Rubber fuel lines under the intake manifold leak fuel when the temperature falls below 40 degrees F. The smell permeates the cabin and fuel can be seen wetting nearby surfaces under the intake. An inspection can be performed. This represents a fire safety hazard that could occur while the vehicle is in motion, jeopardizing all surrounding traffic. The problem is widely noted on Subaru internet forums, but only a recall for 2002-2003 models has been reported. My car is a very early 2004, so it shares traits of the 2003 engines. There are no warning lamps or notifications, only the smell of raw gas when the car starts and is in motion in winter temperatures. This has happened repeatedly since the issue first occurred, so I avoid driving this vehicle if at all possible.
2004 Subaru Impreza: fuel leak
12 of the 96 complaints about the 2004 Subaru Impreza describe fuel leak.
- owner complaints
- 12
- of this car's complaints
- 13%
- typical mileage
- 95,068
- recalls
- 0
Fuel leak by model year
What owners say
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 subaru impreza. The contact stated that the check engine indicator illuminated. Also, when the contact filled up the fuel tank, there was a strong odor inside the vehicle. The contact also located fuel inside the vehicle on the rear driver's side. The vehicle was taken to paul miller subaru (3469 us-46, parsipanny, nj) where it was diagnosed that fuel was leaking from all the fuel lines under the vehicle. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Driver side fuel line that is connected to the fuel rail underneath the turbo inlet hose leaks gas. The smell is very noticeable and I'm pretty sure it's dangerous since it could cause an engine fire.
During the past 8+ winters, there is a strong fuel smell. I've called subaru of america and they said that only the two previous models were recalled for this problem. According to my resarch, it sounds like this problem persists with many subaru models. I've been able to close the air vents to keep the smell out in previous years. Today, white smoke started to come out of my hood while driving and stationary. The temperature is in the single negative digits.I believe there is now enough fuel leakage onto the manifold that it is starting the smoke.
Under cold conditions (40f or less) the rubber fuel rails will contract under the intake manifold and will slowly leak gasoline causing an overwhelming smell and possibility for a fire. This happens when the car is both stationary and under motion. This problem was acknowledged in the year 2009 for the 2002-2003 year models for the subaru impreza wrx and a recall was enacted. However, this recall did not include the 2004-2005 models even though the same engine with the same fuel rails were used. This problem has been consistent and predictable for the 3 winters that I have owned the car. I have also heard from others with the same year car that they are having similar problems. The pictures I included show the screw that clamps the rubber hoses. The gas leaks at this connecting point but it was hard to get a picture of the actual hoses. I have contacted subaru of america and they directed me to bring this up with the federal safety agency. Thank you!
My 2004 impreza wrx sti leaks gasoline out of a fuel line under the intake manifold every time the temperature drops below about 30 f. The rubber hose connecting the metal fuel lines isn't long enough and at that temperature the shrinkage is enough to make it visibly drip gasoline while the car is running. The hose location requires removing the intake manifold to gain access to fix the problem. I've researched this issue and there are many, many subaru owners with the same problem. Subaru did a recall for 2000-2002 vehicles, but this problem affects many other years of impreza with the exact same fuel rail setup.
As with the previous years of this vehicle, I am experiencing the fuel leak under my intake manifold from the rubber fuel lines in cold weather. I have not experienced fire but the danger is present as the leak is near the turbo inlet and exhaust. The 2002-03 imprezas have been recalled.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 subaru impreza. The contact stated that they smelled fuel coming from the vents inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact looked under the hood and found that the clamp going to the high pressure fuel rail for the injectors was loose and leaking fuel. The contact tightened the clamp and planned to take the vehicle to the dealer. The failure and the current mileages were 95,068.
