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: gas smell in the cabin
13 of the 62 complaints about the 2003 Subaru Impreza describe gas smell in the cabin.
- owner complaints
- 13
- of this car's complaints
- 21%
- typical mileage
- 103,000
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below
Gas smell in the cabin by model year
What owners say
I noticed fresh smell of gasoline everytime I start the car. I look at the fuel line and its sipping fuel.
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.
Following initial startup in cold weather, fuel leak occurs in engine compartment. Leak causes gasoline odor in vehicle cabin and poses fire hazard. Once engine is warm, after a few minutes, leak and odor dissipate. Initial occurrence was in 2008 at high altitude. Problem did not resurface in southern california where night time temperatures are now low enough for issue to manifest. Since relocating to san joaquin valley, where overnight temperatures are significantly lower, problem occurs on every morning start in cold weather.
Outside air temperature was moderate(75f), but engine was cold. Upon engine start strong smell of gasoline in cabin and in engine bay around the passenger side intake manifold.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 subaru impreza. The contact stated that the front end of the vehicle smelled of gasoline. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was told that there was a leak coming from the fuel delivery line. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign id number: 09v468000 (fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump), but was told by the manufacturer that the vehicle was not included in the recall campaign. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileages were 137,000.
Fuel leaking from lines in engine compartment of 2003 (man. Date july 2002) subaru wrx sedan. Leak appears to be triggered by cold temperatures. Fuel pools in the engine compartment. Very strong smell of fuel in the passenger compartment. Contacted local dealer, who did not think it was a serious issue.
2003 subaru wrx. Cold start raw fuel smell. Fuel leak under intake on passenger side.
Due to a flawed design related to the fuel delivery system, whenever the outside temperature drops below 14 degrees a rubber hose contracts and gasoline leaks out of a fuel rail connection above the engine on the passenger side. This flaw is outlined in subaru service bulletin (#09-36-03). I think it is a dangerous situation having raw fuel leaking onto an engine especially since the smell inside the cabin of the car is extremely strong. This design issue should have forced a recall, yet it has not and subaru dealers are charging in excess of $500 to correct the situation by replacing the rubber hose with one that is 30mm longer. The leaking fuel situation has been an issue with the vehicle since I originally purchased it. It seems to be getting more severe each winter with today being no exception. The temperature here in cheyenne this morning was in a low teens and even as I went to get into the vehicle I could smell gas as I stood next to the car. When I turned on the fan for the heater the cabin filled with gas fumes. A quick search of the internet revealed that there are hundreds of comments, postings and threads by owners who are experiencing this hazardous problem.
For a couple of years in cold weather, usually below 32 degrees, the smell of gasoline existed in the cabin of the vehicle. I had it checked during an local state inspection and discovered fuel was leaking on the passenger side of the engine compartment. It was discovered that the manufacturer was aware of this. I contacted three(3) local dealers, that all new about tsb 09-36-03. They all quoted the same $500 estimate to repair. Two of the dealers, subaru of dallas and huffines subaru in dallas texas informed me that failure to correct the condition could result in an engine fire. Given the severe nature of the defect, that the manufacturer clearly knows about, this should be upgraded to a recall. 1) the danger of leaking fuel due to a manufacture defect. 2) the hazards of inhaling gasoline fumes 3) the environmental hazard and violations of epa regulations release gasoline and gasoline vapors into the environment.
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
Questions about the 2003 Subaru Impreza fuel smell
Is gas smell in the cabin a common problem on the 2003 Subaru Impreza?
13 of 62 owner complaints about the 2003 Subaru Impreza (21%) mention gas smell in the cabin. The model year with the most reports is 2002.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2003 Subaru Impreza?
There is 1 recall and 0 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2003 Subaru Impreza
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