2003 Subaru Forester: fuel leak

Filed Jan 5, 2018 · Fuel system · NY

Fuel leaks from the fuel lines around the engine when it's cold.

Filed Jan 6, 2017 · Fuel system · 60,000 miles · CO

Three years ago, we started to notice a fuel smell when driving our 2003 subaru forester on very cold days (below 20 degrees). We took it to the local subaru dealer for service. They couldn't find a specific leak, but they tightened the clamps around the fuel lines. We continued to notice the smell and took the car to other service centers to see if another mechanic could find the source of the odor. We recently took the dark back to the subaru dealer and were informed that the fuel lines need to be replaced at a cost of $700. We did some research online and found many subaru owners complaining of similar issues on forester and other subaru models manufactured in the early 2000s. Other owners reported that this is a manufacturing defect with the car. Given the safety risk of leaking fuel, we urge the federal safety agency to investigate.

Filed Jan 30, 2016 · Fuel system · 156,000 miles · PA

Last winter on cold days I noticed strong fuel smell coming into interior cabin of car, attributed it to dirty air filter, changed it and weather got nice so smell was gone. Now it's january again and cold temps have arrived, noticed the smell again worse than ever. While taking car for oil change the technician told me I have a fuel leak and that is why the car smells like gas. Now I won't drive more than 10 miles fearful that I may wind up in a rolling fireball. Since there a multitudes of complaints online regarding this, I think subaru of america needs to do 1 thing..recall and replace at no charge to owners. It smells when it is started, smells during initial drive and for quite some time -- driving with windows down at 30 degrees and below is difficult, I did it during our blizzard too. Area around engine reeks of fuel as well. I already had to replace head gaskets only to find out that there was a recall on those for the prior few years which my model wasn't covered under. Installed new muffler so that's not it either.

Filed Feb 7, 2014 · Fuel system · 71,000 miles · GA

During cold weather, (latest incident occurred at 15 degrees f), there is a strong fuel odor inside the vehicle while the vehicle is running coming from the air vents inside the vehicle. After stopping the vehicle inside our garage the strong fuel odor continues until gradually lessening. A visual inspection does not reveal an obvious fuel leak. Other subaru models were recalled for a similar problem and an online search suggests this is not an isolated event to my particular vehicle.

Filed Jan 30, 2014 · Fuel system · 50,145 miles · PA

When the outside temp drops below 15 degrees fahrenheit there is a strong smell of gasoline in the passenger compartment until the engine warms up. Turns out its from leaking fuel lines under the hood. This is a known common problem by subaru with several of there cars.

Filed Jan 29, 2014 · Fuel system · 105,382 miles · MI

Strong smell of gasoline under hood when starting car cold. Auto repair center found leaking fuel line. Tightened clamps. Then the following winter, 1.24.14 again smelled raw fuel smell when started engine cold. Auto repair did a pressure test of fuel system and traced leaks to fuel rail on top of engine/ left cylinder head injector rail. Auto center owner said he had 7 subaru owners with the same issue in the last few days with the extreme cold temperatures.

Filed Jan 28, 2014 · Fuel system · 77,000 miles · PA

When I start my 2003 subaru forester in very cold weather there is a strong fuel smell in the cabin of the car coming through the vents. I know that the federal safety agency issued a tsb on 2002-2004 subaru wxt models but did not include the forester, outback, and legacy of those years, why? It is the same fuel propulsion layout and the rubber hose connection at the steel line is where the leak happens in cold weather. I have had this problem serviced 4 of the 5 past years and had injectors replaced when now I know it is actually the rubber hose shrinks back in cold weather thus the gas drips and pools on the manifold. The whole fuel line system needs to be replaced. I strongly believe that you should have a tsb for all 2002 - 2004 subaru models that use the same fuel propulsion layout as the 2002 - 2004 wxt did. If you google '2003 subaru forester gas smell' you will see hundreds of complaints and questions about this issue, I and all the other owners of these 2002 ' 2004 model subaru's should not have to pay continuously for repairs that will keep on happening every winter until the lines are replaced. When will the recall happen? Are you going to wait until a child / family dies from a car explosion of an unknowing family driving down the road when the car catches fire or explodes because of this problem? If you lived in a house with a gas leak you would get it fixed right away, wouldn't this be the same about your car? This needs to be done a.s.a.p.

Filed Jan 9, 2014 · Engine, Fuel system · 77,116 miles · IL

At cold temperatures, fuel leaking somewhere from vehicle, causing strong odor inside and out of cabin. Concerned that this amount of fuel could be hazardous to breathe and/or cause risk for fire. Need more proactive response from subaru on this matter, at this point 26 of 115 complaints for this make/model/year are for this issue.

Filed Nov 27, 2013 · Engine · 177,000 miles · MD

Upon starting and running the vehicle in temperatures below freezing (32 degrees f), the fuel lines near the intake manifold in the engine bay leak gasoline, transmitting an unburnt fuel smell to the cabin via the HVAC system and blower fan. These fumes are toxic and therefore hazardous to motorist and passenger health. Also, fuel dripping near a hot intake manifold is a fire hazard. The lines appear corroded in spots and the fuel leak is visible and apparent. There is no recall for this issue. However, based upon the inspection, the apparent fuel leak in such close proximity to the hot engine is a major hazard for the motorist of the forester and other motorists on the road - this issue should be resolved and subaru should announce a recall on all (2003) forester models.

Filed Nov 26, 2013 · Fuel system · 120,000 miles · VA

Gas is leaking in the engine as a result of cold weather. Strong gas smell. Why did subaru use fuel lines that contract in cold weather? This should be the subject of a recall by subaru.

Filed Nov 24, 2013 · Fuel system · 116,232 miles · WI

Gas is leaking in the engine as a result of cold weather. Strong gas smell. Why did subaru use fuel lines that contract in cold weather? This should be the subject of a recall by subaru. Online research clearly demonstrates that his is a widespread problem.

Filed Dec 10, 2012 · Fuel system · 90,000 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 subaru forester. The contact stated that when the fuel tank was full, the vehicle would emit an overpowering gasoline odor into the interior cabin. The vap valve was replaced by a service center but did not correct the problem. The contact verified that there was not a fuel leak present. The vehicle was not further repaired. The failure mileage was 90,000 and the current mileage was 113,000. Updated 01/18/13*lj updated 1/25/2013