2002 Subaru Legacy: gas smell in the cabin

Filed Feb 25, 2023 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

Extreme gas smell in cold weather until car heats up when running heat/defrost. Known issue in other models that warranted a recall.

Filed Jan 5, 2015 · Engine, Fuel system · MN

A strong fuel smell began entering the car through the heating vents on the car. This has only been noticeable since the temperature dropped below 25 degrees fahrenheit. There was a also a noticeable trail of gasoline in the snow following the car.

Filed Nov 12, 2014 · Fuel system · 68,000 miles · CO

Any time it is cold, around 32f or lower, whether the vehicle is running or not, there is a terrible fuel smell inside the cabin. I have actually witnessed fuel evaporating out my window. I can't imagine this is a safe condition and a short internet search revealed that this is a very common problem. I don't understand why subaru doesn't have to pay to fix this glaring safety issue.

Filed Jan 24, 2014 · Fuel system · 215,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 subaru legacy. The contact stated there was a strong gasoline odor coming from inside and outside of the vehicle. The contact also stated that when he turned on the heater or defroster, the fumes were extremely strong. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the problem. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 215,000.

Filed Jan 23, 2014 · Fuel system · 157,000 miles · MA

In very cold weather (<20-25 degrees f) there is a raw fuel smell that fills the interior cabin. This occasionally improved when the engine warms up but returns when restating the car. This is very concerning for a defect that may lead to fire.

Filed Dec 20, 2012 · Engine, Fuel system · 51,683 miles · AK

When starting the vehicle "cold" in cold outdoor temperatures (10 f or below) there is a very strong smell of raw gasoline in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The odor is coming into the passenger compartment via the heating/cooling vents; if the heating/cooling fan is turned off the passenger compartment does not become filled with gasoline fumes. The odor is strong enough that I am concerned about the possibility of a fire. The odor is strong enough that after driving the vehicle after a cold weather start my clothing smells like gasoline. This has been a recurring problem whenever the vehicle is started in cold weather. The problem occurred tonight at a temperature of 0 f. The problem has been occurring since before the date above, but I did not realize I could file a complaint until now. Continental motors, authorized subaru serviced reported on the problem after vehicle was serviced on 2012 dec 14: "199 car designed to run rich when very cold. No problem found. No fuel leak noted." I am a former vw mechanic and I know that when a vehicle runs rich there should not be gasoline fumes in the passenger compartment - subaru's explanation is illogical.

Filed Feb 18, 2007 · Fuel system · MN

After driving 5-10 minutes, there was a strong smell of gasoline coming into the car. I took the car to morrie's subaru in brooklyn park, minnesota where they said I had a major break in one of the fuel hoses, a crack in another hose, and the other two hoses looked "iffy." the mechanic said he was surprised the vehicle didn't start on fire because it was leaking so much gas. I disputed the charge of $904.98, and the service director, jeff antonsen, said I had to pay in full in order to get my car back. He referred me to call 1-800-subaru-3. After waiting 3 days for them to return my call, chanel said she would issue me a check for 1/2 of the parts and labor, $418.51, as a goodwill assistance gesture. I feel this was a dangerous safety defect and that the fuel hoses were made of defective material since all four of them were bad. I am disputing the remaining $486.47.8jb

Filed Feb 5, 2007 · Fuel system · 51,500 miles · OH

Our 2002 subaru legacy wagon has an obnoxious smell of gas in the interior after starting in cold weather. We have a small 1-year old who is risking brain damage from these fumes and I have researched the issues with the problem that subaru is not acknowledging as a recall but a hidden service bulletin. The possibility of an engine fire and the inhalation of gas fumes poses threats far beyond what typically should call for a service recall. The dealership is going to be looking at the issue today and I imagine charging us $500-$750 to fix, and we have been exposed to this issue for awhile. How can a manufacturer make a defective part the leaves such a risk without a recall? At least I understand while I am light-headed this morning. Ridiculous!!

Filed Feb 22, 2006 · Fuel system · KY

Smell of gasoline evident in car when driving, smell was very strong on feb. 19,2006. The temp. Outside was 9 degrees. The next day on feb. 20th the fumes were still evident and strong, temp. Was in the 20's. I could not use my heater and windows had to be rolled down to drive to avoid becoming ill from the fumes. Fumes were apparent about a month prior but not to a degree or length of time that would be urgent ( I first attributed the smell to another cars fumes). On feb. 20th, 2006 I brought the car into the dealership and at first the dealership could not find a leak of any kind in the fuel line. Further investigation revealed that the gasoline was puddling and if there was a spark could have ignited the car. I was told to leave the car to be fixed and it is currently at the dealership waiting for repairs and the parts. The procedure for fixing the problem is referred in the subaru tsb 09-36-03 issued on april 1, 2003. My car is not a impreza wrx vehicle, it is a subaru legacy limited outback. During the time I was waiting for the results of my vehicle another customer came in and had the same problem only his was not leaking and to my understanding was not as urgent as my cars condition.