2000 Subaru Outback: fuel leak

Filed Jan 22, 2015 · Engine, Fuel system · 120,000 miles · AK

In cold weather (usually 25 f and below) there is a strong fuel smell. Worse the colder it gets. I am worried for my baby's health and also worried I was inhaling this leaking fuel throughout my pregnancy. It is obviously not something that should be happening and is unhealthy. I reported this to a mechanic shop and they rebuilt the engine because of other issues. They said this rebuilding would fix the fuel leak/smell also. It lessened it, but it is still there every time it is cold out. It dissipates after driving it for a while. I have come to understand this is a widespread issue and there really should be a recall.

Filed Mar 15, 2010 · Fuel system · 100,000 miles · MA

Fuel leak somewhere in engine compartment; gasoline odor went into passenger compartment. Worse in very cold or very hot weather. It's been like this for 3 or 4 years. My mechanic said it would cost $200 to try to find the leaks -- maybe some hose clamps near the fuel injectors are the culprit, but are hard to get to without taking apart some of the engine? I've seen many similar complaints on various online bulletin boards. I suppose the federal safety agency won't force subaru to issue a recall until some large number of drivers/passengers die from an engine fire that starts from this type of leaking. Most recent incident: late january, 2010.

Filed Feb 14, 2010 · Fuel system · 129,050 miles · WI

A very bad fuel smell inside cabin when it's cold outside and the vehicle is warming up and the vent is running. Fuel leak up by fuel filter area. Checked all hoses and clamps no leaks. Dealer checked it out and couldn't find a leak or problem. Afraid this may start a engine fire sometime.

Filed Mar 15, 2009 · Engine · 100,000 miles · MA

My 2000 subaru outback wagon, with 120,000 miles has an occasional strong gasoline smell that enters into the passenger compartment, when driving and when stopping and turning off the ignition after a trip. It occurs most often on cold winter days. It has been happening for the past 2 winters. I was told by my mechanic that it's a common problem with leaking gasoline at the clamps on the hoses that lead to the fuel injectors. These are hard to get to, and would cost me $200 in labor for him to fix. Might this start an engine fire? I have read many similar complaints on auto discussion boards on various websites, so I know this is a frequent problem. I think this is a design defect, and should require at least a technical bulletin, if not a full recall.

Filed Jan 1, 2009 · Fuel system · 96,543 miles · VT

There is a fuel leak in the engine compartment of my subaru outback wagon on cold days and is a potential fire hazard. I have talked to several other people and they have the same problem. I would think there would be a recall since it is fuel related and a serious risk. The fuel leaks from a rubber hose on the left side of the engine that connects two hard gas lines. I tried tightening the clamps and it did not have much affect. The house has no holes or tears in it. Neither do the hard gas lines. So I don't know if it cant hold the pressure or what? I noticed it after driving for a few miles. I stopped for a minute and got a strong gas smell. There was gas in the engine compartment when I checked it when I got home. I drove a total of ten miles maybe.

Filed Dec 16, 2008 · Fuel system · 30,000 miles · OR

Strong smell of gas in the cabin of the vehicle during cold weather - definitely smells of leaking gas - dealer advised and looked at car a number of times - could not resolve. I gave this car to my daughter and I fear an engine fire.