING FROM LINES IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF 2003 (MAN. DATE JULY 2002) SUBARU WRX SEDAN. LEAK APPEARS TO BE TRIGGERED BY COLD TEMPERATURES. FUEL POOLS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. VERY STRONG SMELL OF FUEL IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. CONTACTED LOCAL DEALER, WHO DID NOT THINK IT WAS A SERIOUS ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10294580 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.