Upon starting the car during the colder winter months, a raw fuel smell will begin to fill the cabin if the HVAC system is turned on to vent fresh air. This smell is strong enough to cause lightheadedness and the sensation of nausea. Upon further investigation, the passenger side fuel line is leaking fuel underneath the intake manifold, to the extent that you can visibly see a puddle of fuel boiling on top of the engine block. This happens because there are two hard metal fuel lines running to the fuel injectors connected by a small piece of rubber hose with clamps. However this hose from the factory is cut too short, so when the temperature is cold enough the rubber looses its elastic properties and as the metal lines vibrate / move with the motor, it leaks fuel out of the rubber hose. This problem has been addressed by subaru in the tsb #09-36-03. They offer to replace the rubber hose and hard metal fuel line for model years 2002 and 2003 impreza wrx's free of charge. Having been an owner of a 2002 impreza wrx before purchasing my 2004 impreza wrx, I had this service performed at my local subaru dealership. I am disgusted to find out that this coverage does not apply to the model year 2004 impreza wrx, when it features an identical motor and drivetrain to the previous years (2002, 2003.) this means that the fueling system is identical as well, and that the previously acknowledged raw fuel leak is happening in my car as well. The fact that the 2004 impreza wrx has the same motor. And same fuel system, and subaru of america will openly deny coverage to have the parts replaced is truly disgusting in itself. Raw fuel leaking on top of a hot engine block, around sources of ignition is the most extreme of safety hazards, and now I own a vehicle in which I cannot transport my wife and child. I am truly disappointed in subaru for turning a cold shoulder to this.
Fuel leaking from hoses under intake manifold, causing pooling of fuel on top of the motor.
My 2004 subaru wrx sti has a fuel odor in the cabin when the car is started in moderately cool temperatures. The problem is described in odi resume pe 04-002. The manufacturer says the problem occurs in very cold temperatures and stops quickly. I have found that it occurs in moderate temps. Below 50f and lasts for 20 to thirty minutes. I take this to mean that the problem is worsening and could result in ignition of the leaking fuel. This problem occurs in several models of subaru according to my internet research. The manufacturer has a service bulletin #09-36-03 that describes how to fix the problem but the cost would have to be paid by me. I believe this to be a serious design flaw and that the manufacturer should be required to fix it under a recall.
Ref pe04002: subaru impreza wrx '02/'03 fuel leak 1 ? Temp: ~5 deg. F overnight. Started car in am; smelled raw fuel via the vents. 2 - with flashlight could see leakage from both hose clamps noted in subaru tsb (09-36-03); also took photos. Front clamp: pressurized stream of fuel; approx. 2 oz. Fuel pooled in recess in the manifold by the time engine shut off. Rear clamp: rapid drip of fuel; approximately 0.5 oz. Pooled. Fuel accumulation occurred within approx. 3 min. Of starting. 3 - spent 6+ hrs tightening the screws on both clamps. Both leaks diminished to slow drip; not stopped completely; min. Fuel pooling, still there if temp low enough. Tsb fix not implemented yet. Filing complaint against closed pe04002 because: a - no mention of fuel accumulation in the published resolution, only smell of fuel. Numerous instances reported online of noticeable fuel leakage. B - subject vehicles noted for their all weather travel ability; commonly used for winter sports - potentially vulnerable to this problem. C - apparently no reported fires due to this problem, but it seems very possible: coincidental electrical fault or static electricity discharge. D - if vents closed, fuel accumulation could occur unnoticed. E - if fuel pooled under a leaking junction ignited it seems very possible that the heat generated could burn/melt the hose above and create a far larger discharge of fuel. While the odor of fuel may not be a significant safety problem, I cannot see how significant fuel leakage onto a running engine can be considered anything except a safety issue.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2004 Subaru Impreza fuel leak
Is fuel leak a common problem on the 2004 Subaru Impreza?
12 of 96 owner complaints about the 2004 Subaru Impreza (13%) mention fuel leak. The model year with the most reports is 2002.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2004 Subaru Impreza?
There is no recall or service bulletin for this area of the car on record.
Other symptoms on the 2004 Subaru Impreza
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