CarRecallWatchThe 2003 Subaru Legacy has 14 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 60 complaints with NHTSA, including 4 crashes, 4 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Air Bags (16 reports).
2003 Subaru Legacy recalls
Passenger Airbag May Explode, Sending Metal Fragments
The passenger frontal airbag inflator in these vehicles can rupture.
Passenger airbag inflator may explode, sending metal fragments
Some vehicles had their passenger frontal airbag inflators replaced under an earlier recall, but the replacement inflators use the same design.
Passenger airbag inflator may explode, sending metal shrapnel
The passenger frontal airbag inflator in these vehicles can rupture.
Passenger airbag inflator may rupture, spraying metal fragments
The passenger-side frontal airbag inflator in these vehicles may rupture during a crash that requires the front airbags to deploy.
Passenger Air Bag Inflator May Rupture in a Crash
Certain vehicles have a passenger-side frontal air bag inflator that can rupture after long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
Passenger airbag may rupture and spray metal fragments
Certain 2003-2004 Subaru Legacy, Outback, and Baja vehicles that were sold in or have been registered in a set of northern and high-humidity-exposed states (Zone C) may have a passenger frontal airbag inflator that can rupture when the airbag deploys in a crash.
Passenger Air Bag Inflator May Rupture and Injure Occupants
The passenger-side frontal air bag inflator in affected vehicles may be susceptible to moisture intrusion.
Most common 2003 Subaru Legacy problems
Problem areas named in the 60 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Air Bags | 16 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 9 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 7 |
| Power Train | 5 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 5 |
| Tires | 4 |
| Engine | 4 |
| Structure | 3 |
| Visibility | 2 |
| Electrical System | 2 |
What owners report
Dealer has reported rear subframe if broken. I googled this and found recall 03v153000 which seems applicable but subaru says it does not apply to my car. Problem description seems identical.
The contact's daughter owns a 2003 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made squeaking sounds. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the rear lateral link had detached from the rear subframe, and that the rear strut was leaning against the rear driver's side tire. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the rear subframe was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 03V153000 (Suspension) however, th
The contact owns a 2003 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated while driving 30 mph, the vehicle began to stall and then seized. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated a police officer assisted to push the vehicle out of the roadway. The contact stated he was able to restart the vehicle and drive to his destination. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact stated he and his daughter continued to experience the failure while driving the vehicle. The contact then took the vehicle to Fairway Subaru (2209 Laurens Rd, Greenville, SC 29607, (864) 242-5060) and the mechanic was unable to dupl
FOR THE LAST 2 YEARS THE FRONT BRAKES STALLED 4 TIMES ON THE HIGH WAY. I HAD TO PULL OVER, WAIT 20 MINUTES AND THE BRAKES ARE WORKING AGAIN. THE MECHANIC'S COMPUTER DOESN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG.
THE ELECTRICAL IN MY CAR SOMETIMES WORKS AND SOMETIMES NOT WHILE DRIVING THE LIGHTS FOR NOTIFICATION OF BRAKE OR ANS GO OFF AND ON. MY HEADLIGHTS WILL OCCASIONALLY BLINK TOO.
2003 Subaru Legacy questions
Does the 2003 Subaru Legacy have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 14 safety recalls for the 2003 Subaru Legacy: Passenger Airbag May Explode, Sending Metal Fragments; Passenger airbag inflator may explode, sending metal fragments; Passenger airbag inflator may explode, sending metal shrapnel; Passenger airbag inflator may rupture, spraying metal fragments; Passenger Air Bag Inflator May Rupture in a Crash. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Subaru Legacy?
Based on 60 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (16), Engine And Engine Cooling (9), Fuel/Propulsion System (7).
How do I check if a recall on my 2003 Subaru Legacy has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.