Strong smell of fuel upon start-up when in sub-freezing conditions. It has occurred twice in 2019, which are the only recent times it has been exposed to those conditions. The first occurrence was in february, 2019. The second was in november, 2019. Recall 09v468000 applies to my model vehicle, but only in certain states. The recall, therefore, does not apply to my VIN, although the description of the recall notice appears to match the symptoms of my car. After speaking with subaru, they indicated they are not willing to do anything about it because my VIN is not covered in the recall.
2002 Subaru Impreza fuel system problems
99 complaints (34% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 60,000.
- owner complaints
- 99
- of this car's complaints
- 34%
- typical mileage
- 60,000
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings44
- Delivery3
- Fuel injection system: injectors1
- Fuel injection system: fuel rail1
- Delivery: fuel pump1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Subaru Impreza fuel system problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2002 Subaru Impreza fuel system
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
- What is wrong
- Subaru is recalling certain model year 2002 and 2003 impreza wrx vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of south dakota, nebraska, north dakota, minnesota, idaho, iowa, montana, colorado, wisconsin, new york, wyoming, michigan, alaska, new hampshire, vermont, and maine. 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.
- Risk
- Fuel leaks, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the fuel line free of charge. The recall began on december 31, 2009. Owners may contact subaru at 1‑800‑782‑2783.
Recall number 09V468000 · Recall details
Related investigations
Fuel line leak
The design of the fuel line (metal rail/rubber hose interface) is susceptible to fuel odor and/or seepage in extreme cold temperature conditions.owners most often noticed fuel odor in the occupant compartment area during initial cold engine start-up.once the engine is warmed, the odor/seepage issue dissipates.from subaru's data, odi notes that the incident rates are higher in states with colder temperatures.there was one allegation of a fire incident in which the owner had reported that he noticed fuel odor a few days earlier, but odi could not confirm the origin of the fire. To address this issue, subaru will replace the fuel line with a longer rubber hose segment version/design on 5,724 my 2002-2003 vehicles built through september 12, 2002 in 16 states (ak, co, ia, id, me, mi, mn, mt, nd, ne, nh, ny, sd, vt, wi & wy).in addition, subaru will extend the warranty coverage to 12 years/unlimited mileage on vehicles in the remaining 34 states.this engineering analysis is closed (see recall campaign 09v‑468)
EA09011
Fuel line leak
Complainants report fuel leakage most frequently in winter during initial cold engine startup.owners will either notice a fuel odor inside the occupant compartment or fuel odor/leakage at the fuel lines on the right side atop the engine. Once the engine has warmed, the odor/leakage may cease.subaru revised the fuel pipe/hose design for model year (my) 2003-04 wrx vehicles produced after august 2003.subaru also introduced a my 2004 impreza sti vehicle with a different engine and fuel pipe/hose layout.out of the total of 994 complaints, 944 concern my 2002-03 wrx vehicles built through august 2003.subaru also reports one fire on a my 2002 wrx vehicle that occurred in february 2006.in march 2009, odi inspected and video taped a my 2002 wrx vehicle with a fuel leak during cold engine start up.the video was provided to subaru and is in the investigation file. This investigation is being upgraded to an engineering analysis (ea09-011) to further study this issue.
PE09017
Fuel line leakage in engine compartment
Subaru reports that the fuel odor is caused by fuel seepage during cold start of the engine under extremely cold temperatures. The leak occurs in a fuel line in the engine compartment.it reports that the failure is due to the misaligned angle between two fuel delivery lines which resulted in such fuel seepage during the first few seconds of cold engine start during these cold temperatures.subaru reports that the two fuel lines are connected with a hose that becomes too stiff in very cold temperatures to conform to the misalignment. Subaru has issued a technical service bulletin (subaru service bulletin number 09-36-03) to replace the fuel lines with new lines that are properly aligned and that have a longer connecting hose.odi phone calls to many of the complainants confirm that fuel odor is noticable during very cold temperatures and cold start but goes away as the engine warms up, and the odor is not present in warmer temperatures. A few owners report that attempts to eliminate the leakage by tightening the connecting hose clamps is not effective in eliminating the fuel odor.a safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation is closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.
PE04002
What 2002 Subaru Impreza owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
In cold temperatures the fuel leaks from rubber fuel lines onto the fuel rail and manifold resulting in a very strong fuel odor coming into the vehicles cabin. When at a stop with the vehicle idiling the smell is overwhelming. Not nearly as bad while driving.
Very strong smell of raw gasoline in the engine compartment and cabin that would be consistent with spilled fuel but there wasn't any spilled in either location. The smell is strongest while driving with heat or A/C on to the point that windows had to be opened because the fumes were irritating the eyes. After speaking with a mechanic, was told that a common problem is the rubber fuel lines that run along the top of the engine dry rot and break causing raw gasoline to spill onto the hot engine and turbocharger potentially causing a fire. This has been an issue the entire time I have owned the vehicle.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 subaru impreza. The contact stated that the vehicle emitted an abnormal fuel odor without warning. Subaru of winchester (3019 valley ave, winchester, va) diagnosed that the fuel line was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that a manager would call the contact. The failure mileage was approximately 151,000.
I was denied the fuel line recall due to I live in ohio and ohio is not on the list of "cold states." I am forced to breath gasoline fumes and my engine smokes burning off those gasoline fumes. Just waiting for the car to blow up. Thank you, subaru
For the last 5 years now, when the car is cold, sitting in the garage, then you start it up and your vents are open to the outside air, the interior smells of gasoline. I live in hawaii and the recall does not cover our state. The only way to not let the smell in the inside compartment is to close the vents.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 subaru impreza. The contact stated that while driving at 15 MPH, the front passenger side lower control arm suddenly failed causing the passenger side of the vehicle to lower. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the lower control arm had fractured. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under the federal safety agency campaign number: 11v464000 (suspension) but the failure persisted. The contact also indicated that there was a fuel odor present while operating the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed of repaired. The failure mileage was 135,000.
When the temperature drops 35 degrease and below the fuel line tends to leak fuel/vapor and the smell inside of the vehicle is unbearable, and I'm sure that it's not safe nor environmentally friendly ether.
During cold temperatures there is a gas leak. Car is an impreza outback sport. There is a recall for wrx for the same problem but not my car.
During cool weather conditions from cold startup the engine has heavy fuel/gas smell which is transported into the vehicle cabin causing unhealthy breathing conditions for any occupants. Called subaru cooperate and the dealer, they stated that there is a recall for a leaking fuel rail but not on our model. After much internet searching it appears the recall should be for all subarus with the same engine as the problem is engine related and not model related. The original recall should be extended to all subarus with the same engine configuration. The company is getting off easy with a limited recall of less than 6000 vehicles nation wide when there are clearly many many more out there.
Questions about the 2002 Subaru Impreza fuel system
Does the 2002 Subaru Impreza have fuel system problems?
Owners have filed 99 complaints about the fuel system of the 2002 Subaru Impreza, 34% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2002 Subaru Impreza fuel system problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 60,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2002 Subaru Impreza fuel system?
Yes, 1 recall: 09V468000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Subaru Impreza have the most fuel system problems?
The Subaru Impreza model years with the most fuel system complaints are 2002 (99 complaints), 2004 (37 complaints) and 2003 (26 complaints).
Other 2002 Subaru Impreza problems
Brakes 60Suspension 49Transmission 25Engine 22Body 21Visibility 17Steering 8Acceleration 6Electrical 6Seats 3Lights 2Locks 2Airbags 1Seat belts 1Tires 1Wheels 1
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