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2002 Subaru Impreza fuel system complaints

Page 2 of 4: complaints 11 to 40 of 99, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2002 Subaru Impreza fuel system problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Dec 29, 2011 · Fuel system · 104,481 miles · CA

When the weather is mildly cold, and it is approximately 50 degrees or less, and the vehicle sits parked for at least 4-5 hours, typically overnight and/or in a garage, there is a very strong smell of fuel when the vehicle is started. The smell dissipates after a few minutes and will not return unless the car sits parked for at least 4-5 hours overnight and/or in a garage.

Filed Feb 4, 2011 · Fuel system · 110,243 miles · CA

Odor of fuel in the interior of my 2002 subaru wrx impreza I contact subaru and advised them of this via their 800 complaint number and referred to campaign 09v‑468 and the federal safety agency action #ea09011. I was told I could take the vehicle into my local subaru dealer at my own costs and get the vehicle repaired! I advised them that the campaign states my vehicle is covered for additional 12 years re: the problem and it fell on deaf ears. What can I do?

Filed Jul 6, 2010 · Fuel system · 60,000 miles · VA

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 subaru impreza rs. The contact noticed a very strong gasoline odor inside of the vehicle. The vehicle was not examined by a dealer for the cause of failure. The contact stated that over time he noticed that the failure only recurred while driving in very cold weather conditions. An authorized dealer confirmed that the contacts VIN was not included in the recall associated with the federal safety agency campaign id number 09v468000. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 60,000 and the current mileage was 127,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Mar 16, 2010 · Fuel system · 70,000 miles · FL

During the past several years my 2002 subaru impreza wrx has had the strong smell of fuel. Its not consistent nor does it happen all the time but often enough that it concerns me. I have called subaru's headquarters about this problem and they just keep telling me there is no re-call for this problem, so they won't fix it. I'm concerned this is a real safety problem that subaru refuses to address nor fix.

Filed Jan 6, 2010 · Fuel system · 150,325 miles · NY

Recall notice 09v468000 for 2002 subaru impreza wrx. *nj the consumer stated he experienced the same problem with his vehicle as stated in the recall he received. As a result, he paid for the replacement of the fuel line and hose. The consumer is requesting reimbursement.

Filed Jan 4, 2010 · Fuel system · 50,000 miles · NC

I have a 2002 subaru impreza wagon, also known as the "outback sport". The car reeks of gasoline recently. Subaru recently recalled some 2002 imprezas because the fuel line leaked fuel in cold weather. The recall # is 09v468000. It has been quite cold here in nc recently with temps in the teens and 20s. The problem with my car seems identical to the problem that was the subject of the recall, but my car model was not included in the recall. The gas smell is very strong and I am afraid that this could be dangerous and set my car and possibly my house on fire.

Filed Dec 23, 2009 · Fuel system · 60,000 miles · ND

Subaru recently issued a recall, (recall no. Wvk-21), for leaking fuel in '02-'03 wrx's. As stated, only some vehicles are covered. I called the subaru phone # to check eligibility, and was told that my car is not covered under this recall, but that I should have a dealer fix it, at my own cost, asap, because leaking fuel is dangerous. Well at least the subaru rep admitted it, if so won't as a company. I would like to file a formal complaint to extend this recall to all 02-03 wrx's. The leak is bad enough that I see raw fuel dripping onto the pavement below my car, that alone is a horrendous safety risk, as well as a major source of pollution. There is no possible way this vehicle would pass any emissions test with the amount of unburned hydrocarbon escaping. As it is now, the vehicle is undriveable if the ambient temperature is below zero, it simply leaks too much fuel to even be in the passenger compartment without an instant headache.

Filed Dec 15, 2009 · Fuel system · IL

Getting a raw fuel smell in and around vehicle during cold weather on 2002 subaru impreza outback. Researched problem on internet and determined possible fix involving tightening the clamps that connect the rubber fuel line hoses to the rigid hose lines (eight clamps total). Tightened clamps but problem recurred two days later. Gasoline smell is somewhat overpowering inside car and inside garage where car is parked.

Filed Dec 11, 2009 · Engine, Fuel system · 63,000 miles · WI

I recently bought an 02 subaru and it seems that every time I cold start the car when it gets below freezing outside there is a horrid gas smell in the cabin of the car. On further investigation it is visible that there is a pool of gas accumulating on the motor from underneath the intake manifold. I have just noticed this and called the dealer and they said they had never heard of this. Looking online it seems to be a regular issue and there is no recall or information on how dangerous it is to have raw fuel on a hot engine. I am at a loss and a little concerned for my safety.

