2003 Subaru Impreza: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 Subaru Impreza: 6 recalls, 62 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
_RS_sedan_(2011-06-15)_01.jpg){kind=link}
Recalls
6 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #02V282000 · 2002 · 172,564 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: The vehicle could then move/roll without prior warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the automatic transmission parking rod assembly. Owner notification January 8, 2003. An interim owner notification will be sent during November 2002.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #04V128000 · 2004 · 127,580 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If this occurs during vehicle operation, the driver could lose control of the vehicle, which could result in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will install a cruise control cable retaining clip to the cruise control lever tab on the throttle shaft in order to prevent the cruise control cable from coming out of its track. Owner notification began on April 12, 2004. Owners should contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Seats Vehicle recall #04V342000 · 2004 · 84,574 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: In the event of a crash, the driver May sustain more severe injuries due to the seat movement.
The fix: Dealers will install a new left hand driver's seat rail mounting bolt. The recall began on August 20, 2004. Owners should contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Latches & locks Vehicle recall #08V135000 · 2008 · 36,791 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Dealers will inspect to see if there is any gap at the stud bolt of the rear gate stay installation. If a gap is found, the stud bolt will be removed to check for damage to the welding nut. If the weld nut is cracked, the rear gate stay will be replaced free of charge. The recall began on June 2,…
Fuel system Vehicle recall #09V468000 · 2009 · 5,724 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Fuel leaks, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel line free of charge. The recall began on December 31, 2009.
Suspension Vehicle recall #11V464000 · 2011 · 318,215 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Subaru will handle their vehicles and Saab will handle theirs. Dealers will inspect the degree of corrosion of the front lower control arms, and will either rustproof or replace them. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during December 2011.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 13 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (13): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Fuel system (13): the most common themes are leaks (7), fire / smoke (2).
- Fuel & propulsion (12): the most common themes are leaks (8), fire / smoke (3).
- Airbags (4): the most common themes are fails to deploy (2).
The 2003 Subaru Impreza has 62 owner complaints, ranking #16 of 35 Impreza model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 76). Complaints peaked in 2003 (10 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 64,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (292 complaints, 6 recalls), 2004 (96 complaints, 8 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 24 | 21 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 21 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 21 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | Premium |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 20 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2003 Subaru Impreza.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2003 Subaru Impreza have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recalls for the 2003 Subaru Impreza. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2003 Subaru Impreza problems?
Owners have filed 62 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (13), fuel system (13), fuel & propulsion (12).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Subaru Impreza get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (2.5 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 5 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2003 Subaru Impreza repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.