My 2003 Subaru Impreza WRX has a very strong fuel odor that is coming into the cabin when I start my car up on cold days. It's been unusually cold here in Washington state this winter with temperatures in Seattle dipping well below freezing. I see that there is a recall for this exact problem for my exact car . But when I called the dealer (Michael's Bellevue Subaru), and then subsequently called Subaru (1-800-SUBARU3), they told me that they will not fix this issue, since this recall does not apply to my state (Washington). I think that's not right. It is the exact same problem of cold weather causing this fuel line to leak, and they should honor this recall.
2003 Subaru Impreza fuel system problems
26 complaints (42% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 103,000.
- owner complaints
- 26
- of this car's complaints
- 42%
- typical mileage
- 103,000
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings6
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 2003 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 2003 Subaru Impreza owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
I noticed fresh smell of gasoline everytime I start the car. I look at the fuel line and its sipping fuel.
Subaru of america recall wvk-21 occured while driving at operating temperature, causing smoke to rise from engine bay. Subaru of america refused to fix the issue as my VIN did not come up in their system with the recall.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 subaru impreza. The contact smelled fuel inside and outside the engine bay. The vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 09v468000 (fuel system, gasoline). Kearny mesa subaru (4797 convoy st, san diego, ca 92111, (858) 278-7100) was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact to call the federal safety agency. The failure mileage was approximately 159,800.
Fuel line leaking gas in cold weather. I really don't think it's safe to drive with quite a bit of gas leaking all over the right side of the engine that gets very hot and could cause a fire.
My car is leaking fuel. I smell the poisonous fuel inside my vehicle every time I am inside it. I am losing 50 miles per full tank. Can this leak cause my car to blow-up and kill me or others? I am scared. My name is [xxx] from clifton new jersey. My extended warranty expired in november. Isn't safety more important than a 3 month expired warranty? I work for nj transit, I know the dot would be concerned! Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Extremely strong smell of gasoline in cabin in cold weather (below 32 degrees f.).
Tl - the contact owns a 2003 subaru impreza. The contact stated that fuel fumes were emitted in and around the vehicle. The contact mentioned that after inspecting the vehicle he noticed that there was a fuel leak. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician confirmed the failure. As a result, some of the fuel lines needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 160,000. Rk
It has recently been extremely cold in chicago and upon initial startup of the vehicle there is a strong smell of gasoline inside the cabin. The smell does not go away until the car is completely warmed up. I noticed that there has been a recall for this type of problem. It was subaru recall no. Wvk-21. I believe my car should fall under this recall. I called subaru customer service and they told me that my car did not fall under this recall campaign. But the problems I've been having fit the description of the recall campaign.
Only on cold days I smell fuel while driving, upon investagation I found that the little rubber lines under the intake were leaking fuel on to the top of the engine. I called subaru and they said the they know about the problem but my car is not in the recall becauase I don;t live in the affected states so if I move to newyork or michigan I would be covered well I like ohio so if this could get expanded that would be great.
Questions about the 2003 Subaru Impreza fuel system
Does the 2003 Subaru Impreza have fuel system problems?
Owners have filed 26 complaints about the fuel system of the 2003 Subaru Impreza, 42% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2003 Subaru Impreza fuel system problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 103,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2003 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 2003 Subaru Impreza problems
Brakes 14Engine 5Airbags 4Body 3Suspension 3Visibility 2Acceleration 1Lights 1Seat belts 1Seats 1Tires 1Transmission 1
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