2019 Subaru Ascent: gas smell in the cabin

Filed Feb 12, 2026 · Engine · 120,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Ascent. The contact stated that while the engine was idling, exhaust fumes entered the cabin of the vehicle. Additionally, immediately after starting the vehicle, there was a loud ticking sound coming from the exhaust system. The vehicle was inspected by the local dealer, and it was determined that the exhaust manifold lines were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 120,000.

Filed Dec 17, 2024 · Engine · WA

The Y pipe that connects the exhaust from the engine to the turbo charger, has cracks from poor welds. It happened 8-12 months ago we started to notice that during warm up our Ascent would sound real loud then quiet down once it warmed up. We didn’t know there was an issue as there were no lights that came on and we had no loss of power or MPG. The safety issue would be that we finally took the car in once we started to smell exhaust fumes coming from the car that we would start to smell from inside the car. We had to start to air out the car after warming up if we couldn’t immediately drive away once started. We contacted Subaru and they offered a partial credit for a repair but after researching I have seen they have had recalls in the past regarding similar cracked Exhaust manifolds on another model car.

Filed Dec 20, 2021 · Lights, Steering · WA

Steering is so sensitive that it exhausted driver. Lane control is exhausting. Transmission looses power, but mechanics say nothing registering. The car smokes on cold start and white exhaust smells terrible. This is worse in summer when transmission is hot. Hatch can’t be left open when camping because it ran my battery dead. There is no lighting at the back of car and front interior lights, LED, time out.

Filed Feb 25, 2021 · Fuel system · CA

The tailpipe exhaust smells strongly like gasoline. The fumes will also come through the cabin vents if air circulation is turned off.

Filed Feb 3, 2020 · Fuel system · 4,000 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2019 subaru ascent. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel odor in the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to (paul miller subaru 3469 us-46, parsippany-troy hills, nj 07054 (973) 402-1700), to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was a leak in the fuel vapor canister. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure. The contact was informed that a representative would be sent to inspect the vehicle which was still pending. The failure mileage was 4,000.

Filed Jan 15, 2020 · Engine, Fuel system · CO

Fresh fuel smell from the vehicle (entering the cabin while driving and upon parking). Upon arriving home yesterday, the smell was still very strong. I went a step further and pulled the oil dipstick to check the level and to see if that's where it was originating from. Sure enough, that is where I am smelling it. I went so far as to wipe off the dipstick and check once again with the same result. I also noted that the oil level is well above the high mark. My main concern is the risk for damage to the engine given that it appears that fuel is mixing in with the oil.

Filed May 11, 2019 · Fuel system · 1,200 miles · OH

Gasoline vapors in cabin and around car. After the vehicle has been parked, gasoline vapors are accumulating around car. We experience strong gasoline vapors in our enclosed garage after driving (appearing 10-15 minutes after turning car off). Also, after driving for even a short period of time, then turning the car off, then starting again, gasoline vapors enter the cabin through the vents (if non-recirculating). Dealer confirmed we gasoline mixed with our motor oil (dealer changed the oil, but didn't correct the problem). While this is alarming enough, the smell continues. The smell of gasoline in the cabin and my home garage is not health/safety risk for my family breathing in, but since subaru doesn't know a cause, could it be a risk for a fire. My family shouldn't be driving in a brand new car that is introducing gasoline vapors under normal operation. Others on message boards are complaining of similar issues which could point to a bigger problem. Thank you!

Filed May 1, 2019 · Engine, Fuel system · 1,500 miles · IL

Raw gas smell when vehicle is at idle or after being driven for a bit and parked in the garage. The smell comes thru the vents and fills the garage after I park the vehicle. Gas mileage is also being effected it seems, and is low.