Filed Nov 18, 2009 · Fuel system · 148,100 miles · OK

Raw fuel smell plus leaking fuel in 40*f or below temperatures.

Filed Jan 6, 2009 · Fuel system · 25,000 miles · IN

This is a complaint towards subaru of america (soa). This is the third year that I have experienced fuel fumes in the cabin of my vehicle. Please review the forums on this online. This cannot go on , we have to leave our garage door open to dispell the fumes, its a fire hazard. Soa will not accept any responsibility for this vehicle fuel system defect. It needs to be on a safety recall. This has happened every year when the temperature reaches below freezing. I took the vehicle too the local dealership and they wanted $$$ to correct the defect (approx $500).

Filed Jan 6, 2009 · Fuel system · 145,000 miles · PA · 1 injury

I noticed a fuel odor in the cabin and traced it to the engine compartment. Upon inspection I noted fuel pooling on the engine heads. I removed it with a paper towel for further inspection and verified it was still flammable. I spoke to the dealer about the issue and they said that happens when it gets below zero outside. The problem has caused me to have to pull over while driving because of feeling light headed multiple times, and my wife has passed out due to the odor while riding in the car and sustained a minor head injury as a result. It occurs on a daily basis when the temp. Is below 20 degrees f or so. I have to open the windows while driving to vent the fumes which causes a hazardous condition while driving in inclement weather.

Filed Jan 5, 2009 · Fuel system · 112,000 miles · NE

The previous winter and this one, a raw fuel smell occurs on start up. Upon observation, there is a fuel leak below the turbo inlet tube, coming from the fuel rail/hose. Once warm, the smell is gone.

Filed Dec 22, 2008 · Fuel system · 60,000 miles · NY

My subaru 2202 wrx has a strong smell of gas in the passenger compartment everytime it is cold out. They have a tsb to fix the issue but will not cover the repairs in all cases. The tsb is 09-36-03. I would think they would care about a manufacturer defect that involves fuel. This should have been recalled.

Filed Dec 16, 2008 · Fuel system · 92,000 miles · OK

In cold weather (freezing), the fuel rail under the intake manifold leaks gasoline. The gas drips directly onto the hot engine. Not only is this a major fire hazard (and known source of a handful of fires) but it also is a health risk as the fumes from the gas enter into the cabin of the car when the heater is in use. I have had to keep windows open when driving my car in the middle of winter to prevent getting sick from the gas fumes. The issue get progressively worse the longer it goes without repair. My model year is 2002, and the problem has been known since 2003 when a service bulletin was issues to all subaru dealers. This has occurred on thousands of cars and there is great inconsistencies in subaru dealers repairing this problem. My car is a 2002 subaru impreza wrx with 920000 miles on the car. While this problem just started with my car, others reported the issue within the first 20,000 miles.

Filed Dec 11, 2008 · Fuel system · 60,000 miles · NC

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 subaru impreza. The contact observed a small amount of fuel leaking from the fuel tank onto the ground. In addition, while driving various speeds, the contact smelled a strong odor of fuel inside the passenger compartment. The failure occurred without warning. The authorized dealer stated that the fuel line was the cause of the failure, which could be corrected by a patch kit. The vehicle has not yet been repaired. The failure mileage was 60,000. Updated 01/09/09. *lj updated 01/12/09.

Filed Nov 24, 2008 · Fuel system · CO

2002 subaru impreza xrx gas fumes and smell when the weather is cold. It is common on 2002 subaru's these cars should be recalled because of the danger of a fire and this has not happened to date. The cost for a repair is high because the fuel lines and under the manifold. I noticed this smell the first year I bought the car that is the date in the incident box.

Filed Mar 15, 2008 · Fuel system · ID

I just purchased this 02 subaru impreza wrx car a couple of months ago and noticed a strong smell of gas on the outside of the car when I started it and also on the inside, I had it looked at by a mechanic and it was spraying out of one of the hoses by the air intake tube, he was able to tighten it a little to slow the leak but the car has the same problem when you start it and driving it you can smell gas very strong on the inside of the car, I'm worried to drive it fearing it may start a fire. Is there anything that subaru will do to fix this problem and also, I have to have an emissions test done in another state where I will be attending college, I was told it would be a problem. Thanks, any help would be greatly appreciated.

Filed Feb 14, 2008 · Fuel system · 65,000 miles · MO

2002 subaru impreza wrx during cold temperatures a fuel line leaks. There is a service bulletin for this problem (tsb: 09-36-03), but it has not been made a recall. If enough fuel accumulates I would expect.

