2001 Subaru Legacy: gas smell in the cabin

Filed Sep 14, 2020 · Fuel system · 120,000 miles · MO

Always, when the circulation fresh air button is pressed to allow outside air to enter the cabin, there is the noxious odor of gasoline. I replaced the engine because of a timing belt related problem at 160,000 miles and the problem of gas odor stopped for a few months but it is back, bad as ever. When did this happen? Years and years

Filed Nov 14, 2018 · Engine · GA

In colder weather I have fuel leaking from fuel lines under the hood which creates a strong gas smell inside the vehicle. I went online and found nhsta recall # 00v393000 . I am not sure if this is for my vehicle or not. Since this is a major safety issue, could it be repaired at at subaru dealer near me ?

Filed Nov 11, 2014 · Engine, Fuel system · 113,000 miles · MN

Gas fuel lines in engine compartment leaking in cold weather. Gas pooling on engine creating fire hazard. Same issue as other subaru. Strong fuel smell inside cabin and out.

Filed Apr 10, 2014 · Fuel system · UT

When starting car in cold weather there is a very strong gas odor in cabin. Subsequent research has indicated that other 2001 legacy wagons have been recalled due to exact same problem. My car was not recalled, which is confusing given that the exact same risks are associated.

Filed Dec 24, 2013 · Fuel system · 48,000 miles · KY

Purchased vehicle in south carolina and drove it back to northern kentucky. It produced approximately 380 miles on one tank of fuel. Note: it was well into the 50-60 f range outside while driving during that time. Subsequent fill-ups in northern kentucky (with outside temperatures ranging from 10-30 f) produced 160-225 miles in-town. I experienced a very strong, raw fuel odor in the passenger cabin. It was taken to a mechanic and they found "nothing wrong." this of course, does not mean there is nothing wrong. The fuel lines were checked and tightened even though they were neither loose nor worn. After reading the numerous complaints about this problem from other owners, it seems that subaru owes me and many others a recall. Today is about 14 f outside and I drove the subaru 16 miles. The fumes were so unbearable I had to pull over and wait for them to subside. This seems like not only an emissions violation, but also a fire and health hazard.

Filed Feb 1, 2011 · Fuel system · 30,000 miles · CT

During the winter months, when the temperature is in the 20's or below, there is a strong smell of gasoline in the cabin when the car is idling and when I turn on the heater fan. The smell remains in my garage after I stop the car. My son, who is a mechanic tightened the fuel lines which seemed to help a bit but this problem has persisted every winter. There was a recall in 2001 but subaru maintains that the recall does not apply to my VIN number and says that I need to bring the car in and pay for the diagnosis. There are many complaints detailing exactly the symptoms of my problem on the website, arfe which leads me to think that the problem should be addressed by a broader recall by subaru.

Filed Jan 24, 2011 · Fuel system · 130,000 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 subaru legacy outback. The contact noticed a fuel smell and when she would turn the heating system on, the smell became unbearable, forcing the contact to roll the windows down. The failure began october 2010. Neither the dealer or manufacturer had not been notified nor was the vehicle diagnosed or repaired. The current and failure mileages were 130,000. Updated 09/28/11*lj the consumer stated the gas smell only occurred when the temperature was below 30 degrees. Updated 10/05/11

Filed Jan 19, 2010 · Fuel system · 130,000 miles · NY

We started to experience gasoline fumes in the passenger compartment of the car. Our dealers service department determined that the fuel line was leaking and needed to be replaced. While no damage of which we are aware has occurred to the car, it would appear that a high risk of fire was present (or would become present) without replacement of this part (which typically would last the "lifetime" of the car). Cost of repair: $355.15.

Filed Jan 6, 2009 · Fuel system · 106,000 miles · PA

2001 subaru legacy wagon emits gas smell into cabin on start up in cold weather months. Although numerous owners complain with regard to this issue via internet, subaru has yet to issue a tsb. This is a dangerous condition that subaru should be required to fix free of charge.

Filed Dec 6, 2007 · Fuel system · 20,000 miles · CT

I have a subaru legacy gt. Every time the temperate gets to about 20 degrees or colder, the engine emits a strong raw fuel smell into the cabin. The car has done so almost constantly since purchase, has been repaired twice for the problem (attributed to a problem with the fuel lines) and has been the subject of a prior the federal safety agency complaint. Cars manufacturer around the date of mine have been recalled for this problem, but my car was not included. Today was the first day below 20 degrees in several months and the fuel smell reappeared. Car now needs to be repaired again for this problem. The vehicle simply cannot be driven in extremely cold weather as it is a health hazard to breathe these fumes, as well as a fire danger. A search of the internet reveals a number of other owners with the exact same complaint.

Filed Feb 6, 2007 · Fuel system · 72,000 miles · MI

Our 2001 subaru legacy was having the smell of gas inside the car lately when we first started it and when we would stop for a traffic light or stop sign. I checked the recall notices on the gov't site and found the problem listed , complete with a engine area diagram showing where the possible gasoline line leak could be. I checked under the hood and sure enough there it was. The funny thing was that our VIN # was not in the range they said was effected. I think subaru and the gov't should take another look at the vehicles effected. I believe there are more then you originally thought. I was able to tighten the hoses clamps and so far it looks like it isn't leaking anymore.

Filed Jan 24, 2004 · Fuel system · 35,200 miles · CT

2001 subaru legacy gt limited. Third instance of fuel leak in engine. This time, visible fuel leak from fuel lines upon starting car in 15 degree weather. Subaru of america and rye subaru had been informed of problem on prior occasion and rye subaru was expecting car to come in for service for this problem. Drove car to rye subaru. During driving gas fumes entered passenger compartment. Upon arrival at rye subaru, dealership was not prepared to immediately deal with problem as service manager working on case had left town and had not left information behind relating to problem.