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.
Subaru Impreza fuel leak problems
80 of the 2,655 owner complaints about the Subaru Impreza describe fuel leak, most of them for the 2002 model year.
- owner complaints
- 80
- worst model year
- 2002
- typical repair cost reported
- $500
- typical mileage
- 85,000
By model year
Often reported together
Fuel smell 42Fire or smoke 3Shudder 1Fuel pump 1Check engine light 1ABS 1
What owners say
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.
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.
Fuel leak , tank need to be replaced. Find the leak in my garage
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 subaru impreza. After fueling the vehicle, the contact noticed a very strong odor of fuel. The contact drove approximately three miles to his home and the odor became stronger. The contact noticed fuel leaking underneath the vehicle where the fuel tank was located. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
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!
Fuel lines above the engine on both sides leak fuel while the engine is running. The leak occurs when the gas pedal is depressed if the temp is lower than 32 degrees. At the point where the rubber fuel line meets the metal fuel lines you can see gas spray across the engine block and will pool up. Tightening the clamps does not help. This has happened every winter since 2007.
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.
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
- What is wrong
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- Risk
- Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1‑844‑373‑6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.
Recall number 21V587000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
- What is wrong
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Impreza, Outback, Legacy, and Ascent vehicles. The low pressure fuel pump may become inoperative.
- Risk
- If the low pressure fuel pump fails, the engine may stall without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1‑844‑373‑6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-20.
Recall number 20V218000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017 Impreza vehicles. Winter fuels may vaporize prematurely in the fuel line, resulting in a reduction in fuel pressure, possibly causing the engine to stall.
- Risk
- An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the engine control unit to turn the radiator cooling fan on at a lower temperature, free of charge. The recall began on April 20, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1‑800‑782‑2738. Subaru's number for this recall is WTP-75.
Recall number 17V216000 · Recall details
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
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap
- What is wrong
- The fuel filler system does not comply with the leakage requirements of fmvss 301, "fuel system integrity".
- Risk
- Leaking fuel can result in a fire if exposed to a sourceof ignition.
- Remedy
- A modified replacement fuel vent pipe will be installed on the fuel filler system to reduce leaking.
Recall number 93V072000 · Recall details
Questions about the Subaru Impreza fuel leak
Which Subaru Impreza years have fuel leak problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2002 (39 complaints), 2003 (13 complaints) and 2004 (12 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix fuel leak on the Subaru Impreza?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $500 (median of 6 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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