1997 Subaru Legacy: fuel leak

Filed Nov 17, 2020 · Electrical, Fuel system · 97,255 miles · CA

Car was sometimes difficult to start, other times it would stall/hesitate when in motion on city street. Discovered to be caused by aged/worn fuel pump causing overcurrent draw that fails to blow fuse causing meltdown in wiring harness connector where pigtail from pump connects to the chassis side of the wiring harness. Heat/spark potential is created in close proximity to fuel tank that has many reported cases of fuel filler neck rusting off and leaking fuel. A quick google search reveals that a number of people, with photos, have experienced this failure. Photo provided is from internet but the result is the same.

Filed Dec 8, 2014 · Engine, Fuel system · 92,000 miles · NH

1997 subaru legacy gt 2.5l engine, approx. 92k miles, engine started overheating. Car was taken to two different repair facilities and diagnosed as blown head gasket after pressure test, block test, no signs of leaking. Car had been serviced faithfully by original owner at subaru dealerships since purchase. I found out this is a common problem from repair facilities with this model and engine but when questioned subaru dealership they said it couldn't have happened as head gasket and cooling system are not related (?) and problem was a cracked block or cylinder. Estimated cost to replace head gasket $2450-. Estimated cost to replace engine $5700-. I had also had a problem where the fuel filler tube that connects to the gas tank from where you pur the gasoline in from the pump had rusted away and leaked fuel onto the ground. I had that replaced at approx. Cost of $400-. Again subaru denied there was a problem when I called the dealership. These problems occurred with in six months of each other.

Filed Nov 8, 2013 · Fuel system · 199,932 miles · MI

When the gas tank is filled above half a tank, fuel leaks onto the ground in large amounts near the rear of the vehicle. This is extremely dangerous since a spark or cigarette would cause an explosion.

Filed Feb 1, 2010 · Body, Fuel system · CT

Gasoline filler tube on subaru legacy models (1994 & 1997) rust out and cause very serious danger from possible fire/explosion due to leaking fuel. This appears to be a very common problem for subaru owners and costly ($350+) to repair. This part was replaced on both a 1994 and a 1997 subaru legacy and the repair shop indicated that this is a common problem that they have dealt with quite often. I feel the problem is very dangerous and should be addressed by the manufacturer.

Filed Sep 18, 2008 · Fuel system · 136,000 miles · WV

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 subaru legacy. The vehicle is leaking gasoline from the filler tube. The dealer stated that the repair would be the contact's responsibility because there was no safety recall. The VIN was unknown. The current mileage was 140,000 and failure mileage was 136,000.

Filed Jun 5, 2006 · Fuel system · MA

Fuel tank filler pipe rotted out. Plastic shield over filler neck traps sand. Steel filler pipe rusts where wet sand is trapped against it. Intermittent fuel leak depending on fuel level was the first symptom of problem (marks on driveway). Only fuel in filler pipe leaks. Dealership staff suggested this is a common occurrence.