2003 Subaru Impreza

The 2003 Subaru Impreza is a compact car known for its standard all-wheel drive and sporty handling. Available engine options included a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine that produces 165 horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque and a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that produces 227 horsepower and 217 lb-ft of torque (WRX Trim). Transmission options included a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic. Owners often appreciate the Impreza’s reliability and all-weather capability, while some common complaints include its fuel economy and sometimes harsh ride quality.

Engine

2.5L Naturally Aspirated Engine

• Head Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, coolant loss, white smoke from exhaust, external coolant leaks.
  • Solution: Replace head gaskets, resurface cylinder heads.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1200 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks (Valve Cover Gaskets/Cam Seals)
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil spots under the car, burning oil smell, visible oil on the engine.
  • Solution: Replace valve cover gaskets and cam seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

2.0L Turbocharged Engine

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling sound from turbo, smoke from exhaust.
  • Solution: Replace turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Starvation
  • Description/Symptoms: Loud knocking from the engine, engine failure
  • Solution: Engine Replacement, Inspect the oil pickup tube and repair as necessary to prevent future failure.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000 - $8,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Manual Transmission

• Synchro Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Grinding or difficulty shifting into certain gears, especially 2nd and 3rd.
  • Solution: Replace worn synchros, potentially rebuild the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Shifting Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting, slipping between gears, transmission failure
  • Solution: Replace or rebuild transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $4000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut and Shock Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, poor handling, clunking noises over bumps.
  • Solution: Replace struts and/or shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Control Arm Bushing Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises, poor handling, uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace control arm bushings or complete control arms.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Oxygen Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, poor fuel economy, rough running.
  • Solution: Replace faulty oxygen sensor(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, dead battery, difficulty starting.
  • Solution: Replace alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust on the quarter panels, rocker panels, wheel wells, and undercarriage.
  • Solution: Rust repair or panel replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracking on the dashboard
  • Solution: Replacement of the dashboard
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2003 Subaru Impreza, while generally reliable, does have some common issues to watch out for. Engine problems, particularly head gasket failures on the 2.5L engine and turbocharger issues on the 2.0L WRX, can be costly to repair. Suspension and electrical issues are also fairly common, although generally less expensive to address. Rust is also a concern, especially in regions with harsh winters. Potential buyers should carefully inspect the car for these issues and factor repair costs into their purchase decision.