Filed Jan 29, 2008 · Fuel system · 65,000 miles · CA

Strong fuel smell in passenger compartment of car, following start of vehicle in the morning. Sounds similar to the federal safety agency action number pe04002 except this is happening in temperatures 40-50 degree farenheit.

Filed Dec 12, 2007 · Fuel system · 31,200 miles · IL

Car develops a fuel leak from the defective fuel lines in cold temperature (winter). Gasoline dripping onto engine block and filling inside cabin with heavy smell of gas fumes. Subaru of america is aware of the problem since april of 2003 but unwilling to fix the problem at their expense. Defect is due to the incorrect manufacturer's design of fuel rails and hoses and is being fixed by installation of new updated parts.

Filed Nov 4, 2007 · Fuel system · 91,000 miles · PA

On cold mornings there is a tremendous gasoline smell in side the car. This seems to only happen when the car has sat overnight and when the overnight temp goes below 35f. Gas can be smelled in the engine bay and what looks like gas can be seen pooling on the passenger side of the motor. I decided to file this report after speaking with other 2002 subaru impreza wrx owners who indicated that they have the same issue. I believe that this issue presents a fire hazard and that if this issue is wide spread, a mandatory recall is in order.

Filed Nov 2, 2007 · Fuel system · 118,000 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 subaru impreza. The contact noticed a strong gasoline odor while the vehicle was idling. She took her vehicle to the dealer and they stated that the fuel line was too close to the exhaust manifold, causing fumes to emit and possibly start a fire. The vehicle is currently being repaired. The current and failure mileages were 118,000.

Filed Mar 22, 2007 · Fuel system · 20,000 miles · MD

When the weather is under 20 degrees f, there are strong gasoline fumes inside the passenger compartment of the automobile. It makes me dizzy, causing the necessity to drive with the windows down in single digit temperatures. Subaru is aware of this problem and they have issued a service bulletin, but they will not fix many cars that are no longer under warranty. This is a health concern, an emissions concern, and a safety concern, as raw gasoline is leaking somewhere in the engine bay.

Filed Feb 15, 2007 · Fuel system · 60,000 miles · MD

My 2002 subaru has gas fumes in the cabin whenever the weather is cold. The colder the weather the stronger the fumes. Subaru is aware of the issue, the have a bulletin on this very issue, however the dealer refuses to cover this issue. Over the phone the service manager was confident that subaru would not cover this issue. He informed me that it was just fumes leaking. Knowing a little about how gasoline is ignited, I know that the fumes are what combustion, and that is what I am concerned about. If subaru is so concerned about safety, one would thing that explosive fumes would be on their list. However both subaru of america, and subaru of annapolis did nothing to reassure me that this would be covered. When I called subaru of america again, they told me to contact another dealer and see what they would do. This is the last subaru I will every buy!

Filed Feb 12, 2007 · Brakes, Engine · 119,330 miles · MD

Tl*- the contact owns a 2002 subaru impreza wr,x and stated that the vehicle was leaking fuel, and there was a raw fuel smell coming from the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The fuel smell was stronger when the vehicle was running and the temperature was below 32 degrees. The contact currently has the vehicle at the dealership. The failure and current mileage were 119330.*ak the vehicle also had a coolant lead. The drivers side door regulator was inopertive, the clutch had a judder, there was problem with the ABS. Updated

Filed Feb 9, 2007 · Brakes, Fuel system · PA

Raw fuel smell in cold weather. Had to replace cd player. Seals on windows fell off. Brakes pump when hitting the brake when debris on road. (rocks,etc.).

Filed Feb 6, 2007 · Fuel system · 103,000 miles · PA

Raw fuel smell noticed while car is on. Seems to be coming from engine bay. Has just begun to occur as temperature has dropped below freezing.

Filed Jan 23, 2007 · Fuel system · 39,000 miles · MA

2002 subaru impreza ts - fuel smell in cold weather. When starting my impreza ts at temperatures below 32f there is a distinct and overpowering fuel smell in the cabin of the vehicle. There is a technical service bulletin released for the wrx model but not the ts. Please address the exclusion of the ts model as this issue is a significant health and safety concern.

Filed Jan 3, 2007 · Fuel system · 77,000 miles · CA

In very cold temperatures (below 30f), the smell of raw fuel enters the cabin. Subaru has a tsb for this issue, but I think this should be a recall issue considering that fuel vapor is highly flammable and is also a known carcinogen.

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